NFL Players Association Announces San Antonio Game

San Antonio, Texas- Overtime Sports, LLC and the NFL Players Association announced today that a college football all-star game will be played in, San Antonio, Texas on February 5, 2011 at the Alamodome.

The NFLPA GAME, as it is titled, was previously known as the Texas vs. The Nation Challenge and was held in El Paso, Texas. The players, consisting of top college athletes from Universities coast to coast, showcase their skills to National Football League personnel in the hopes of a career in professional football. In its four years of existence, The GAME, has already seen 404 of its participants sign NFL contracts.

The concept of The GAME will remain Texas vs. the Nation with seniors having ties to the state of Texas taking on top seniors from across the Nation. In addition, The GAME will be nationally televised live on CBS College Sports with an expected 1:00PM CST kickoff.

Present for the announcement of the exciting new event in San Antonio were: Kenny Hansmire- President/CEO of Overtime Sports Group, LLC. , Clark Gaines, Assistant Executive Director of the NFLPA, Jason Belser, Senior Regional Director of the NFLPA, and the head coaches for this year’s GAME, for Team Texas, Former Dallas Cowboy great Bill Bates and for Team Nation, former Atlanta Falcons head coach Jerry Glanville. Also present, Team Texas assistant coach and UTSA head football coach Larry Coker, Hall of Fame member and GAME ambassador Randy White and former Texas A&M standout and New York Jet, Ray Mickens.

Tickets go on sale for The GAME-this Friday, October 22, 2010. Tickets are just $10 with the exception of mid-field, lower level premium seating area where tickets are $25 and include some free concessions. Tickets are available for purchase from the Alamodome box office or www.ticketmaster.com.

More announcements regarding game week activities and special events will be forthcoming. Log on to www.nflpagame.com for more game information about the event and its history.

2011 Pro Football Hall of Fame Texas vs the Nation All-Star Game Nomation

You can NOMINATE A PLAYER or YOURSELF for the 2011 Pro Football Hall of Fame Texas vs the Nation All-Star Game. There is no need to nominate a player more than once. Just use this link.

http://www.texasvsthenation.com/players/nominate-a-player

Also the everyone that is in change of the Texas vs the Nation game will also be working a new All-Star game that is sponsored by the NFLPA that will be held in San Antonio, TX. Stay tuned for more details on that game.

NFL Draft Stats

Here are some stats about the 2010 NFL Draft.

Out of the 255 Draft Picks:

216 - Went to the NFL Combine

39 - Did not get invited to the NFL Combine

47 - Were underclassmen (Juniors)

84 - Played in the Senior Bowl

32 - Played in the East/West Shrine Game

31 - Played in the Texas vs. the Nation Game

Southern Illinois Karim not a sleeper anymore

Southern Illinois running back Deji Karim came into the NFL Draft process without a lot of fan fare, but he is one of the fast rising players as we lead up to the NFL Draft. He was one of the NFL Draft sleepers when he first arrived in El Paso, TX for the Texas vs. the Nation game, but he is a sleeper no more.

Karim this past season rushed for 1,694 yard and 18 touchdowns averaging 7.1 yards per carry. He also caught 17 passes for 212 yards and 1 touchdown averaging 12.5 per reception. He was invited to play in the Texas vs. the Nation game, but was given an invite to the NFL Combine.

“At first it was a disappointment (not to get invited to the NFL Combine), but I knew I had to do something at my Pro Day to open their (NFL scouts) eyes,” said Karim.

Karim did just that at his Pro Day, where he, out jumped the best running back in Indianapolis by two inches in the vertical jump (43 inches). Karim measured in at 5-8 1/2, 209 pounds and ran the 40 yard dash in 4.40 seconds, the short shuttle in 4.33 seconds, and the three-cone drill in 6.95 seconds. He measured a 10-foot-3 inch broad jump and did 19 reps of 225 pounds.

“I start training down in Florida even before the Texas vs. the Nation game, and it really helped me their and also get everything out of my ability to have a great Pro Day,” said Karim.

After his performance at the Texas vs. the Nation game and his Pro Day, people started to take notice of him and he end up having personal visiting with a number of teams including the Detroit Lions, Jacksonville Jaguars, San Diego Chargers, Philadelphia Eagles, and the Indianapolis Colts.

But despite all the post season success that Karim is having he knows he can still improve.

“I need to work on my blocking, I have the effort but I need to improve on my technique,” said Karim. “I also need to work on my vision at the second level when I’m running the ball.”

With Karim being one of the fast risers on every teams draft board soon we will all find out what team he goes to.

TCU Richmond not a sleeping giant

TCU offensive tackle Nick Richmond has been one of the busier players this off-season visiting a number of teams including the New England Patriots, the Chicago Bears, the San Diego Chargers, the Oakland Raiders and the Dallas Cowboys. The reason is because it is hard to find 6 foot 7 inch tall offensive tackles with good feet and long arms and that is what Richmond has.

At TCU Pro Day, Richmond measured in at his Pro Day with a height of 6078, 310 pounds. He ran the 40-yard dash in 5.24 seconds, the short shuttle in 4.81 seconds and the three-cone drill in 8.01 seconds. He also completed 19 repetitions on the 225-pound bench press, and had 36’’ arms.

Richmond had his chance to show his skills at the Texas vs. the Nation game and took full advantage of it.

“At the Texas vs. the Nation game, I think get me an opportunity to show scouts what type of player and person I am,” said Richmond. “I show them that I am a team player and I want to help the team in anyway possible. I can both sides both right and left tackle, and my determination is another one of my biggest strengths.”

But Richmond knows that he can improve his game and his overall ability.

“I think in run blocking I can continue to get stronger in my lower body to be able to stay of my blocks longer, and in pass blocking I just need to make sure my feet are under me in good balance,” said Richmond.

With Richmond traveling all over the county to meet with different teams, not every visit has been the same.

“With the team work outs I have been to it has been different, some teams want you work you out and see how you stack up against the other tackles, and other teams just want to chat it up and get to know you as a person,” said Richmond.

The draft process hasn’t always easy for Richmond, but he know it is once in a lifetime opportunity.

“This process has been stressful at times, but it is a good strain on your mind,” said Richmond. “You only have one time to go through this process, so you have to give it all you got, and I am just going to keep being me no matter what happens.”

Well what will happen is that Nick Richmond will get a shot to play in the NFL for some team and that team will be very happy they gave Richmond a shot.

Florida’s receiver Nelson a fast riser on draft boards

Florida wide receiver David Nelson is one of the biggest post season risers at the wide receiver position this year. He was a late addition to the Texas vs. the Nation game and came in a performed well and had a great Pro Day at Florida.

“I thought it (Texas vs. the Nation game) helped me out a lot, the scouts where impressed that even that I was a late addition that I came in ready to play and I wasn’t nervous and I just came to play football,” said Nelson. “The interaction with the scouts was great, it allowed me to show them what kind of person I am, and what type of character I have.”

At his Pro Day Nelson measured in at a height of 6-foot-5, 217 pounds. He ran the 40-yard dash in 4.47 seconds, the short shuttle in 4.09 seconds and the three-cone drill in 6.76 seconds. He measured a 38-inch vertical jump, a 10-foot-4 1/2 broad jump and completed 16 repetitions on the 225-pound bench press.

He thought that getting one-on-one training and his preparation before the Pro Day really helped him put up the numbers he did.

“I wanted to train somewhere where it was more one on one type training. We did 5 or 6 mock Pro Days, so I knew what I was doing and also what I need to improve on,” said Nelson.

Nelson is a big receiver that at Florida played behind the likes of Percy Harvin, last year NFL rookie of the year and Riley Cooper, but showed when he had an opportunity he could make a play. As a junior he appeared in every game except Ole Miss, and his 12 receptions and 228 receiving yards were more than his two previous seasons combined, and had five touchdowns on only 12 receptions in 2008. This past season had 25 catches for 291 yards and 2 touchdowns.

One thing about Nelson is that he knows what are his strengths and what he needs to work on at the next level and plans on doing that.

“My strengths are my size, speed and quickness, I also know the game well, and I use that to my advantage,” said Nelson. “I need to be more physical, get stronger to be able to get off the jams and get a better release and I need to be more aggressive.”

Nelson will get that opportunity to improve his game at the next level.

Minnesota’s Lawrence a lighting quick linebacker

When you watch University of Minnesota linebacker Simoni Lawrence of the football field you see that he is like a flash of lighting and packs a thundering hit. Lawrence knows he has the speed to play at the next level but also knows he need to improve on wrapping up tackles and not just trying to lay them out.

“I think when I come into a camp, I can show I have got the speed to run with everyone, I am physical enough, I am a leader,” said Lawrence. “In the past I always try to make the big hit, and I have tried to hit people with out wrapping up, and sometimes that cause missed tackles. At the Texas vs. the Nation game my focus was showing the scouts that I could wrap up and I had a field day.”

Lawrence as a junior earned playing time in all 13 games with five starts and ranked fifth on the team in total tackles with 66, was second on the team in tackles for losses with 10.5, including 4 sacks. This past season he had 85 tackles total tackles, 8 tackles for loss, 2 sacks and 1 interception, and was invited to the 2010 NFL Combine.

At the NFL Combine he performed very well and decided to stand on his numbers in the vertical jump (40 inches), broad jump (10 foot – 3 inches) and his 225 bench press (21 reps) and not redo them at his Pro Day. At his Pro Day he ran the 40-yard dash in 4.56 seconds, the short shuttle in 4.25 seconds and the three-cone drill in 6.80 seconds.

“The combine was fun, it is a place where athletes love to go and compete and show there ability, and I love to compete,” said Lawrence. “But I wanted to show the scouts I could run faster and did that at my Pro Day.”

Lawrence has a great attitude and is willing to whatever it takes to get on the field and makes plays in any defense, even willing to play inside in the 3-4 defense.

“I’m willing to do anything the team needs me to do, if that is playing weak side in the 4-3 or inside in the 3-4, I will make plays,” said Lawrence.

With Lawrence speed and athleticism he will make play on Sunday whatever team he goes to.

Baylor safety Lake a hard nose football player

Safety Jordan Lake of Baylor is one of the nicest people off the field, but when he gets on to the football field is a heat seeking missile at the safety position.

Lake as a junior was a First-team All-Big 12 selection by league coaches, and Associated Press he had 97 total tackles, 3 interceptions and 10 pass break-ups. This season had 92 total tackles and 2 tackles for loss. He knows that he has the ability to get better at the next level.

“I need to work on my man to man coverage skills, NFL defense require that, also my man free concepts, which both I didn’t really get much of a chance to do (at Baylor),” said Lake.

Lake is a hard nose football player who loves the game of football and that shows out on the field, and he knows his strengths.

“One of my biggest strengths is game intelligence, my feel for the game, I don’t get beat on play action, and I am a good tackler,” said Lake.

At Lake’s Pro Day he measured in at 6-1, 209 pounds and ran the 40 yard dash in 4.79 seconds, the short shuttle in 4.54 seconds, and the three cone drill in 7.29 seconds. He measured a 30 inch vertical jump, a 9-foot-8 inch broad jump and did 14 reps of 225 pounds on the bench press.

“Pro Day is good and bad, they want to see the raw athletic ability that you have, and sometime people get drafted based on numbers,” said Lake. “People without the great workout numbers can play, and I hope to prove the ones that don’t think that wrong.”

Lake might not have had the best workout number of the all the safeties in this years draft class, but one things that NFL teams like in a safety is intelligences and Lake has that. He has had workouts already with the Atlanta Falcons and the Houston Texans so far and hopes to have more before the draft is here.

“I’m a football player, I am not a world class athlete, but I know I can play football,” said Lake.

That is what Lake is a hard nose football player both on defense and special teams and because of that will have a great shot in the NFL.

UTEP Moturi an under the radar receiver

UTEP wide receiver Jeff Moturi might be under the radar to some fans of college football or the NFL Draft, but the NFL scouts know all about him. Not only did he show them his skills at UTEP, and in the Texas vs. the Nation game but he also had a very good Pro Day.

At his Pro Day Moturi was 5-11 183 pounds, he ran the 40 yard dash in 4.38 seconds. He measured a 30.5 inch vertical jump, a 9-foot-10 inch broad jump and did 18 reps of 225.

“When I was at the Texas vs. the Nation game, and I was talking to scouts they didn’t understand why I wasn’t going to the combine and I didn’t either,” said Moturi. “I know I am an under the radar guy, and I have used that as motivation.”

Moturi had a very productive college career and as a junior was honorable mention All-Conference USA, he led the team with 51 receptions and rated second on the team in receiving yardage with 655 and had 9 touchdowns. This past season he had 53 catches for 974 averaging 18.4 yards per catch and 4 touchdowns.

Despite his productive college career Moturi knows he can get better.

“I need to make sure that I contrite on making the easy catches, and not worry so much on what move I am going to make next on the defender,” Moturi said. “I know I have good separation and do a good job getting in and out of my breaks, but you can always get better.”

Moturi is an explosive wide receiver that many teams look at as a guy who could play in the slot and be a good receiver making yards after the catch. Moturi has the confidence that he can play at the next level but won’t get too caught up in everything come draft day.

“Being an under the radar guy you don’t know where you are going and you can’t control that,” said Moturi. “(On the draft week), I might go bowling.”

Whatever team Moturi goes to, they will have a good receiver that will work hard to prove he belongs.

UTEP safety Cromartie-Smith not shy of contact

UTEP safety Da'Mon Cromartie-Smith is a player who likes to be physical and hit you and would rather take on contact then avoid it.

“I like to be physical, I like to play in the box, and I don’t worry about taken on pulling offensive linemen,” said Cromartie-Smith. “I like to read the play and then attack it, kind of like safety Adrian Wilson (of the Arizona Cardinals).”

Cromartie-Smith as a junior was second on the team in tackles with 77, he also had 2 tackles for losses, 1 sack, and 2 interceptions. This past season he led the team with 108 total tackles and had 4 tackles for loss and 1 interception.

Even with a productive college career Cromartie-Smith knows he can get better.

“I have been training and working to be more flexible, being able to flip my hips and change directions better,” said Cromartie-Smith. “I also know I need to work on my balls skills to become a better all around player.”

Cromartie-Smith did something rare in these days of getting ready for Pro Days and the NFL Combine he trainer at UTEP by himself and had some great results at his Pro Day. He was 6-1 1/2, 206 ran the 40 yard dash is 4.46 seconds, the short shuttle in 4.47 seconds, and the three-cone drill in 7.24 seconds. He measured a 32-inch vertical jump, a 9-foot-9 inch broad jump and did 20 bench press repetitions at 225 pounds.

“I just trained at school, because I wanted to finish my degree, and that was important to me,” said Cromartie-Smith. “I did lift with a friend and mainly I wanted to work on the 40 yard dash and the bench press.”

Cromartie-Smith had some question marks going into the Texas vs. the Nation game if he could play at the next level but those questions where answered quickly.

“I wanted to see how I would do against higher level of competition, and at the Texas vs. the Nation game it gave me the ability to check that out,” said Cromartie-Smith. “After being there with all the guys I knew I could play at next level and it made me push myself even harder.”

Cromartie-Smith can play at the next level and will be a taken on contact rather then avoiding it.

Tim Knicky, outside linebacker here we come

Stephen F Austin defense end Tim Knicky is one of the small school diamond in the rough for the 2010 NFL Draft, that some fans might not know about but the NFL scout sure do. The scouts showed up for Knicky’s Pro Day where he was 6-4 252 pounds and ran the 40 yard dash in 4.63-to-4.67 seconds, the short shuttle in 4.12 seconds, the three cone drill in 6.91 seconds. He measured a 33.5 inch vertical jump, a 9-foot-8 inch broad jump and benched 225, 17 times.

“I am glade that the Pro Day stuff is over, and now I can get back to being a football player, not a track guy,” Knicky said.

Well Knicky did a great job and showed NFL scouts that he can de an outside linebacker in a 3-4 defense with his workout at his Pro Day.

“Most teams are looking me as a 3-4 outside linebacker, but there are some that think I can play 4-3 defensive end if I gain some weight,” said Knicky. “I didn’t drop a lot in college, but playing in the Texas vs. the Nation game help show scouts that I can drop in to coverage and move around.”

Knicky had a very productive college career and as a junior was an AP Third-Team All-America selection. He finished eighth in the nation in tackles for losses and fifth in the country in sacks. He had 74 total tackles, 20.5 tackles for loss and 12 sacks. This past season had 41 total tackles, 15 tackles for loss and 12.5 sacks.

Knicky isn’t worried about draft day and what will happen he is just looking forward to getting to work.

“I know if I worry about it, that isn’t going to get me drafted, or drafted any higher,” said Knicky. “If I get drafted or sign as a free-agent, I need to go in there and work and make my name then.”

With a number of teams moving to the 3-4 defense, Knicky pass rushing skills will be in high demand and has a few visit already set-up with NFL teams. Watch for Knicky come draft weekend to be draft to one of those teams that play a 3-4 defense.

Temple's Pro Day

Here are the Pro Day results for the guys who played in the Texas vs. the Nation game from Temple.

Temple LB Alex Joseph at his Pro Day measured in at 6000 238 ran the 40-yard dash in the 4.59 seconds. He measured a 33-inch vertical jump, a 9-foot-11 inch broad jump, and did 21 reps of 225.

Temple DT Andre Neblett at his Pro Day measured in at 6000 297 ran the 40-yard dash in the 4.96 seconds. He measured a 30.5-inch vertical jump, and did 33 reps of 225.

Temple TE Steve Maneri at his Pro Day measured in at 6071 264-pounds ran the 40 in 4.81 seconds, the short shuttle in 4.51 seconds. He measured a 28-inch vertical jump, and did 23 reps of 225.

NFLPA to Sponsor new College Football All-Star game.

The NFLPA will sponsor a new college football all-star game with the same organization that has put on the Pro Football Hall of Fame Texas vs. the Nation Game for the past four years, which is headed by President and CEO Kenny Hansmire.

The location and date have yet to be determined and the game is currently in negotiations with FOX Sports about a possible television contract. With the NFLPA being the headline sponsor of the game, you could expect to see retired NFL coaches and former NFL players being heavily involved.

The staff that has showcased the Texas vs. The Nation All-Star Game will be responsible for coordinating the event and roster selection, which includes John Murphy, who is currently the Director of Player Personnel for the Calgary Stampeders and has ties to the NFL Draft Bible.

There will be a selection committee announced in the spring that will be comprised of a small group of former NFL personnel, the interview process has already begun.

Be sure to check back for exclusive updates on this game as more information becomes available.

2010 NFL Combine: OL Overview

List of Offensive Linemen Invited to NFL Combine:
Offensive Tackles:
Zane Beadles, Utah
Ciron Black, LSU
Charles Brown, USC
Bryan Bulaga, Iowa
Kyle Calloway, Iowa
Bruce Campbell, Maryland
Selvish Capers, West Virginia
Anthony Davis, Rutgers
Chris Degeare, Wake Forest
Vladimir Ducasse, UMass
Jason Fox, Miami (FL)
John Jerry, Mississippi
Kyle Jolly, North Carolina
Matt Kopa, Stanford
Shawn Lauvao, Arizona State
Marshall Newhouse, TCU
Russell Okung, Oklahoma State
Cole Pemberton, Colorado State
Rodger Saffold, Indiana
Chris Scott, Tennessee
Mike Tepper, California
Adam Ulatoski, Texas
Jared Veldheer, Hillsdale
Ed Wang, Virginia Tech
Tony Washington, Abilene Christian
Thomas Welch, Vanderbilt
Trent Williams, Oklahoma
Sam Young, Notre Dame

Offensive Guards:
Jon Asamoah, Illinois
Dorian Brooks, James Madison
Brandon Carter, Texas Tech
Kurtis Gregory, Missouri
Joe Hawley, UNLV
Mike Iupati, Idaho
Mike Johnson, Alabama
Alex Parsons, USC
Mitch Petrus, Arkansas
Dac Richardson, Iowa
Shelley Smith, Colorado State

Centers:
Jeff Byers, USC
Erik Cook, New Mexico
Jake Hickman, Nebraska
Ted Larsen, North Carolina State
Eric Olsen, Notre Dame
Maurkice Pouncey, Florida
Matt Tennant, Boston College
J.D. Walton, Baylor

Juniors:
Bryan Bulaga, Iowa
Bruce Campbell, Maryland
Anthony Davis, Rutgers
Maurkice Pouncey, Florida

Played in Senior Bowl:
Zane Beadles, Utah
Ciron Black, LSU
Selvish Capers, West Virginia
Vladimir Ducasse, UMass
John Jerry, Mississippi
Shawn Lauvao, Arizona State
Thomas Welch, Vanderbilt
Sam Young, Notre Dame
Mike Iupati, Idaho
Mike Johnson, Alabama
Mitch Petrus, Arkansas
J.D. Walton, Baylor
Eric Olsen, Notre Dame
Ted Larsen, North Carolina State
Matt Tennant, Boston College

Played in East – West:
Kyle Calloway, Iowa
Chris Degeare, Wake Forest
Marshall Newhouse, TCU
Cole Pemberton, Colorado State
Rodger Saffold, Indiana
Chris Scott, Tennessee
Mike Tepper, California
Shelley Smith, Colorado State

Played in Texas vs. Nation:
Kyle Jolly, North Carolina
Jared Veldheer, Hillsdale
Joe Hawley, UNLV

Storylines:

Russell Okung – Can Okung hold on to the number one offensive tackle position?

Ciron Black - Can Black show the feet to play right tackle of will he have to move inside to guard.

Bryan Bulaga - How long with Bulaga arms be and if they are short will he have to move to right tackle.

Bruce Campbell - Campbell will look to push up the draft boards with a good NFL Combine.

Anthony Davis - Davis will look to answer questions about his athleticism and hopeful will show up in good shape.

Vladimir Ducasse - Ducasse had a rough Senior Bowl, can he rebound and have a good NFL Combine and help his draft grade?

Rodger Saffold - Can Saffold be the sleeper that surprises everyone at the NFL Combine?

Jared Veldheer - How high can this D2 player get drafted?

Trent Williams - Can Williams play left tackle or will he have to be a right tackle.

Sam Young - Will Young show the physical ability that made him one of the highly touted high school player?

Maurkice Pouncey - Can Pouncey show that he is worth a first round pick as a center?

2010 NFL Combine: WR Overview

List of Wide Receivers Invited to NFL Combine:
Seyi Ajirotutu, Fresno State
Danario Alexander, Missouri
Alric Arnett, West Virginia
Brandon Banks, Kansas State
Chris Bell, Norfork State
Arrelious Benn, Illinois
Nyan Boateng, California
Dezmon Briscoe, Kansas
Antonio Brown, Central Michigan
Dez Bryant, Oklahoma State
Chris Carter, Cal-Davis
Riley Cooper, Florida
Eric Decter, Minnesota
Marcus Easley, Connecticut
Jacob Ford, Clemson
David Gettis, Baylor
Mardy Gilyard, Cincinnati
Shay Hodge, Mississippi
Brandon James, Florida
Donald Jones, Youngstown
Kevin Jurovich, San Jose State
Brandon LaFell, LSU
Scott Long, Louisville
Chris McGaha, Arizona State
Kerry Meier, Kansas
Carlton Mitchell, South Florida
Preston Parker, North Alabama
Jared Perry, Missouri
David Reed, Utah
Andre Roberts, Citadel
Emmanuel Sanders, SMU
Jordan Shipley, Texas
Golden Tate, Notre Dame
DeMaryius Thomas, Georgia Tech
Verran Tucker, California
Chastin West, Fresno State
Blair White, Michigan State
Damian Williams, USC
Jeremy Williams, Tulane
Kyle Williams, Arizona State
Mike Williams, Syracuse
Stephen Williams, Toledo
Ryan Wolfe, UNLV

Juniors:
Chris Bell, Norfork State
Arrelious Benn, Illinois
Dezmon Briscoe, Kansas
Antonio Brown, Central Michigan
Dez Bryant, Oklahoma State
Carlton Mitchell, South Florida
Golden Tate, Notre Dame
DeMaryius Thomas, Georgia Tech
Damian Williams, USC
Mike Williams, Syracuse

Played in Senior Bowl:
Danario Alexander, Missouri
Riley Cooper, Florida
Jacob Ford, Clemson
Mardy Gilyard, Cincinnati
Shay Hodge, Mississippi
Donald Jones, Youngstown
Jeremy Williams, Tulane

Played in East – West:
Seyi Ajirotutu, Fresno State
Alric Arnett, West Virginia
Kerry Meier, Kansas
David Reed, Utah
Emmanuel Sanders, SMU
Verran Tucker, California
Blair White, Michigan State

Played in Texas vs. Nation:
Marcus Easley, Connecticut
David Gettis, Baylor
Donald Jones, Youngstown
Kevin Jurovich, San Jose State
Scott Long, Louisville
Preston Parker, North Alabama
Jared Perry, Missouri
Kyle Williams, Arizona State
Stephen Williams, Toledo

Surprising guys left off:
Taylor Price, Ohio
Freddie Barnes, Bowling Green
Joe Webb, UAB
Juamorris Stewart, Southern

Story Lines:
Arrelious Benn – Can Benn still be a first round pick with the type of junior season he had?

Dez Bryant – Will Bryant be a top ten pick?

Riley Cooper – Cooper dropped some balls at the Senior Bowl he should have caught, needs to do a better job in the drills at the NFL Combine.

Eric Decter – Will Decter be healthy enough to run with his foot injury?

Jacob Ford – Might be the fast 40 time for a wide receiver in a long time.
Mardy Gilyard – After a great week of practice at the Senior Bowl and outstanding game can he keep the momentum up?

Kevin Jurovich – Jurovich missed most of the Texas vs. the Nation practices and the game because of turf toe, something to watch at the NFL Combine.

Jared Perry – Perry flashed some ability at the Texas vs. the Nation game and needs to keep it up.

Golden Tate – Tate 40 yard dash and height are some big question marks that he can answer at the NFL Combine.

DeMaryius Thomas – A good 40 yard dash can help his stock go a long way as people are questioning his speed.

Chastin West – West was schedule to play in the Texas vs. the Nation game, but pulled out at the last minute because of a hamstring injury, how healthy is he for the NFL Combine?

Blair White – White has gone from a walk-on to a top notch NFL prospect.

Mike Williams – Williams has had off the field issues, so the interviews with NFL personal with be huge.

Texas vs the Nation: Defensive News and Notes

DE George Johnson, Rutgers: Johnson has shown good speed and quickness and has shown the ability to rush the passer.

LB/DE Adrian Tracy, William & Mary: Tracy has shown the ability to rush the passer and drop and flip his hips and should be a good 3-4 outside linebacker at the next level.

LB/DE Arthur Moats, James Madison: Moats is a little short and doesn’t have the longest arms but has shown some flashes so far this week in his pass rushing skills.

DT Tommie Duhart, Pittsburgh/ Valdosta State: Duhart has shown quickness off the snap and been able to penetrate, but needs to get in better shape.

DT Andre Neblett, Temple: Neblett has been able to use his bull rush to get inside of the offensive guards and over power them, but needs to work on leverage and staying low.

DE E.J. Wilson, North Carolina: Wilson has shown good pass rushing ability and works hard against the run.

DE Junior Galette, Stillman: Galette is nice coming off the edge with his speed rush, but doesn’t have a counter move and lacks great size against the run.

LB Simoni Lawrence, Minnesota: Lawrence has shown some nice speed and quickness and well as playmaking ability.

S Kendrick Lewis, Mississippi: Lewis has been the best safety here showing good coverage ability.

Texas vs. the Nation: Offensive news and notes

Overall Quarterbacks: This group of six quarterbacks is better then group at the East-West Shrine game and is close to the Senior Bowl

QB Jonathan Crompton, Tennessee: He has shown a live arm and the ability to make all the NFL throws, he has had a nice week of pratice so far, and has impressed the scouts.

QB Tim Hiller, Western Michigan: Hiller had a rough first few practices but has scouts still believing that he could be the first quarterback draft out of this group.

QB Ryan Perrilloux, Jacksonville State: Perrilloux has had excellent practices and has shown his ability to throw the football and make plays with his feet. The coaching staff has been impressed with his ability.

RB Curtis Steele, Memphis: Steele has shown speed and elusivness to make plays in the open field and has done a good job catching the football.

RB Alfonso Smith, Kentucky: Smith has shown the ability run downfield and be a physical and shown some speed and quickness.

RB Trindon Holliday, LSU: Holliday has dropped some passes he should have caught in the first few days but we he gets his hands on the ball he is an explosive.

WR Jeff Moturi, UTEP: Moturi in the first day of practice was one of the best receivers on the Texas side and then slide back to the pack. But he is someone that wasn’t expected much out of.

WR Scott Long, Louisville: Long has shown the ability to run good routes and catch the football with his hands.

WR Juamorris Stewart, Southern: Stewart showed good hands snatching the ball out of the air and having the ability to get off press coverage.

WR David Nelson, Florida: Nelson has done a nice job even with being a late add to the game. He has caught the ball well and has nice size.

TE Clay Harbor, Missouri State: Harbor has been the best tight end by far this week with good hands and being able to block, he has run the ball from the full back spot and few times and done a good job in that area.

OT Jared Veldheer, Hillsdale (MI): Even being a Division 2 player, Veldheer might be the best offensive line on either team. He is big, strong, and has good feet.

OT J’Marcus Webb, West Texas A&M: Webb is a big athletic player with long arms and good feet and could possible be a very good left tackle in the NFL.

C Eddie Adamski, Northern Illinois: Adamski has been one of the better interior linemen down in El Paso, he is strong and won’t be bull rushed and uses his hands well.

Texas vs the Nation Roster Update

Players the Texas vs. Nation lost to the Senior Bowl
RB Roy Upchurch, Alabama
LB Justin Cole, San Jose State
FB Cory Jackson, Maryland
OL Thomas Welch, Vanderbilt
DE Austen Lane, Murray State
LB Phillip Dillard, Nebraska
DE Alex Carrington, Arkansas State

Players the Texas vs. the Nation lost to injury
LB Keenan Clayton, Oklahoma
DE Jammie Kirlew, Indiana
DT DeMarcus Granger, Oklahoma

New Players
LB Patrick Traham, Mississippi
DE Will Tukuafu, Oregon
RB Trindon Holliday, LSU
DT Sean Lissemore, William & Mary
LB Tim Knicky, Stephen F Austin
FB Mike Rinfrette, Wake Forest
OT Jermail McCueller North Carolina State
DE Brandon Gilbeaux, Delaware
LB Alex Joseph, Temple
CB Quintez Smith, Shaw

Texas vs. the Nation Alumni of the Week

This weeks Texas vs. the Nation Alumni of the week is wide receiver Pierre Garcon of the Indianapolis Colts, Garcon caught 5 passes for 63 yards and one touchdown in a win against the Houston Texans to help the Colts remain unbeaten for the season pushing their record to 11-0 this season, and with that win they won the 2009 AFC South division. The Colts where down 17-0, until Garcon pulled in a great catch from quarterback Peyton Manning to start the come back for the Colts. This season Garcon has 37 catches for 574 yards and four touchdowns and has caught at least one pass in every game this season for the Colts.


Check out the new website at http://www.texasvsthenation.com/

2010 Texas vs the Nation initial list of players

Here is the initial list of players for the 2010 Texas vs the Nation All-Star game. A number of these players will be drafted in the 2010 NFL Draft.


QB Tim Hiller, Western Michigan
RB Joique Bell, Wayne State (MI)
RB Deji Karim, Southern Illinois
FB Cory Jackson, Maryland
WR Taylor Price, Ohio
WR Jared Perry, Missouri
WR Juamorris Stewart, Southern
WR Stephen Williams, Toledo
TE Gerald Harris, Mississippi
OG Brandon Carter, Texas Tech
OT Marlon Winn, Texas Tech
OT Selvish Capers, West Virginia
OT Jared Veldheer, Hillsdale (MI)
DE Austen Lane, Murray State
DE Jammie Kirlew, Indiana
DE Hall Davis, UL-Lafayette
DE Danny Batten, South Dakota State
DT Travis Ivey, Maryland
LB Justin Cole, San Jose State
LB Carl Ihenacho, San Jose State
CB Patrick Stoudamire, Western Illinois
CB Akwasi Owusu-Ansah, Indiana (PA)
S Damon Cromartie-Smith, UTEP
S Lucien Antoine Oklahoma State

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