As college football season nears kickoff, we’ll be breaking down the best prospects by position in each FBS conference. Like last year, we will begin our survey of the nation in the east, by taking a look at prospects from the American Athletic Conference and FBS Independents, which this season loses Maryland and Louisville, but gains East Carolina, Tulane, and Tulsa for the 2014 season. Today’s focus is on offense.
Check out all of The War Room content
QB: Shane Carden, East Carolina
A two-year starter in Coach Ruffin McNeal’s spread offense, Carden has put up very solid numbers in Conference-USA. Carden lacks a great arm and is less athletic than his rushing totals would suggest. However, he shows nice accuracy in a short area and generally makes good decisions with the football, throwing a low rate of interceptions and getting rid of the ball to avoid the sack. Playing in East Carolina’s offense, Carden only utilizes one side of the field and rarely moves beyond his first read. ECU’s transition to the AAC will definitely weigh into his draft stock for next season and his performance could determine whether he is a seventh round pick or a free agent.
RB: Lyle McCombs, ex-Connecticut
At just 5’8 171 lbs. McCombs lacks size to ever be a featured back in the NFL, let alone even a contributor, which speaks to the dearth of NFL running back talent in the AAC this year. His NFL hopes took a further plunge when he was dismissed from the team in early June, as he already had a history of off the field misconduct. His continued decline in production, as well as splitting time with other backs in the UConn backfield, make it unlikely any team will want to gamble on a player who flashes athletic tools, even as an undrafted free agent.
WR: Justin Hardy, East Carolina
Easily the best prospect in the conference on the offensive side of the ball, Hardy dominated defensive backs in Conference-USA over the past few seasons. Given Hardy’s very good ball skills and ability to play with power after the catch there is no reason to doubt he can carry over his outstanding production to a jump in competition in the AAC. Hardy’s draft stock will be somewhat limited by the fact he plays in a college spread that rarely sees him test the defense vertically and does not run a full route tree. However, Hardy’s to take a short pass into chunk yardage and be a plus punt returner gives him a good shot at being selected in the mid-rounds on draft day.
WR: Deontay Greenberry,* Houston
Despite being a prolific receiver with the Houston Cougars last season, I did not come away overly impressed with Greenberry’s play as a prospect. Greenberry does not run pro routes and is severely underpowered, even as a receiver. He is a weak and disinterested blocker, and lacks toughness. However, Greenberry shows very good burst and leaping ability to gain some separation and offer a wide catching radius for his QB. Greenberry has a chance to go in the mid to late rounds, but based on his 2013 play, I would need to see plenty of improvement to feel confident in his pro prospects.
WR: Breshad Perriman,* Central Florida
One of a number of wide outs that the Knights have used, Perriman stands out as the best, despite being just a junior. Perriman is a fairly good athlete who can downfield plays and gain separation. However, his ball skills are just average and he offers little as a blocker. My biggest concern with Perriman is that he has not produced to the level that his talent would indicate, and has not quite separated himself from the pack at UCF. Perriman will most likely be a 2016 draftee, but is one worth keeping an eye on for this season.
TE: Sean Price,* South Florida
Price, who is not to be confused with the former App State wide receiver by the same name, is a rare prospect in terms of what does at his size. Though built more like an H-Back, or any other TE used split out like a slot receiver, blocks with strength and tenacity of a jumbo tight end. While he looked fairly average as a receiver, Price’s blocking routinely jumped out to me on film and is a very endearing trait. Price is reportedly also a very high character person, and is someone you can root for on Saturdays, and perhaps even Sundays.
OT: Eric Lefeld, Cincinnati
If there is one thing that Lefeld does that is good, it’s that he gives effort on the field. He appears to have the requisite length and size for a tackle prospect, but is very raw technically. Given his poor anchor strength and below average athleticism, he will be relegated to the right tackle position, if not inside, if he does get a crack in an NFL training camp.
OT: Quinterrius Eatmon, South Florida
While he enters his fourth season as a starter at offensive tackle for the Bulls, Eatmon is by no means a dynamic prospect. While he offers size and proven experience, he lacks the athletic traits needed to hold up on the edge in the NFL. Eatmon has a lot of stiffness which prohibits his ability to protect the edge, and also lacks the power to drive defenders off the line of scrimmage. He will need a superb showing this season to get a look during the draft process.
OG: Torrian Wilson, Central Florida
Wilson is by far the best guard prospect in the AAC, but he is still a fringe prospect given his lack of athleticism and technique. Wilson possesses good power in his upper body, capable of driving opposing lineman off the ball and generating some movement in the running game. He also can tend to get a bit lazy in finding the action which doesn’t bode well for his chances.
OG: Alex Mateas, Connecticut
Mateas is a center by trade, but he has the size to potentially get a look at guard as well. Mateas possesses good girth for a lineman, even if he could stand to cut some excess in his stomach. He also is able to get good extension on blocks, but is not the best at sustaining in pass protection. Otherwise, Mateas is a very stiff prospect who is a fringe guy at best.
OC: Kyle Friend,* Temple
Though a junior, Friend is easily the best offensive linemen in the conference, given he would currently grade out as a mid-round prospect. Though he does not look special at a glance, he is extremely tough and durable, playing with good effort on the field and with very good intangibles. Friend is technically raw, as he will occasionally only use one hand when locking out. However, his balance and sustain in pass protection is uncommon. Friend also plays with a good power element in both phases of the game, and is just a good solid NFL prospect.
Missed the Cut:
QB: Nick Montana, Tulane
RB: Kenneth Harper, Temple
WR: Geremy Davis, Connecticut
WR: Rannell Hall, Central Florida
TE: Mike McFarland, South Florida
OL: Austin Reiter, South Florida
On the Horizon:
QB: Gunner Kiel,** Cincinnati
RB: William Stanbeck,** Central Florida
TE: Sean McQuillan,* Connecticut
OL: Taylor Lasecki,* Southern Methodist
Inside next week’s War Room: 2014 Pre-Season ACC Draft Preview
For more on sports injuries, check out our friends at Sports Injury Alert.
Thank you for reading. Please take a moment to follow me on Twitter – @LWOS_Sibo and @WarRoomDraft. Support LWOS by following us on Twitter – @LastWordOnSport – and “liking” our Facebook page.
Football fans…check out our two partnered NFL podcasts – Thursday Night Tailgate Radio and Overtime Ireland. Both shows bring you interesting commentary, critical analysis and fantastic guests including former and current NFL players, coaches and personalities.
Main Photo:
