Everyone usually knows what marquee names are worth watching at the NFL Combine. But just as annually, players from small schools step up with workouts that can’t be ignored, vaulting their draft stock in the process. Now that we know who is officially invited to the 2013 NFL Combine, we at least can see which small-school players will have the major platform to turn heads.
NFL Combine 2013: Southern Utah QB Brad Sorensen could boost draft stock
Sorensen’s size and strong arm have some believing the former Thunderbirds’ quarterback could make a big impression at the NFL Combine.
Kelley L Cox-US PRESSWIRE
Since quarterbacks are always under the microscope of NFL franchises, Southern Utah signal-caller Brad Sorensen is one such player from a smaller school that could stand out once the combine gets underway.
In 2012 for the Thunderbirds, who are apart of the Big Sky Conference, Sorensen -- a former walk-on at BYU -- threw for 3,139 yards, completing 62.2 percent of his throws, with 23 touchdowns and 10 interceptions. Sorensen threw for over 3,000 yards in all three seasons with Southern Utah and never tossed more than 11 interceptions in a campaign. The 6-foot-5, 235-pounder also won the conference’s Offensive Player of the Year award in 2011. SB Nation has him ranked as the 14th-best quarterback prospect in the draft.
DraftInsider.net currently sees Sorensen as a potential sixth round pick, but notes he has an NFL-ready skill set:
BYU transfer with all the physical skills to play at the next level. Accurate and makes plays. Does throw to many interceptions.
In analyzing small-school prospects invited to the combine, football site TonySoftli.com says this about Sorensen, which counts as pretty high praise these days:
Everyone is looking for the quarterback with size, a big arm, and productive. Joe Flacco is a good player but he's not as good as this one and we all know where he was selected. I'm not saying Sorensen will go in the first round but I would not bet against a top 40 selection if he can clean up the two or three major flaws I see in his game this fall. He's got the big arm, very good mechanics, good feet, and shows the ability to be very accurate.
Quarterbacks will work out at the combine with running backs and wide receivers on Sunday, Feb. 24.
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