Small school Q&A

Every year it happens. A guy not on the national radar is taken high in the draft. Last year, Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie was taken 16th overall out of Tennessee State. In 2006, the Bears took Abilene Christian's Danieal Manning with the 10th pick in the second round. While none of the top small school guys this 
year may go that high, there are several intriguing prospects.

And odds are if you've found quality knowledge on small school prospects, it may have come from Josh Buchanon. Seeing as how he's much more knowledgeable about these players than I am, I tossed a few questions his way. Find them after the jump.

Also make sure to check out his small school big board. Here is his top five:

Rashad Jennings, RB, Liberty


Ramses Barden, WR, Cal Poly


Rhett Bomar, QB, Sam Houston State


Lawrence Sidbury, DE, Richmond


Domonique Johnson, CB, Jackson State

That's  about how I'd have it. Barden should be a good No. 2 receiver, Bomar a solid backup or occasional starter, Sidbury a pass rush specialist and Johnson a nickel back. Look for reports on each sometime soon and find a report on Jennings here.

Mocking the Draft: Due to his height, Ramses Barden is probably the most intriguing non-FBS guy in the draft. What would an NFL team be getting in him and who would you compare him to?

Josh Buchanon: They would get a hard worker with great character and the skills to be a physically imposing player at any level.  He is raw and needs work but has the upside to be an excellent player.  I would compare him to a Plaxico Burress without the off-field issues or Brian Finneran with better speed and even better skills while in the air. 

MTD: After Barden, Domonique Johnson, Rashad Jennings, Rhett Bomar and
Lawrence Sidbury, what small school player do you see making the biggest
impact in the NFL?

JB: Running back Bernard Scott of Abilene Christian is a special talent who possesses rare balance, good speed and that one cut and go style that works well in the NFL.  He also produced off the charts and that is something that sticks out as well. 

MTD: Of the top players, who will make the biggest impact his rookie year and
why?

JB: That will depend on where they go and what role they are asked to play but if I had to pick one I would say Rashad Jennings or Ramses Barden because of their physical tools and leadership qualities. They are great young men with outstanding character. 

MTD: How would you compare this year's non-FBS crop to year's past?

JB: There are more mid-late round talent but no elite prospects such as Flacco or DRC.  Jennings, Bomar, Sibury and Barden are perhaps the top four prospects and all are late 2nd-early 4th round types.