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Pigskin prospects: Players to watch for in Texas vs. The Nation
BY Matt Welch, mwelch@starlocalnews.com
The NFL track record for the Texas vs. The Nation game is nothing to scoff at.
In its five-year history, the collegiate showcase has produced at least 100 NFL signees four times. That figure includes 111 signees in 2009 (93 percent of the roster) and current NFL staples like Washington Redskins receiver Pierre Garcon, Chicago Bears receiver Johnny Knox, Baltimore Ravens cornerback Lardarius Webb and Philadelphia Eagles offensive tackle Demetrius Bell.
"We've had over 515 young men sign NFL contracts," said Kenny Hansmire, Texas vs. The Nation CEO. "When you look at it, about 1 out of every 10 players in the NFL are Texas vs. The Nation alumni."
Texas
Uzoma Nwachukwu (WR-Texas A&M)
Nwachukwu was a staple of Allen's 2008 Class 5A Division I State Championship team. In returning home, Nwachukwu brings a list of accolades amassed following four years with the Aggies. The former Eagle posted career numbers of 152 catches for 2,239 yards and 19 touchdowns. NFLDraftScout.com ranks Nwachukwu No. 30 among receivers entering the draft, the highest mark of any wideout competing Saturday.
Ja'Gared Davis (OLB-SMU)
Spending four years playing college ball in the Metroplex, Davis started every game in his final three seasons with the Mustangs. An all-Conference USA selection in 2010 and 2011, Davis wrapped up his senior campaign ranking third on the team in tackles (77) and second in tackles for loss (11). He'll enter Saturday as the draft's 25th-ranked outside linebacker.
D.J. Harper (RB-Boise State)
After serving as a backup for five years, Harper was finally given the chance to helm the Broncos' backfield in 2012. The Cypress native emerged with 1,137 yards and 15 touchdowns en route to being named All-MWC honorable mention. Harper enters the draft as the No. 23 running back, a mark bolstered by his breakaway speed but docked by an injury history that includes two ACL tears.
David King (DT/DE-Oklahoma)
At 6-foot-5 and 286 pounds, King was one of the bright spots on another shaky Sooner defense in 2012. Named second-team All-Big 12 by the coaches, King fits the bill as a stack and shed defensive end, evidenced by just 2.5 sacks in 2012. Rotating between tackle and end up front, King added 27 tackles in his swansong season in Norman.
Ray Ray Armstrong (S-Miami)
Few players competing in Texas vs. The Nation have the intrigue of Armstrong, who will play for the first time since November 2011. Raising his stock over three seasons with Miami, things halted for Armstrong in 2012 after being dismissed by the team for illegal contact with boosters. Upon enrolling at Faulkner College (NAIA), Armstrong was ruled ineligible. With size and aggression once oozing of early-round talent, Saturday will be the latest step in the safety's quest to restore his potential.
Others to watch: Devin Smith (CB-Wisconsin), Dustin Harris (CB-Texas A&M), Don Jones (S-Arkansas State)
Nation
Lonnie Pryor (FB-Florida State)
No player on Saturday is a greater lock to be drafted than Pryor, who enters as the No. 1 fullback according to NFLDraftScout.com. Pryor's pedigree with the Seminoles includes 376 rushing yards and eight touchdowns in 2012. Pryor's ability as a run blocker is as good as any backfield will find in the 2013 class.
Meshak Williams (DE/OLB-Kansas State)
It's been quite the season for Williams, who emerged from 2012 as one of the Big 12's premier defensive players. An all-conference first teamer and the Big 12's Defensive Lineman of the Year, Williams tallied 8.5 sacks and 45 tackles last season. Operating as a defensive end or outside linebacker for a 3-4 scheme, Williams' versatility is a welcome complement to his pass rush instincts.
Jared Smith (DT-New Hampshire)
Unheralded as New Hampshire football may be, Smith broke onto NFL radars in 2012 after submitting a well-versed senior campaign. The lineman led the Wildcats with nine tackles for loss, four sacks and three blocked kicks. Named to the All-Colonial Athletic Association first team, Smith is the No. 21 DT in the draft.
Rogers Gaines (OT-Tennessee State)
Named to The Sports Network FCS All-America second team, Gaines has size that few offensive linemen at the FCS level bring. A mountainous 6-foot-7 and 320 pounds, Gaines didn't break onto the scene until becoming a starter in his fourth year at Tennessee State, but made the most of the chance by being named all-conference twice.
DeVonte Christopher (WR-Utah)
Although a jam-packed Utah receiving corps saw Christopher's numbers dip a bit in 2012, the wideout was a model of consistency over four seasons with the Utes. Compiling 1,662 yards and 13 touchdowns, Christopher makes up for any physical deficiencies with technical route-running. He is ranked No. 34 among receivers in the draft and is the top pass-catcher for Team Nation.
Others to watch: Nick Clancy (ILB-Boston College), Rontez Miles (S-California Pa.), Chris Barker (OG-Nevada), Matt McGloin (QB-Penn State)
For continued news and coverage on the local sports scene, follow @MWelchSCN on Twitter.
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