Unless you’re an Alabama fan, the BCS National Championship Game was a largely forgettable affair. The defenses played as you’d expect. But the inept LSU offense, particularly quarterback Jordan Jefferson, killed most interest in the game.
BCS Championship Game NFL Draft stock up spotlight
Although Jefferson didn’t, some draft-eligible players helped their NFL Draft stock. Here are those players:
Nick Gentry, DT, Alabama: Gentry is a squat 6-foot-1, 284-pound defensive lineman who gets by on his first step and leverage. A senior, Gentry may not have a draftable grade, but he at least earned himself some training camp invites with his tittle game performance. As part of Alabama's line rotation, Gentry was often the first man off the line of scrimmage.
Courtney Upshaw, OLB, Alabama: The game's defensive MVP showed an exceptional first step and the ability to drop in coverage. He also showed plus tackling ability, driving through running back powerful running back Kenny Hilliard in the second half. Upshaw looks like a good three-down linebacker for a 3-4 team.
Barkevious Mingo, DE, LSU: Mingo may not have had the game he wanted as a pass rusher after finishing with zero sacks. But he showed good range in the run game while holding the edge. Until late in the game, Alabama's Trent Richardson didn't have outside running lanes to cut through because of Mingo's play on the right side.
Dre Kirkpatrick, CB, Alabama: It's hard for a cornerback to look good in a game where the opposing quarterback threw for only 53 yards. But Kirkpatrick shut down LSU's Rueben Randle (who was banged up) and showed his ability as a tackler. He played as a gunner on special teams and it helped stop Tyrann Mathieu. From a physical standpoint, there may be no better cornerback in this year's draft.
Michael Brockers, DT, LSU: Of the LSU interior defensive linemen, none looked better than Brockers. He beat regarded Alabama guard Chance Warmack on the inside a few times and played with better leverage against center William Vlachos. Brockers showed he's ready for the NFL as a redshirt sophomore.
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