2013 NFL Draft: Tyrann Mathieu and the Best FCS Players to Watch in 2012

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With the recent news of Tyrann Mathieu's dismissal from the LSU Tigers, it looks as though another talented FBS player will be transferring to the FCS level.

While it's easy to track big-time players in college like Matt Barkley, keeping an eye on the FCS level is a bit harder to do.

Look for these next few players to light it up in the FCS and make a strong case as NFL prospects for the 2013 draft.

CB Greg Reid, Valdosta State

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Once a star at Florida State University, Greg Reid's offseason has taken an interesting turn for the worse, and he'll now play next season at Valdosta State.

Reid is still a top-notch defensive back who'd have been great no matter where he played in 2012, but transferring to VSU should help this player dominate for a year.

He's very undersized at 5'8", 186 pounds, but he's an elite cover man and will help his new team by bringing ACC experience and an amazing skill set.

RB Isaiah Crowell, Alabama State

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While he may not be a prospect for the 2013 NFL Draft, Isaiah Crowell is a good running back who could find a place in the NFL in a few years.

Crowell had issues with guns and violence at Georgia, so the rusher's new start in the FCS could bode well for all parties involved.

Look for this player to dominate the lower level of competition after he rushed 185 times for 850 yards and five touchdowns as an SEC running back in 2011.

S Ray-Ray Armstrong, Undecided

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Ray-Ray Armstrong was an Al Golden casualty at Miami after the safety was alleged to have received benefits from booster Nevin Shapiro, among other violations of team policy.

Armstrong hasn't yet picked a school to transfer to, but he'll catch on somewhere at the FCS level and make waves as a star player.

There are no real behavioral issues here (beyond minor issues with Twitter and the like), so look for Armstrong to check out well with NFL scouts and find a way into the first two rounds.

CB Tyrann Mathieu, Undecided

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Tyrann Mathieu, who was dismissed from the LSU Tigers on Friday, allegedly failed three drug tests and will likely be transferring to the FCS level.

I like Mathieu's playmaking ability and his versatility, but this latest news break almost assures that the corner will fall out of the first round.

Wherever he goes in the FCS, look for him to have a Janoris Jenkins-like path to the draft.

RB Michael Dyer, Undecided

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Already dismissed from Auburn and now dismissed from Arkansas State, it's anyone's guess what running back Michael Dyer will do for the 2012 football season.

Dyer's best bet is to transfer down to the FCS level and dominate the competition for a year, solidifying his stock as a mid-round rusher.

This player has had a few run-ins with the law, and he needs to better focus on football if he wants to have success in the pros.

OT Mark Jackson, Glenville State

The only non-FBS transfer on this list, Mark Jackson is a mammoth tackle from Glenville State who should get a look in the middle rounds.

A hefty 330-pound man on a 6'5" frame, Jackson may have to shed a few pounds to keep up with the lateral agility of NFL defensive ends.

Either way, though, this tackle checks out off the field and will be an interesting prospect come April.

 

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