West Virginia secondary featured unit tonight

by Dan Kadar on Sep 10, 2010 2:07 PM EDT in 2011 NFL Draft

There are only two games on the college football slate tonight – West Virginia at Marshall and UTEP at Houston.

With three of those teams being in Conference-USA, there aren't a lot of NFL Draft prospects to observe. But if you're to concentrate on one group, keep a keen eye on the West Virginia secondary.

Junior free safety Robert Sands is a draftnik's dream. He's listed at 6-foot-5 and 221 pounds. Although the all-conference performer might not be quite that big, he still has amazing size for a safety. In 2009 he defended 13 passes, breaking up five. His athletic skills are good and he can really lay a hit.

He was limited against Coastal Carolina due to a hand injury but still finished with five tackles, including one and a half for loss.

Sands' roommate, senior cornerback Brandon Hogan, also finished the game with five tackles. He added an interception and pass breakup as well. Hogan is one of the top cornerbacks in the Big East and has a future as an NFL team's third or fourth cornerback. He's also West Virginia's punt returner.

The Mountaineers' kick returner is the electric Noel Devine. The senior running back is a flashy speed demon, often evoking comparisons to Darren Sproles. Surprisingly, Devine might be quicker than Sproles and a mid-round draft position should be expected.

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It'll be the first time I've watched Devine

On another WV subject: I wonder whats the deal with Jarrett Browns stock this year. I thought for sure he’d be able to latch onto someone. I wouldn’t have minded seeing him in a Rams uni backing up Bradford and providing another look in our offense. Was I that off base with this guy? I see he got cut from the Niners PS.

by dbcouver on Sep 10, 2010 2:46 PM EDT reply actions

Devine

I saw Devine in person at the Gator Bowl last year. He looked like the real deal to me. A little small so I don’t think he can be a feature back in the NFL. But he has enough to be a very nice player in the right offense.

by Fivus Viener on Sep 10, 2010 3:30 PM EDT reply actions

Last night

I was impressed last night by Temple DT Muhammad Wilkerson. He had at least two sacks and was in the CMU backfield all night. He is only a junior but is following in the footsteps of Terrence Knighton and Andre Neblett.

by Fivus Viener on Sep 10, 2010 3:37 PM EDT reply actions