Oct 20, 2012; Clemson, SC, USA; Clemson Tigers wide receiver Sammy Watkins (2) carries the ball while being defended by Virginia Tech Hokies free safety Detrick Bonner (8) during the third quarter of the game at Clemson Memorial Stadium. Tigers won 38-17. Mandatory Credit: Joshua S. Kelly-USA TODAY Sports

Height: 6’1″

Weight: 205 pounds

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This is an impressive young prospect that I’ve been looking forward to evaluating. Doesn’t have size that will blow you away by any means, but he’s a solid 6’1″ 205 pound receiver who can work underneath, in the return game, out of the backfield, and deep down the field. He looks like a seasoned young player already in some of his route running. Catches the ball away from his frame and does a great job turning upfield after the catch. So quick in the open field and has great breakaway speed. Battled some injury issues in 2012, causing his numbers to take a huge dip after a freshman season where he took college football by storm, catching 82 passes for 1,219 yards and 12  touchdowns. I think after a tough sophomore slump, this dynamic playmaker will show great development as a junior. He is now undeniably the top target of Tajh Boyd in the passing game with DeAndre Hopkins off to the NFL, and if he can come out healthy, he has a chance to be a top 15 selection or better in the 2014 NFL Draft. This is a strong receiver who does a good job tracking the ball and making plays in the red zone. I am really excited about his future in the NFL. With some seasoning, he could wind up being one of the best receivers in the game five or six years down the road.

Career Highlights (via Clemson athletics site)

Stats

Video Highlights (via YouTube)

Oct 8, 2011; Clemson, SC, USA; Clemson Tigers offensive lineman Brandon Thomas (63) runs onto the field during the pregame activities prior to the game against the Boston College Eagles at Clemson Memorial Stadium. Tigers won 36 to 14. Mandatory Credit: Joshua S. Kelly-USA TODAY Sports

Height: 6’3″

Weight: 305 pounds

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One of the top returning senior offensive linemen in the entire country. Thomas has really good footwork and is the anchor for an offensive line that paves the way for one of the top offensive units in America. Protects the blind side of Tajh Boyd, one of the best quarterbacks in the country, and is consistently one of the highest graded linemen in the ACC. Coaches selected him as a second team All-Conference selection, while the media selected him to the first team. Some feel he has the versatility to play guard at the NFL level, as he doesn’t possess ideal size for the left tackle position in the NFL. Depending on arm length, guard could very well be his best position. Arrested in 2011 for disorderly conduct. Entering his third full year as a starter on the Clemson offensive line.

Career Highlights (via Clemson athletics site)

2011:  Had 39 knockdowns in 777 snaps over 13 games (10 starts)…third on the team in knockdowns…had four knockdowns in 89 snaps against #19 Auburn on Sept. 17…played 70 snaps in his first career start had one reception for -1 yards off a deflected pass against #11 Florida State on Sept. 24…had six knockdowns in 56 snaps at #10 Virginia Tech on Oct. 1…played all 82 snaps at Maryland on Oct. 15…graded 85 percent with four knockdowns in 62 snaps at Georgia Tech on Oct. 29; recovered a Tajh Boyd fumble in the endzone for a touchdown; it was the first touchdown by a Tiger offensive lineman since 1966…graded 81 percent in a combined 84 snaps at guard and tackle against Wake Forest on Nov. 12…graded 86 percent in 68 snaps at offensive guard and offensive tackle against #3 Virginia Tech in the ACC Championship game on Dec. 3…had four knockdowns in 75 combined snaps at guard and tackle against #22 West Virginia in the Orange Bowl on Jan. 4.

Video Highlights (via YouTube)

Dec 31, 2012; Atlanta, GA, USA; Clemson Tigers quarterback Tajh Boyd (10) passes the ball to teammate Andre Ellington (23) in the second half against the LSU Tigers in the 2012 Chick-fil-A Bowl at the Georgia Dome. Clemson won 25-24. Mandatory Credit: Daniel Shirey-USA TODAY Sports

Height: 6’1″

Weight: 225 pounds

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Big time playmaker at the quarterback position who is drawing comparisons to Russell Wilson for his athletic ability and diverse skills offensively. Capable of making every throw and has great speed and quickness to make plays outside the pocket. Looks like he could be an ideal fit for the pistol style offenses that are taking the NFL by storm. Viewed by many as the number one prospect at the QB position in the country, and certainly one of the most productive and proven quarterbacks at the college level heading into his senior season. I think if he had come out after his junior season, he would have been heavily scrutinized but could very well have been the first QB selected over Florida State’s EJ Manuel. Doesn’t have the greatest size combination at 6’1″ 225 pounds and likely a bit shorter than that, but definitely doesn’t affect him on the field.

One of the things I noted about him going into his junior season was that he needed to improve his decision making with the ball, completing less than 60 percent of his passes, and he did just that. He improved his completion percentage to 67.2 percent and threw for even more yards and touchdowns with fewer passing attempts than a season before.

The main reason why this guy will be a first round pick is his toughness and ability to make a throw under pressure. His deep ball to DeAndre Hopkins (Houston Texans 2013 first round pick) in the opening minutes against Florida States is one of the gutsiest throws you will see from a quarterback. He stood tall in the pocket, fired to a spot downfield, and put his receiver in a position where he could make a big play. Six points. This is a very impressive quarterback prospect who has the look of a top 10 selection, and I think he will also contend for the number one pick. If he isn’t contending for the number one pick, it’s likely because of some kind of injury or flaw that develops over the course of his senior season, similar to what we saw happen to Matt Barkley.

Top notch footwork and pocket awareness that will only get better with another year on campus at Clemson. One area I would really like to see him improve is taking sacks. I realize he is a mobile quarterback, and so teams are gunning for him behind the line of scrimmage, but he has taken 62 sacks over the last two seasons. That’s far too many considering how often he also gets hit running the football on designed option plays and things like that.

Bottom line–I think Boyd is a sure-fire first rounder if he can prove that his junior season was not a fluke and that he has really improved as a passer. This is a guy who makes good decisions and offers a ton of versatility to an NFL offense. I think he has big time potential as a starter in the NFL.

Career Highlights (via Clemson athletics)

2011:  Honorable Mention All-American by SI.com…one of 16 semifinalists for the Davey O’Brien National Quarterback Award…one of 16 semifinalists for the Maxwell Award…added to the Manning Award Watch List in October…First-Team All-ACC selection…first-team All-ACC by CBSSports.com, ESPN.com, and Phil Steele…was 298-499 passing for 3,828 yards and 33 touchdowns against 12 interceptions in 997 snaps over 14 games (14 starts)…completed 59.7 percent of his passes and had a 141.2 pass efficiency rating…had 218 rushing yards and five rushing touchdowns…had 4,046 total yards and was responsible for a ACC-record 38 touchdowns…first in school history in passing yards, first in completions, first in passing attempts, first in passing touchdowns, first in total offense, second in passing yards per game (273.4), second in total offense per game (289.0), sixth in passing efficiency, and ninth in completion percentage…10th in the nation in passing yards, tied for 13th in points responsible for per game (16.9), 18th in total offense per game, and 20th in passing yards per game…first in the ACC in total offense per game, first in passing yards per game, and fourth in passing efficiency…had a streak of 142 consecutive passes without an interception from the Troy game on Sept. 3 to the Virginia Tech game on Oct. 1

Stats

Video Highlights (via YouTube)

Nov 17, 2012; Charleston, SC, USA; Clemson Tigers defensive end Malliciah Goodman (97) signals to the crowd in between plays during the first quarter against the NC State Wolfpack at Clemson Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Joshua S. Kelly-USA TODAY Sports

Height: 6’4″

Weight: 276 pounds

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40 Yard Dash:  4.87

Bench Press:  26

Vertical Jump:  31.5

Broad Jump:  114

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Career Highlights (via Clemson athletic site)

Scouting Report/Player Notes

Not the flashiest of defensive end prospects, but a guy who really knows how to get the job done. He was a durable starter for the Tigers over his career there, starting 28 games and playing in 54. Clemson has become a defensive end factory of sorts in recent years, and while Goodman doesn’t appear to be the kind of speedy defensive end that is going to attract a 1st round selection, he is a solid base end who can stuff the run and play multiple positions for you. He has massive hands at 11.5 inches, and excellent upper body strength. He doesn’t get pushed around very often. Had a dominant bowl game against LSU in 2012. Actually has pretty good agility off the edge for a man of his size, and I think he could be an effective nickel pass rusher from an interior line position.

Video Highlights (via YouTube)

Oct 6, 2012; Clemson, SC, USA; Clemson Tigers wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins (6) carries the ball while being defended by Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets defensive back Jemea Thomas (14) during the second quarter of the game at Clemson Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Joshua S. Kelly-USA TODAY Sports

Height:  6’1″

Weight: 214 pounds

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Drafted By: Houston Texans (1st round, 27th overall)

40 Yard Dash:  4.57

Vertical Jump:  36″

Broad Jump:  115″

Career Stats

Scouting Report/Player Notes

Hopkins has by far and away run off with Clemson’s top receiver spot after Sammy Watkins had a stellar freshman season just a year ago. Watkins has struggled with injuries and inconsistencies while Hopkins has stolen the spotlight at Clemson in 2012. Through the team’s first seven games, he leads the Tigers with 52 receptions for 845 yards and nine touchdowns. Though not as tall as ideal, Hopkins does a good job of snatching the ball out of the air and making the play at its highest point. Big play threat with good speed and I love his elusiveness after the catch. He is averaging over 16 yards per reception so far this season, proving that he is a consistent downfield threat.

Career Highlights (via Clemson athletics site)

Talented wideout who had outstanding hands and ball skills … had 206 receptions for 3,020 yards and 27 touchdowns, 12 punt returns for 82 yards, and two kickoff returns for 32 yards in 2,059 snaps over 39 games (32 starts) in his career … first in school history in receiving yards, first in receiving touchdowns, first in 100-yard receiving games (12), and second in receptions … became the second player in ACC history to total at least 50 receptions as both a freshman and sophomore … had at least one reception in each of his last 36 games, tied for the school record … only Tiger in history with multiple 100-yard receiving performances in bowl games; he had three; had 32 receptions for 403 yards and three touchdowns in three career bowl games … played basketball for the Tigers after the football season ended in 2010-11; he was a member of Clemson’s NCAA Tournament team, but did not travel to the tourney.

Video Highlights (via YouTube)

Nov 10, 2012; Clemson, SC, USA; Clemson Tigers running back Andre Ellington (23) carries the ball during the first quarter against the Maryland Terrapins at Clemson Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Joshua S. Kelly-USA TODAY Sports

Height:  5’9″

Weight:  199 pounds

Drafted By: Arizona Cardinals (6th round, 187th overall)

40 Yard Dash:  4.52

Bench Press:  DNP

Vertical Jump:  34″

Broad Jump:  122″

Career Stats

Scouting Report/Player Notes

Ellington is one of the top running back prospects in the draft, and he combines speed with quickness and elusiveness. Despite the fact that Clemson has had a ton of top tier backs in the fold, Ellington has managed to be extremely productive even dating back to his freshman season. He had his first 1,000 yard season as a junior where he also rushed for 11 touchdowns. He also has good value as a receiver and return specialist. One player you could compare him to that’s already in the NFL would be Chris Johnson, though I don’t know that he’s quite that fast. Not an especially threatening runner on the inside, but when he gets outside he is a threat to score any time he touches the ball. He has great quickness to the hole and runs with an edge. Really solid balance and vision, and looks like the kind of back that can carry a decent load at the NFL level as a team’s featured back, similar to former Clemson back C.J. Spiller. A little on the smaller side, so he won’t be breaking a ton of tackles, but you’ll draft him with the hope that he runs around most tackles rather than trying to run through them.

Career Highlights (via Clemson athletics site)

Had 3,436 yards on 621 carries and 33 touchdowns, 59 receptions for 505 yards and two touchdowns, three yards on one punt return, and 642 yards on 26 kickoff returns and one touchdown in 1,808 snaps over 49 games (33 starts) in his career … third in school history rushing touchdowns, third in all-purpose yards (4,586), tied for third in 100-yard rushing games (12), fourth in rushing yards, fourth in carries, fourth in touchdowns (36), and sixth in yards per carry (5.53) … reached 1,000 career rushing yards in just 151 carries, the second-fewest carries needed to reach 1,000 yards in Clemson history; only C.J. Spiller (142) was better … had two 1,000-yard rushing seasons (2011,12) to become just the third running back in school history to reach 1,000 rushing yards in two different seasons (Raymond Priester (1994-97) and James Davis (2005-08) are the others) … two-time All-ACC selection (media).

Video Highlights (via YouTube)

Oct 6, 2012; Clemson, SC, USA; Clemson Tigers wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins (6) celebrates after scoring a touchdown during the fourth quarter of the game against the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets at Clemson Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Joshua S. Kelly-US PRESSWIRE

In the biggest game of the year for either team, South Carolina and Clemson are set to face off against each other in a battle that features some very solid NFL prospects.

South Carolina is ranked 12th in the country and Clemson ranks 11th, and I think fans are going to be very pleased with the product put out on the field tonight. My personal favorite prospect in the game is South Carolina defensive end Jadaveon Clowney, who has 8.5 sacks and 17.5 tackles for loss heading into the final game of the regular season. Clowney is only a sophomore, but already has bulked up to 6’6″ 256 pounds, and he’ll certainly be one of the best prospects in the country heading into next year.

Probably the most surprising player in this game is Clemson receiver DeAndre Hopkins, who leads the team in receiving just a year after freshman Sammy Watkins set the nation on fire with his electric play. Hopkins has 68 catches for 1,178 yards and 15 touchdown grabs, and South Carolina is going to have a tough time bottling him up.

There are a variety of prospects in this game you need to be keeping your eye on, so here are our comprehensive team overviews:

Clemson Tigers

South Carolina Gamecocks

Here is a preview from our Clemson Tigers team preview:

6 DeAndre Hopkins, Wide Receiver, Junior  6’1″ 205 pounds

Hopkins has by far and away run off with Clemson’s top receiver spot after Sammy Watkins had a stellar freshman season just a year ago. Watkins has struggled with injuries and inconsistencies while Hopkins has stolen the spotlight at Clemson in 2012. Through the team’s first seven games, he leads the Tigers with 52 receptions for 845 yards and nine touchdowns. Though not as tall as ideal, Hopkins does a good job of snatching the ball out of the air and making the play at its highest point. Big play threat with good speed and I love his elusiveness after the catch. He is averaging over 16 yards per reception so far this season, proving that he is a consistent downfield threat.

Oct 6, 2012; Clemson, SC, USA; Clemson Tigers wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins (6) celebrates after scoring a touchdown during the fourth quarter of the game against the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets at Clemson Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Joshua S. Kelly-US PRESSWIRE

10 Tajh Boyd, Quarterback, Junior  6’1″ 225 pounds

Boyd is a very interesting prospect. He was having a huge year as a sophomore, leading the Tigers to an 8-0 record prior to really struggling toward the end of the season. You saw Clemson get hammered against West Virginia in their bowl game. Boyd has a strong arm, is capable of making any throw, and can make plays with his legs, but he makes a lot of questionable decisions. That doesn’t take away from the fact that he will have a future in the NFL. Clemson has underachieved once again in 2012, and so has Boyd. He likely won’t be entering the 2013 NFL draft, but if he does, I think he will get drafted in the middle rounds. He has intriguing tools but is not quite as tall as you’d like a quarterback to be, and he doesn’t make great decisions at every juncture. This is a player to keep an eye on, certainly a Heisman candidate if he returns for his senior season.

23 Andre Ellington, Running Back, Senior  5’10″ 195 pounds

Ellington is one of the top running back prospects in the draft, and he combines speed with quickness and elusiveness. Despite the fact that Clemson has had a ton of top tier backs in the fold, Ellington has managed to be extremely productive even dating back to his freshman season. He had his first 1,000 yard season as a junior where he also rushed for 11 touchdowns. He also has good value as a receiver and return specialist. One player you could compare him to that’s already in the NFL would be Chris Johnson, though I don’t know that he’s quite that fast. Not an especially threatening runner on the inside, but when he gets outside he is a threat to score any time he touches the ball. He has great quickness to the hole and runs with an edge. Really solid balance and vision, and looks like the kind of back that can carry a heavy load at the NFL level as a team’s featured back. A little on the smaller side, so he won’t be breaking a ton of tackles, but you’ll draft him with the hope that he runs around most tackles rather than trying to run through them.

6 DeAndre Hopkins, Wide Receiver, Junior  6’1″ 205 pounds

Hopkins has by far and away run off with Clemson’s top receiver spot after Sammy Watkins had a stellar freshman season just a year ago. Watkins has struggled with injuries and inconsistencies while Hopkins has stolen the spotlight at Clemson in 2012. Through the team’s first seven games, he leads the Tigers with 52 receptions for 845 yards and nine touchdowns. Though not as tall as ideal, Hopkins does a good job of snatching the ball out of the air and making the play at its highest point. Big play threat with good speed and I love his elusiveness after the catch. He is averaging over 16 yards per reception so far this season, proving that he is a consistent downfield threat.

31 Rashard Hall, Safety, Senior  6’2″ 210 pounds

Big, rangy safety prospect who leads the team in his senior season in interceptions. Very good tackler who combines size and speed, as well as playmaking ability. Following up a junior season where he had 86 tackles and two interceptions, and really burst onto the scene as a freshman in 2009 where he had six interceptions and 55 tackles. Hasn’t exactly followed up that kind of production in terms of interceptions, but has been a very consistent performer in the Clemson secondary. He should be one of the top safeties in his class of players this year. Does a good job playing centerfield and dissecting the play as it happens. I think he is a really underrated player going forward.

5 Jonathan Meeks, Safety, Senior  6’1″ 210 pounds

Meeks is a solid safety prospect who got his first two interceptions of the season in week seven, but has been a solid tackler all year and has proven over the last couple of years that he is a reliable playmaker in the defensive backfield. He has a good combination of size and speed and when he gets to the NFL level, he will likely start out contributing as a key special teams player but I think he can develop into a solid rotational safety. His breakaway speed after the interception was evident when he picked off Virginia Tech quarterback Logan Thomas and sprinted to the end zone for the first touchdown of his career. He should be available in the middle-late rounds and I think he is a really solid value pickup.

55 Dalton Freeman, Center, Senior  6’4″ 286 pounds

Freeman is a leader on the Clemson offensive line and the lone returning starter for the 2012 season. He is considered one of the best offensive linemen in the country, and certainly one of the best at his position. He is one the Rimington Award watch list as a recognition for the nation’s top center. He is one of the top player leaders on the team, and is a guy who can come in and probably start right away. He was a highly recruited prospect four years ago, and he wound up starting at center all four years for the Tigers. He has overall solid size, but a little less bulk than you’d like out of a center. I think he will be a very solid NFL player, if even as a backup lineman, and could be had in the middle to late rounds of the draft.

Sept 8, 2012; Tallahassee, Florida, USA; Savannah State Tigers quarterback Antonio Bostick (13) is sacked by Florida State Seminoles defensive end Bjoern Werner (95) during the first half of the game at Doak Campbell Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Melina Vastola-US PRESSWIRE

In this week’s version of College Football “Game of the Week” we have two of the top schools in the ACC set to face off in a very important showdown. Both of these teams are potential national championship candidates, and both teams are playing great football to start the season. We did a comprehensive list of Florida State prospects prior to the season, and some of the big names we’ve been watching out for have shown up in big ways. Specifically, defensive end Bjoern Werner has busted out with 6.5 sacks and nine tackles for loss through the team’s first three games.

Werner and the FSU defense are going to have to stomach the loss of defensive end Brandon Jenkins, and he looks more than capable of being a disruptive force in Jenkins’ absence. Here is our pre-season report on Werner, a junior from Germany:

Werner is a German-born, former foreign exchange student who didn’t begin playing football until he was 15 years old, when he immediately fell in love with the game. That love for the game shows up on every single play you see from this guy, and might be his greatest asset. Not only is Werner a hard worker off the field, but he will make you pay for taking a play off on the field. His intensity and passion for the game are nearly unmatched, and on Florida State’s star-studded defense he was named MVP after Spring last season. That hard work translated to the field where he was second on the team with 11 tackles for loss and seven sacks. He emerged as a very good run stuffer but also showed development in his pass rush skills. What’s great about Werner is, he is a dynamic player who is a very good athlete and plays with great speed. He is relentless in pursuit and I think he could emerge as a potential first round pick this year, though many are already talking about him as such. When it’s time to turn on the jets and get to the quarterback, he is tough to miss when you watch FSU games.

The Seminoles are going to have their hands full with Clemson’s wide receiver duo of Sammy Watkins (true Soph, not draft eligible) and DeAndre Hopkins, who is currently blowing away Watkins’ numbers. Hopkins leads the team with 26 catches for 314 yards and four touchdown grabs. He’s been a big play waiting to happen so far this season, and is averaging over eight receptions per contest. The 6’2″ junior had 71 receptions a year ago, and was second on the team in receiving. He looks like he’s having a breakout season of his own in 2012.

Another player you’re going to want to keep an eye on for the Tigers is running back Andre Ellington, in case you didn’t already know that. Ellington could well be Clemson’s top NFL prospect on the roster right now, and he has delivered so far this season. Ellington’s carried the ball 54 times for 331 yards and four touchdowns, averaging over six yards per carry. He is built a lot like Chris Johnson of the Tennessee Titans, and while I’m not sure he’ll run a 4.24 second 40 yard dash, I’d be willing to bet he’s pretty fast and should be taken within the first three rounds of next year’s draft.

September 1, 2012; Atlanta, GA, USA; Clemson Tigers running back Andre Ellington (23) breaks a long run in the second half against the Auburn Tigers at the Georgia Dome. Clemson won 26-19. Mandatory Credit: Daniel Shirey-US PRESSWIRE

Welcome back, College Football, you’ve been missed. This past week/weekend I’ve spent a lot of time in front of the T.V. watching all of the College Football action. Even though some of the games were very disappointing (Michigan getting blown out by Alabama as one such game), there was plenty to pay attention too. In TeTennessee there’s a JUCO WR, Cordarrelle Patterson who burst onto the scene with a monster game for the Vols. He showcased pretty good hands and terrific run after the catch ability. .  The #1 JUCO recruit in the country could be emerging as a potential first round pick throughout this season. Running back Marcus Lattimore played well in his first game action since last year’s season ending injury Quarterback Geno Smith showcased his tantalizing ability that makes him an intriguing prospect.

On the opposite end of the spectrum near-consensus #1 Cornerback in the nation, David Amerson, struggled and people are questioning out-loud whether or not Amerson projects better at safety than cornerback in the N.F.L.

But through all of that the thing that stood out most to me was the performance of Andre Ellington the running back for Clemson. Last year, I projected that Ellington would be a mid to late day three pick if he were to enter into the 2012 N.F.L. draft, despite his terrific speed.  I questioned his ability to break tackles on the next level and to play in between the tackles. I was also worried about his ability to make quick decisions and get up field, but on Saturday he had a terrific game. He looked stronger, and more decisive in this particular game. He carried the Tigers on Saturday. With a powerful offense that includes the uber talented Sammy Watkins and the more than serviceable DeAndre Hopkins he won’t be seeing 8 or 9 men in the box every play and should have plenty of room to operate.  If he can improve his pass blocking skills and continue refining his receiving skills he could be a day two pick in the 2013 N.F.L. draft–a major improvement if he had entered the 2012 N.F.L. draft. He’ll still have to beat the bad rap that Clemson players have gotten from talent evaluators in order to do so (many feel they are woefully unprepared physically for the N.F.L.

Look for Ellington to continue to have a big season, but maybe not quite the 231 yards at an 8.9  yards per carry clip he produced on Saturday.

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