Considering there are 13 games on today, we’ll do a double-shot of watch notes this weekend.
• Rutgers junior Anthony Davis is emerging as perhaps the second-best tackle prospect in the nation after Oklahoma State’s Russell Okung. Davis has a body that is NFL ready and he is at times dominant. Davis can struggle against speed rushers, but he’s an elite run-blocking tackle.
Also in the Rutgers/Lousville game, keep an eye on Scarlet Knight cornerback Devin McCourty. The senior is slightly undersized, but he has great athleticism. He’s really come on as the season has progressed and may be a solid mid-round talent.
• Auburn’s run offense is one of the best in the nation, so today could be a showcase day for Alabama middle linebacker Rolando McClain. The leader of the Crimson Tide defense has the task of tracking down the Tiger’s Ben Tate, a talented mid-round prospect. If you watch this game today, watch how McClain leads his defense and how he gets off blocks.
Friday NFL Draft watch notes
Auburn has its own stellar junior middle linebacker in Josh Bynes. He leads the team in tackles with 84 to go along with seven pass breakups, four tackles for a loss and a sack. Bynes is a physical run defender and a good 3-4 middle linebacker prospect.
• Everyone talks about Nebraska’s Ndamukong Suh, and justly so, but don’t sleep on redshirt sophomore Jared Crick. The defensive tackle has 14 tackles for a loss, nine sacks and two fumble recoveries this season. He’s big at 6-foot-6 and 285 pounds and should only get stronger. If he enters the draft, don’t be shocked if he’s taken in the first 75 picks.
• Sleeper alert: Ohio wide receiver Taylor Price is an athletic freak. He reportedly runs the 40-yard dash in the mid-4.3 range and has good size at 6-foot-1 and 212 pounds. On the year, Price has 48 receptions for 639 yards and five touchdowns.
• Illinois might be having a disappointing season, but that’s not because of the play of guard Jon Asamoah. The senior is a good telephone booth blocker and has good footwork. He’s kind of a tweener tackle/guard kind of lineman, but he’ll offer a team solid late-round depth.
• As mentioned here last week, Central Michigan’s Dan LeFevour is starting to put together a phenomenal season. On the season, he’s completing 70 percent of his passes with 2,627 yards, 21 touchdowns and five interceptions. Look for him to have another stellar day today against a weak Northern Illinois defense.
