North Carolina-Florida State Preview

(Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)

In Week Eight of our Thursday night primer, the National Football Post highlights some of the keys to tonight’s Florida State-North Carolina game, including top players and matchups that NFL scouts will be watching.

Prospects to Keep an Eye On

Florida State

Christian Ponder: No. 7, QB, 6'3", 218
Looks like one of the nation’s top junior signal-callers. He’s a smart kid who’s decisive with the football and showcases the accuracy and timing to make all the throws. I really like him a lot and think he’s going to continue to get better.

AP—Florida State OG Rodney Hudson

Rodney Hudson: No. 62, OG, 6'2", 290
A natural bender who plays leverage and possesses the fluidly to mirror in space. However, he will definitely have his hands full with North Carolina’s talented group of defensive tackles.

Dekoda Watson: No. 36, OLB, 6'2", 226
Exhibits good closing speed and range in pursuit, but his lack of size and overall power really show up when he’s asked to take on any kind of block. Is extremely scheme-limited at the next level.

Patrick Robinson: No. 21, CB, 5'11", 194
Physically, the kid has it all, but he lacks ideal awareness in man coverage and struggles to play with his back to the ball.

Others worth watching :
Richard Goodman: No. 9, WR, 6'0", 191
Ryan McMahon: 60, C, 6'3", 285
Kendall Smith: No. 29, ILB, 6'1", 226
Markus White: No. 98, DE, 6'4", 261
Jamie Robinson: No. 20, FS, 6'2", 190

North Carolina

AP—North Carolina DT Marvin Austin

Marvin Austin: No. 9, DT, 6'3", 305
Possesses an impressive physical skill set, but it’s his improved technique and hand placement that have allowed him to take his game to another level this season.

Cam Thomas: No. 93, DT, 6'3", 328
A massive interior lineman who’s difficult to move off the ball and has the potential to anchor a defense at the next level. However, he needs to learn to play with a more consistent pad level.

Aleric Mullins: No. 97, DT, 6'3", 296
He was actually my favorite of the Tar Heels defensive tackles based on last year’s game tape. Showcases a good initial burst off the snap and uses his length and hands well to slip blocks inside.

Bruce Carter: No. 54, OLB, 6'3", 225
Was one of the most impressive outside linebackers I watched on tape last summer and has the makings of an impact starter at the next level. Is on the verge of cracking the NFP’s Super 30.

AP—North Carolina OLB Bruce Carter

Quan Sturdivant: No. 52, ILB, 6'2", 232
A gifted athlete who looks natural redirecting in the open field and closing on the ball. It will be interesting to see how much he’s developed mentally from last season because the tools are all there.

Deunta Williams: No. 27, FS, 6'2", 205
A gifted size/speed athlete who showcases great range and always seems to be around the ball. Is another Tar Heels defender who looks like a potential starting-caliber player at the next level.

Others worth watching:
Kyle Jolly: No. 72, OT, 6'6", 312
Kendric Burney: No. 16, CB, 5'9", 182
E.J. Wilson: No. 92, DE, 6'2", 280

Man Crush

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