Friday NFL Draft watch notes

This is likely your last chance to see Da'Quan Bowers play for Clemson. If the reports are true and Andrew Luck doesn't enter the draft, Bowers could be the No. 1 pick. Some might think he's a one-year sensation, but he's been consistently dominant all year.

Bowers isn't the only top defensive lineman for the Tigers. Keep an eye on senior tackle Jarvis Jenkins. He handles double teams nicely and has quick feet. Jenkins may not be as flashy as other defensive tackles in this class, but he's a good plugger.

Clemson quietly has one of the better crops of draft prospects. Strong safety DeAndre McDaniel, offensive tackle Chris Hairston and defensive back Marcus Gilchrist are all seniors who should hear their name called before the sixth round in April. McDaniel is the best of the bunch.

Not many are talking about Miami defensive end/tackle Allen Bailey. He's played both positions the last two seasons and is much better inside. He might not have the biggest build for a tackle, but he can make an impact there. His play is perfectly suited for the 3-4.

Miami cornerback Brandon Harris has said he's 85 percent sure he'll return for his senior season. If he can handle talented Notre Dame wide receiver Michael Floyd today, that percentage could greatly diminish. Floyd will be arguably the best player Harris matches up against this season. With Florida's Janoris Jenkins injured, Harris could steal the spotlight.

Two of the draft's better 3-4 outside linebacker prospects are in this game with Georgia's Justin Houston and UCF's Bruce Miller. Houston is the far better of the two and is a fringe first-round pick. Houston has 10 sacks and 18.5 tackles for loss this season.

Houston is one of three Georgia juniors expected to go pro along with wide receiver A.J. Green and cornerback Brandon Boykin. Head coach Mark Richt told reporters this week that he doesn't expect the players to announce their intentions immediately after the game.

Quarterback Christian Ponder is expected to start for Florida State after undergoing two surgeries on his throwing arm. It will be interesting to see if he's tentative in te pocket against an aggressive South Carolina defense. Ponder's passes haven't had as much zip this season because of the injuries. He's a player that desperately needs the offseason process to get here.

South Carolina has a powerful defensive line and that could test talented FSU guard Rodney Hudson. As well as he's played the past few seasons, this could be the most important game of his career. Many question if he's strong enough for the NFL. If he's strong enough for South Carolina, he's strong enough for the pros.

The Gamecocks are severely lacking in top NFL talent this season. Without Weslye Saunders or Chris Culliver, there's not much to see with SoCar.