VS 
Oklahoma
A couple of unexpected slip-ups
cost OU a chance to play on Friday night. They are still a talented squad
with as many as five players who will be top forty-five choices in upcoming
drafts; all reside on defense. Offensively tight
end Trent
Smith offers a solid receiving threat but may not project well to
the next level as the scheme does not require him to block (so his skills in
that area are very suspect) and his playing speed is not good. Antwone
Savage did not have the season needed to push him into the
first day but is still a solid pass
cstcher that some team will draft thanks to his abilities to return
kicks. Scat back Quentin
Griffin had a super season running the ball and catching it as
well. He looks like a solid third down back and in many ways reminds us of
Amos Zereoue, though Griffen may be a better pass catcher. On defense the
Sooner prospects had solid campaigns in 2002, not the spectacular year that
would vault them into the early reaches of the draft. Safety Brandon
Everage is a force in centerfield against both the run and pass but is
prone to an occasional lapse which results in a big play for opponents. To
his credit we were very impressed the way cornerback
Derek
Strait improved the physical nature of his game, picking up
the intensity supporting the run. Strait is a natural cover corner but we
still think he's better off returning to school for one more season in
college. Andre
Wolfolk is a big time prospect that just needs a little more
time and experience to iron out the details of his game and become quicker picking
up mental assignments. Teddy
Lehman is turning into a complete linebacker and right now looks
like a better pass
defending version of Rocky Calmus. Defensive
end Jimmy
Wilkerson makes a lot of plays up the field but would be making a mistake
if he enters the draft and needs at least one more season on the college level
to develop physically.
Washington
State
The Cougars played
great team ball and used a few last minute comebacks by Jason
Gesser to win the Pac Ten. Speaking of the Wazzu signal
caller, we feel he is
an intelligent passer that makes good choices and effectively leads his
team. What he lacks are a big arm and solid fundamentals as he constantly
throws off his back foot, which exasperates his inability to get mustard on his
throws. Right now we'd project Gesser in the fourth round area. Jerome
Riley is a natural pass
catcher that comes up with the big reception and someone we had high hopes
for coming into the season. Two reasons why Riley will be knocked deep
into the draft; he's not fast and is prone to lapses in concentration which
result in the easy drop on occasion. Mike
Bush is a tall, strong possession receiver that does not run
good routes or beat defenders down the field. His hands are also a suspect
but the size offered by Bush makes him intriguing. Defensive
tackle Rein
Long had a breakout season yet made the commitment to return for another
year of college ball. This will be a good test for cornerback
Marcus
Trufant, a talented cover man that defends the run and is
constantly around the action. Were there a knock to Trufant's game it
would be a lack of pure speed and inability to cover receivers out of their
breaks; the OU wide outs run excellent routes.
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