Meet Jeron Johnson, strong safety from Boise State (BSU).

Currently ranked the 21st overall safety by Scout Inc.’s draft board on ESPN.com, Johnson is looking to prove that there is plenty of value in this supposedly weak safety draft class in 2011.

Johnson is a 5’10’’, 200lb player who runs the 40 in approximately 4.5 seconds. He has solid speed for a defensive back, and it should continue to improve as he trains for the draft down in Dallas, Texas. The thing that makes him so good out on the football field is his balanced style of play, highlighted by exceptional intelligence and strength. “I’m a smart player with defensive knowledge, situational awareness and physical presence,” said Johnson. “I’m a pretty well-rounded player, but there’s always room for improvement.” Although T.J. Ward reminds him most of his style of play, he tries to model his game most after Keep Reading…

Decision-making is what differentiates a college player from a college elite. It also propels a college elite into the NFL. Whether it’s a tailback finding the most efficient hole to dart through, instead of burying his head and falling forward, or a quarterback choosing the open receiver at the first down marker, instead of taking an endzone shot in double coverage, the art of decision-making will make or break a college player.

These choices and decisions happen hundreds of times a game; every game, but the most important decision happens off the field – the decision to leave school early or stay until one’s senior year is the toughest one.

Joe Montana stayed and is in the Hall of Fame while Jamarcus Russell did not and is currently unemployed. Sam Bradford stayed and injured himself in his senior year while Matt Leinart returned for his senior campaign, Keep Reading…

Meet Stephen Franklin, inside linebacker from Southern Illinois (SIU).

Currently ranked the 30th overall inside linebacker by Scout Inc.’s draft board on ESPN.com, Franklin is hoping to shed the Division 1AA label and prove that he can be an NFL-caliber player.

Franklin is a 6’0’’, 237lb player who runs the 40 in approximately 4.5 seconds, impressive speed for a linebacker. This speed, along with agility and quickness, makes his athleticism the most impressive facet of his game. “Athleticism is my biggest thing,” Franklin said. “It allows me to be able to put myself in position to make plays by breaking blocks and closing space down in a hurry.” Despite being a big fan of NFL linebackers like Jon Beason and Patrick Willis, Franklin says that the tenacity and athleticism of Bart Scott most reminds him of the way he plays.

Even with his outstanding athleticism, Franklin sometimes Keep Reading…

Meet Isaac Odim, running back from Minnesota-Duluth (UMD).

Currently ranked the 61st overall running back by Scout Inc.’s draft board on ESPN.com, Odim is hoping to get a shot in the NFL and prove that playing for a Division 2 team can’t keep him from being a professional athlete.

Odim is a 5’11’’, 210lb player who runs the 40 in approximately 4.5 seconds. His speed is solid for a runner, but his best attribute is his outstanding ability to run hard and break tackles. “I pride myself on never giving up on a play, not letting the first person tackle me, and fighting for extra yards,” said Odim. According to him, he tries to emulate Adrian Peterson’s physicality by always fighting to keep the play alive while picking up more yards.

One thing that he feels could use some work is his pass blocking abilities. “My Keep Reading…

Risers

Leonard Hankerson WR Miami Coming into the season, very few draft analysts had Hankerson rated highly; the folks at National Scouting gave the Miami wideout a 5th to 7th round grade. However, Hankerson’s quieted many of his critics with a strong start to the 2010 season, including a 147 yard, 3 touchdown performance against Clemson. Though he lacks elite speed, Hankerson has enough quicks to separate from defensive backs and out-muscle them to the ball. Both qualities showed up in the Clemson game, but it was his ability to make the tough grab in traffic that was the most important part of his day. On his last TD reception, Hankerson plucked the ball away from his body, then took a hit without coughing up the pigskin. Hankerson’s been drop-prone in the past, so it’s important that he prove to scouts that he’ll be a reliable receiver at the Keep Reading…