[2022] AAC Pro Day Performers

[SyndaKyt]

Draft Season is among football fans, meaning that college prospects are hoping to hear their name called on draft night or at the least, signed as an UDFA. Within the AAC, the home of the reigning national champions, the crop of talent is looking to get better year by year. The goal is for the conference to routinely produce pro talent and future stars. We will be taking a look at every school's best Pro Day performer and where they may be slotted to enter into the upcoming 2022 SimNFL Draft. Let us begin!

 

Tulsa Golden Hurricane

 

Bruce Dawson - RB

Overall: A

40 Yard Dash: 4.32

20 Yard Shuttle: 3.86

3 Cone Drill: 6.49

Bench Press: 31

Vertical Jump: 41.77

Broad Jump: 133

Catching Drill: 7.16

Route Running Drill: 7.37

Inside Run Drill: 8.11

Outside Run Drill: 9.37

AAC Pro Day MVP is... surprise! surprise! Bruce Dawson! The Heisman winner who recorded over 2300 rushing yards and 19 TDs along with over 1400 receiving yards and 19 TDs, is simply a freak of nature leading in all categories among all AAC participants save for the bench press. His strength seemed to go under the radar with a very good 31 reps for 225 pounds. The only concerns with the storied athlete is his injury concerns with workload. Dawson was essentially Tulsa's de facto playmaker and may have run his body into the ground. For the RB position, availability is the best ability. Whether it is high risk or high reward, his game is polished, especially taking outside lanes in the run game. His stock could fall due to injury risks, but he may be too good of a player to pass up.

Projected Draft Position

Top 5

 

 

Temple Owls

 

Angel Loe - OG

Overall: A-

40 Yard Dash: 5.41

20 Yard Shuttle: 4.08

3 Cone Drill: 6.94

Bench Press: 41

Vertical Jump: 36.58

Broad Jump: 126

Run Block Drill: 5.88

Pass Block Drill: 9.33

Temple's big man on campus showed out and came through when they needed him to. The bench press leader with 41 is bringing absolute ferocity to the field with his strength and underrated agility for a 300 pounder. The interior lineman showed his pass blocking perfectionism with a grade of nearly 10/10. It was a bit surprising to see his run blocking drill score this low as a team may want to use him as a mauler in the run game to dominate defenders into submission. Nevertheless, Loe is a great prospect that could develop into a rock if drafted by the right franchise.

Potential Draft Position

Top 15

 

 

Cincinnati Bearcats

 

Duane DePaula - DT

Overall: B-

40 Yard Dash: 5.17

20 Yard Shuttle: 4.08

3 Cone Drill: 6.75

Bench Press: 35

Vertical Jump: 35.56

Broad Jump: 124

Run Stop Drill: 7.52

Pass Rush Drill: 6.32

 

DePaula commented on his Pro Day performance with a very cocky, "Slight Work." It seemed to be slight work for the defensive tackle as he coasted to a good showing in front of scouts. There were concerns about his raw technique but the coach suggests to watch the film as he was only 1 of 5 defenders to record 30 TFLs and led those 5 in sacks with 6 from the DT spot. The run stopping was solid and the pass rushing was serviceable. His selling point to team would be his high upside, as he shows endless potential to improve.

 

Potential Draft Position

Top 50

 

 

Tulane Green Wave

 

Lenny Canady - CB

Overall: C+

40 Yard Dash: 4.43

20 Yard Shuttle: 4.02

3 Cone Drill: 6.77

Bench Press: 18

Vertical Jump: 39.14

Broad Jump: 126

Man Coverage Drill: 5.75

Zone Coverage Drill: 8.61

Tulane's ladies man and smooth operator Lenny Canady was dressed to impress and had some of the skills to show for it. He may have not had an eye popping season with only 2 picks and no PDs. Despite the shoddy numbers, he showed pro level speed with a low 4.4 40 and top 10 in the vertical jump. He really made his mark with the zone coverage drill, scoring a 8.61, which shows promise. His downsides show a questionable injury history, but his good potential could pique the interest of teams. He could be a good piece for a team that needs a scheme fit at corner.

 

Potential Draft Position

Mid Day 3 Pick

 

 

East Carolina Pirates

 

Drew Reed - RB

Overall: C

40 Yard Dash: 4.41

20 Yard Shuttle: 3.93

3 Cone Drill: 6.69

Bench Press: 23

Vertical Jump: 36.92

Broad Jump: 127

Catching Drill: 7.21

Route Running Drill: 4.91

Inside Run Drill: 6.67

Outside Run Drill: 8.06

Drew Reed was one of the few bright spots for ECU's disappointing finish during the past season. Reed may not have the stats to show for it but the kid can catch out the backfield and can at least make one defender miss with his agility and speed on display. However, for a receiving back, his route tree seems limited and needs serious work. Other than that, he posted solid numbers that could help his stock. He may never be a bellcow for a team but his potential ability could suggest that he has a small chance.

 

Potential Draft Position

Mid Day 3 Pick

 

 

Southern Methodist Mustangs

 

Wayne Foreman - OT

Overall: C

40 Yard Dash: 5.60

20 Yard Shuttle: 4.49

3 Cone Drill: 7.28

Bench Press: 36

Vertical Jump: 32.63

Broad Jump: 122

Run Block Drill: 5.53

Pass Block Drill: 7.96

Wayne Foreman was a standout among the Mustangs present at Pro Day. His strongest assets were his pass blocking ability ranking in the top 3 for the pass block drill and lifted 225 for over 35 reps in the bench press. His speed and agility could use some work, but getting with a trainer to work on technique could improve his numbers in this aspect. He looks decent in the pass game and can stave off defenders to provide the QB a few precious seconds. A team that needs depth or a fill in could look towards Dallas for an offensive tackle waiting in the wings.

 

 

Potential Draft Position

UDFA

 

 

Navy Midshipmen

 

C.J. Marquez - FS

Overall: C

40 Yard Dash: 4.57

20 Yard Shuttle: 3.93

3 Cone Drill: 6.68

Bench Press: 22

Vertical Jump: 38.41

Broad Jump: 129

Man Coverage Drill: 5.50

Zone Coverage Drill: 7.75

Marquez has the choice to deploy to become a Commissioned Officer for the U.S. Navy or attempt to make a living playing football. So far, he is keeping his options open and his performance at the Pro Day might have him leaning towards football. His greatest asset would be his intangibles: leadership and football IQ. He helped make calls for the Navy defense, but enough of gushing over his brain. Marquez can turn his hips with a sub 4.00 shuttle and great jumping ability. His zone coverage was good as well. If the young man decides to head to the NFL draft, he could very well find a team values his experiences at the Naval Academy.

 

 

Potential Draft Position

Late Day 3 Pick

 

 

Central Florida Knights

 

Austin Cloyd - WR

Overall: C

40 Yard Dash: 4.41

20 Yard Shuttle: 4.02

3 Cone Drill: 6.63

Bench Press: 22

Vertical Jump: 39.85

Broad Jump: 132

Catching Drill: 6.38

Route Running Drill: 9.22

Austin Cloyd would own the Sweet Feet Award if it actually existed. UCF's leading receiver was barely off from reaching 1000 yards and 10 TDs but that is behind him now. Despite being at a smaller stature, Cloyd can jump with the best of them with a 40 inch vertical jump and will be able to high point passes. The route running drill was just for Cloyd to toy with and get creative. A downside could be his lackluster catching drill score. It doesn't matter if a player gets open, if they drop the ball, resulting in an incompletion. The right team can get a steal in Cloyd and use him as a slot WR to get open and help make plays.

 

 

Potential Draft Position

Late Day 3 Pick to UDFA

 

 

Memphis Tigers

 

Jack Jackson - OLB

Overall: C+

40 Yard Dash: 4.64

20 Yard Shuttle: 4.14

3 Cone Drill: 7.11

Bench Press: 37

Vertical Jump: 38.05

Broad Jump: 128

Run Stop Drill: 7.70

LB Coverage Drill: 6.81

Jack Jackson must be mad at his parents naming him with part of his last name because the man plays mean. He brings a physical presence to any team that drafts him with his insane strength, pressing 37 reps during the bench press. He can also disrupt the pass game with the ability to swat passes out the air. Most of all, he will best be used as a strong side OLB that will be used to stifle the run game of opponents. He did better than expected for the LB coverage drill, almost netting a score of 7. However, he gets gassed very easily and his stamina is a question for teams during the draft process. His durability is less than ideal as well. He is a high upside player, so not a bad pick for teams swinging for the fences. At the worst he can be a rotational starter or depth in crucial short yard situations.

 

Potential Draft Position

Early Day 3 Pick

 

 

South Florida Bulls

 

Corey Randle - TE

Overall: C

40 Yard Dash: 4.37

20 Yard Shuttle: 4.03

3 Cone Drill: 6.80

Bench Press: 32

Vertical Jump: 38.59

Broad Jump: 129

Catching Drill: 6.52

Route Running Drill: 6.66

Run Block Drill: 5.16

Pass Block: 4.73

If Bruce Dawson didn't happen to play football in the AAC and some P5 recruited better, Randle would be the Pro Day MVP as far as measurables go. His skills are raw but this is a player that teams take a chance on due to the freakish athleticism. Top 7 in 40 yard dash and as expected a very good jumper. He performs as his player type suggests, a vertical threat that can go over the top as he burns bad LB matchups over the top and bullies DBs in jump ball situations. With that being said his football ability is average. Blocking needs the most work and is receiving skills are good at best. His conditioning is below average, which worries his coaches. How he performs at the combine will be telling of what scouts think about him but Al Davis would love the guy. Speed kills and he could be useful to teams in 5 wide situations.

 

Potential Draft Position

Late Day 3 Pick to UDFA

 

 

Houston Cougars

 

Ehire Pouncey - DE

Overall: C+

40 Yard Dash: 4.47

20 Yard Shuttle: 3.98

3 Cone Drill: 6.79

Bench Press: 32

Vertical Jump: 38.18

Broad Jump: 127

Run Stop Drill: 5.98

Pass Rush Drill: 8.02

Ehire Pouncey and CB Patrick Hikutini probably had a bet using their NIL money, because they were competing hard to see who would come out on top at the Houston Pro Day. Suffice to say, Hikutini lost when Pouncey ran the same 40 yard dash as him and was .05 seconds off from his shuttle while being 60 pounds heavier and 7 inches taller. What teams are really coveting is his pass rush drill score at a great 8/10. He led every AAC edge rusher with this score, but he may need help getting better in run contain. Even then, his run stopping could not be that bad with 16 TFLs to his name. He showed a good selection of pass rush moves, even busting out a clean spin at one point. It is unlikely he transforms into an alpha, number one option in the pass rush but a very good starter nonetheless.

 

Potential Draft Position

Mid Day 3 Pick

 

 

Thank You for Reading and Stay Tuned as We Look at Notable AAC Prospects in the Draft Process!

Edited February 14, 2022 by SyndaKyt

[acewulf]

BRUCE