A classic SEC East showdown is on tap for Saturday night, as Tennessee gets set to host Florida. Both teams are nationally rank and have NFL Draft prospects throughout their respective lineups.
Florida at Tennessee NFL Draft Watch Notes
Last season, Tennessee quarterback Tyler Bray turned in one of his most impressive performances of the year against Florida, throwing for 288 yards, three touchdowns and two interceptions. He hung tough in the pocket and took a beating throughout the day while maintaining his gunslinger mentality and showing off a strong arm.
Bray’s two big wide receivers, Justin Hunter and Cordarrelle Paterson will be huge in this game, but the Florida defense should provide a challenge for the Vols’ passing attack.
Tennessee 2013 NFL Draft prospects
Offense - #8 - Tyler Bray, QB - 6’5”, 215 pounds (Junior), #11 Justin Hunter, WR - 6’4”, 200 pounds (Junior), #71 - Dallas Thomas, OL - 6’5”, 310 pounds, #81 Mychal Rivera, TE - 6’3”, 245 pounds (Senior), #70 Ja’Waun James, OT - 6’6”, 320 pounds (Junior), #72 - Zach Fulton, OG - 6’5”, 325 pounds (Junior)
Defense - #23 - Prentiss Wagner, DB - 6’2”, 184 pounds, #98 - Daniel McCullers, DT - 6’6”, 377 pounds (Junior), #55 - Jacques Smith, LB - 6’2”, 240 pounds (Junior), #34 - Herman Lathers - 6’0”, 230 pounds (Senior)
Florida 2013 NFL Draft prospects
Offense: No. 23 - Mike Gillislee, RB - 5'11'', 210 pounds (Junior), No. 11 Jordan Reed, TE - 6'3'', 243 pounds (Junior)
Defense: No. 14 - Jaylen Watkins, CB - 6', 187 pounds, No.2 - Dominique Easley, DE - 6'2'', 280 (Junior), DE Lerentee McCray (#34/6'2/249), No. 73 - Sharrif Floyd, DT 6'3'', 303 pounds (Junior), No. 22 Matt Elam, S - 5'10'', 202 pounds (Junior)
Matchup of the Night
Florida Secondary/Pass Rush vs. Tennessee Passing Game
Tyler Bray took a beating last year against the Gators, and Florida will bring the heat again on Saturday night. Shariff Floyd, Lerentee McCray and Dominque Easley will all be tasked with penetrating a Vols offensive line that has come together nicely in the first few weeks of the season. If Bray has time to throw, Jaylen Watkins and Matt Elam will have to contain Tennessee’s two talented wideouts. This will be fun to watch.
Question of the Night
Will Tyler Bray emerge as an elite quarterback in the 2013 NFL Draft class?
All offseason, I've been praising Tyler Bray's prospects for the NFL Draft. His arm strength, size and gunslinger mentality are all ideal for the pro game. I have him as the No. 2 quarterback in this draft class behind Matt Barkley. Games like Saturday's against Florida provide Bray with an opportunity to reach that level.
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