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2014-01-22 17:06:48
-by Daniel Mogollon, Staff Writer; Image: Jalen Saunders makes one of his two touchdown receptions in the Sugar Bowl. (Image Source: Patrick Semansky/AP Photo)
Here’s a look at a pair of Oklahoma Sooners participating in this week’s Senior Bowl:
WR Jalen Saunders, Oklahoma (5’9”/157 pounds)
Stats: 61 receptions, 729 yards, 8 TDs; Projection: Day 3
Since Jalen Saunders stands at just 5’9” and 157 pounds it’s easy to see why this Boomer Sooner might be somewhat overlooked. What he lacks in size he makes up for with speed and knowhow. The kid gets open and he catches the football, two skills that surprisingly enough can get overlooked when evaluating pass catchers in the world of 40-times and measurables. The slot receiver runs crisp routes, understands how to attack zone defenses and is very quick with his change of direction ability, which often puts opposing DBs off balance.
At his best making things happen after the catch, Saunders uses his quickness to make defenders miss in the open field. He can then kick into another gear when he sees a crease with his home-run potential. His numbers are down this season, but that’s a product of inconsistent quarterback play in Norman. Saunders averaged 21.3 YPC in 2011 while at Fresno State when he was All-WAC (1,065 yards, 12 TDs). Last season, in just nine games (eight starts), the California native caught 62 passes for 829 yards (13.4 YPC) as a Sooner, which is more indicative of his ability.
CB Aaron Colvin (5’11”/182 pounds)
Stats: 55 tackles, 5 TFLs, 1 INT, 4 PDs; Projection: Day 2
The 2013 Sooners roster wasn’t chock-full of first round prospects, as they were in years past, but in Aaron Colvin, HC Bob Stoops had one of the better covermen in the Big 12 conference this past season. Colvin is fluid in pass coverage and capable of running with receivers in man-to-man schemes. He has very good ball skills and is underrated in run support. He is tough but at times can get too physical in coverage, which is a no-no in today’s NFL.
The Thorpe Award semifinalist was a two-time first team All-Big 12 selection by the coaches and Associated Press. While he is expected to play cornerback at the next level, Colvin’s experience as a starting strong safety during his sophomore campaign adds to his versatility. Durability is a concern, as Colvin played through a shoulder injury in 2011 and missed two games this past season. Add to that an ACL tear suffered on Day 2 of the Senior Bowl practices, which will keep him sidelined during the remainder of the draft season. He is tough, which is a plus, and appears to have a love for the game that coaches will like.
NFL Draft Links:
Senior Bowl: Big Ten Defensive Tackles Ra’Shede Hageman & DaQuan Jones
Big Ten Wide Receivers Jared Abbrederis & Kain Colter at the Senior Bowl
LSU Tigers RB Jeremy Hill to Enter 2014 NFL Draft
Texas A&M QB Johnny Manziel Declares
Player Profile of Florida State QB Jameis Winston
NFL Draft Watch BCS Championship Game Edition: Ranking the Florida State Seminoles Top Prospects
Daniel Mogollon is a member of the Pro Football Writers of America and the Football Writers Association of America. He is also a voter for the Thorpe and the Rotary Lombardi Award, as well as the Latino Sports MVP Awards.
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