hagan714

HULA BOWL PREVIEW
Here is a quick look at who scouts will be concentrating on at this week's Hula Bowl, plus a few side notes.
• The East roster features Virginia Tech wide receiver Josh Morgan, who has impressive speed, but must prove he can beat press coverage and catch the ball consistently. Connecticut cornerback/return man Tyvon Branch and offensive guard Donald Thomas are two of the most interesting players on the roster as both have gone from late round to potentially third- to fifth-round. A pair of MAC runners, Toledo's Jalen Parmalee and Ohio's Kalvin McRae will hope to stand out, but both are considered late-round choices. New Hampshire record-setting quarterback Ricky Santos hopes to prove he can make plays and that his average size will not be too much of a drawback. North Carolina pass rusher Hilee Taylor will work at both defensive end and outside linebacker. Arkansas State safety Tyrell Johnson is an underrated all-around defender who with a solid week of practice could move himself into the third round.
• The West roster has San Diego State quarterback Kevin O'Connell whose size, mobility and improved passing skills have helped raise his stock. Oregon State running back Yvenson Bernard is hoping to show scouts that his knee is 100 percent and that he has better straight-line speed than currently projected. He needs to come up with some big plays as a receiver or return man to up his grade. Montana pass rusher Kroy Biermann will draw a lot of notice in early practices, but has to show he can play at the tempo of the top-division prospects and flash the same closing burst he has on film. Nevada tight end/H-Back Adam Bishop is fairly athletic for his size and could see the ball come his way often both in the practices and game. Minnesota safety Dominique Barber, the younger brother of All-Pro running back Marion Barber, hopes to move up from a mid-round type prospect. San Diego State offensive tackle Will Robinson is a guy who could make a name for himself. He has good size (6-foot-6, 285-290 pounds) and has been timed at between 4.92 to 4.98 in the 40.
SIDELINE NOTES
• Both West Texas A&M tight end Kolo Kapanui (illness) and Northern Iowa offensive tackle Brandon Keith (personal/family) are not attending this week's game.
• Ohio State linebacker Larry Grant said he intends to fly out to the game following the BCS title game as long as he's healthy.
• Colorado linebacker Jordon Dizon, Arkansas offensive lineman Robert Felton, Virginia Tech wide receiver Eddie Royal were originally listed on the rosters, but have been invited to the Senior Bowl.
• Virginia Tech offensive tackle Duane Brown, Pittsburgh defensive end Joe Clermond and Arkansas defensive back Michael Grant have passed on their invites to concentrate on next week's East-West Shrine Game.
• West Virginia defensive lineman Johnny Dingle, a fourth-year junior, was unable to attend. NFL scouts are not permitted to speak or evaluate underclassmen until after Jan. 19.

Smith runs for NFL - NCAA Football - Yahoo! Sports

"We may have lost the game, but you'll be hurting tomorrow." Doug Atkins