Category: College Football (Page 113 of 296)

McCoy hopes to throw at scouting combine

According to Adam Schefter via his Twitter page, Texas quarterback Colt McCoy says that the pinched nerve in his throwing shoulder is making progress and he hopes to throw at the NFL scouting combine in a couple of weeks.

McCoy suffered the injury on Texas’s first possession against Alabama in the national championship game and he didn’t return. After visiting with the esteemed Dr. James Andrews, McCoy was given a two-week recovery period.

But if he can’t throw at the combine (which takes place almost two months after he suffered the injury), then red flags about his health will certainly be raised. There was some talk that the type of injury he suffered was career threatening, but if he throws well at the combine, those doubts will obviously be erased.

McCoy doesn’t have great arm strength as it is, but a good showing at the combine will keep his stock from plummeting as we get closer to April’s draft. Personally, I hope he’s healthy and has the opportunity to compete in the NFL because he showed during his four years at Texas that he’s got great character. The NFL could use more of those kinds of players.


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Jaguar offensive lineman Nwaneri blasts Tebow

In a recent posting on the Jaguars’ official web site, offensive lineman Uche Nwaneri lambasted NFL draft prospect Tim Tebow.

From the Florida Times Union:

So Nwaneri posted his five points on Tebow, with capital letters:

“1. He can’t throw, PERIOD.

2. He can’t read any coverage other than probably cover 2 or man.

3. The QB Wildcat WILL NOT WORK IN THIS LEAGUE. PERIOD.

4. He doesn’t know how to take a snap from center.

5. HE CAN’T THROW, and that’s really something you either have or not.”

Nwaneri then urged fans to buy tickets because he doesn’t want to come out “for pregame warmups to a COMPLETELY EMPTY STADIUM ANYMORE.’’

I realize that Nwaneri has some upside and is a starter on Jacksonville’s O-line (plus, I don’t necessarily disagree with what he said), but if I were Tebow the only thing I’d respond with is: Who the hell is Uche Nwaneri?

Of course, Tebow would never say that in response because he’s all class. He has more important things to worry about at this time of year than what some no-name Jaguar offensive lineman has to say about his talent.

And somebody inform Nwaneri that the stadium (any stadium) is never full when the players come out for warm-ups.


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2010 NFL Draft Player Profile: Tim Tebow, QB, Florida

One of the most talked about prospects heading into April’s NFL draft will be Florida quarterback Tim Tebow. Perhaps one of the best college football players of this decade, Tebow now has the task of trying to convince pro scouts that he can make the transition from the collegiate ranks to the NFL.

Some believe that Tebow is better suited for the H-back position or out of the Wildcat at the next level, and not at quarterback. Although he wants the chance to prove that he can be a drop back passer, Tebow may have to settle for being a versatile specialty piece in some team’s offense.

Strengths: Tebow is a football player. He has excellent strength, size and bulk, is a powerful runner, a hard worker and is as tough as they come. He’s an outstanding leader, is smart, and played against top competition at Florida. His arm is also strong enough to make all the throws and he can throw on the run. Because of his character and determination, he’s a low risk player if some team can find a spot for him in their offense.

Weaknesses: He’s never played in an offense that requires the quarterback to take the ball from under center. He has a wind-up motion and his delivery is slow and elongated. He’s not accurate, demonstrates poor footwork and has trouble throwing a tight spiral. He’s also never had to read a defense or coverages and his learning curve will be incredibly high. In essence, he’s a major project at the quarterback position and that’s why most NFL teams will look to move him to another position.


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2010 NFL Draft Player Profile: Ndamukong Suh, DT, Nebraska

Highly regarded as the best player in this year’s NFL draft class, Nebraska defensive tackle Ndamukong Suh will be one of the most talked about players for the next couple of months.

Suh became the first defensive player to be named the AP’s College Football Player of the Year and was a finalist for the Heisman Trophy. He has drawn comparisons to former NFL players Reggie White and Warren Sapp, as well as the Vikings’ Kevin Williams.

Strengths: Where do you start? Suh was a dominant force for the interior of Nebraska’s defensive line in 2009, making plays as both a pass rusher and a run stopper. He’s one of those rare players that can have an impact on a play or in a game without showing up on the stat sheet. He consistently collapses the pocket, uses his hands well to get off blocks, has light fight and a ton of quickness for a defensive tackle. He also plays with great intensity, displays good lower-body strength and can drive offensive lineman off the ball with his power.

Weaknesses: He doesn’t have massive bulk and therefore isn’t a space-eater. He also suffered a knee injury that required surgery in 2005, then another knee injury that limited him in the spring of 2007. However, he played in 25 consecutive games over the past two seasons and therefore, questions about his durability have been shelved. While such a thing doesn’t exist, Suh is virtually a perfect prospect.


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Tebow struggling during Senior Bowl week

According to several media sources including NFL Network’s Lindsay Soto, Florida quarterback Tim Tebow has struggled thus far at the Senior Bowl. On Monday, he botched several snaps on his first day of practice and also threw a couple of near interceptions as the day wrapped up.

One reason for his struggles could be because he’s sick. The St. Louis Post-Distpatch reports that Tebow was hospitalized on Monday with a 103 temperature due to strep throat. Tebow is still expected to play in the game on Saturday, but the illness may sideline him for the rest of the week.

Sick or not, this isn’t a good start for a player with so much to prove heading into April. Tebow wants to play quarterback at the next level, but in order to do so he must prove to scouts that he can play from under center, release the ball in a timely manner and demonstrate proper footwork when throwing. But his wind-up motion, release, footwork and ability to grasp a pro style offense are just a handful of question marks surrounding Tebow as he tries to make the transition from college to pro.

That said, some team will take a flier on him in the middle rounds because of his versatility. He resembles a Mac truck when he runs the football and he would be a great fit for the Wildcat. Some teams even see him as a potential tight end, although he didn’t catch any passes at Florida.


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