2011 Bowl Predictions: Players Who Will Improve Draft Status with Huge Games

As college football's bowl season heads into its finest hour, NFL draft prospects playing for big-time programs are feeling the pressure to provide scouts with a lasting memory of their talent.

The 2012 NFL Draft will take place on April 26, and bowl season marks the last audition for seniors and early entries alike. 

Stanford's Andrew Luck is one player who's stock is certain. As one of the most anticipated draft picks in recent memory, Luck is a lock to go No. 1 overall to whichever team is waiting there for him. 

But for other players, who have been doubted or yet to be bought into, the prime-time stage of bowl season is a chance to boost draft stock, climb big boards and make some noise with a huge performance.

Join Bleacher Report as we take a look at seven 2012 draft prospects that will rise with their performances this winter.

Andre Branch, Clemson, DE

Andre Branch and the ACC champion Clemson Tigers will play the Big East champion West Virginia Mountaineers in the Discover Orange Bowl on Jan. 4. 

The 6'4" senior took over against Virginia Tech back in early October, helping the Tigers upset the Hokies on the road with 11 tackles and a ridiculous four sacks. 

Branch finished 2011 with 10.5 sacks total and 14 tackles for a loss. Scouts love his motor and versatility against the pass and run. 

As Clemson's best defender, Branch will be the star for the defense on Wednesday night, leading the Tigers to an Orange Bowl victory while sliding up draft boards everywhere.

Trent Richardson, Alabama, RB

NFL teams are always hesitant to take running backs early, but that's all about to change when Trent Richardson proves his skill and toughness on Jan. 9 against undefeated LSU in the BCS National Championship Game.

Richardson is the lone superstar on Alabama's offense, and he'll be called upon to carry the Crimson Tide again next Monday night like he has all season.

Richardson had an underrated outing against the No. 1-ranked Tigers the first time around, rushing for 89 yards on 23 carries while catching five balls out of the backfield for another 80 yards.

No. 3 will find the end zone in New Orleans against a dominant and stout defense in LSU, which is ranked second behind Bama's, and he'll no doubt be a top-three pick next April.

Alshon Jeffery, South Carolina, WR

South Carolina's Alshon Jeffery is the team's leading receiver and a future first-round pick in the 2012 NFL Draft.

Jeffery and the Gamecocks will take on the Nebraska Cornhuskers in the Capital One Bowl on Jan. 2 in Orlando, and expect to hear No. 1's name called a few times. 

The loss of a solid quarterback under center has hurt Jeffery's production this season, he has just 45 catches after reeling in 88 a season ago as a sophomore.

That being said, Jeffery is in a way a lock to break out against Nebraska. He provides a big target for quarterback Connor Shaw and averages more than 13 yards per catch this season.

Jeffery is a consistent receiver who can bring in any ball thrown his way, which is critical at the next level.

Cordy Glenn, Georgia, OL

Versatile offensive lineman Cordy Glenn of the Georgia Bulldogs will get another shot to wow scouts against the Michigan State Spartans in the Outback Bowl on Jan. 2.

The Spartans boast one of the better defensive lines in college football, and Glenn will have to be a shining big up front if Georgia is going to be successful.

At 6'5", 348 pounds, Glenn can play either tackle or guard, which makes him a coveted piece at the next level. A prospect who can adapt is twice as valuable to an NFL franchise.

Courtney Upshaw, Alabama, LB

Another dominant SEC prospect from Alabama, Crimson Tide linebacker Courtney Upshaw has the size, motor and leadership to translate to the NFL.

Upshaw had six tackles and a sack in the last meeting with LSU, so he'll be more than ready to play against the Tigers the second time around. 

The senior has been rising consistently, week after week all season, so the BCS Championship Game should provide another stage for him to display his fundamentals and superb understanding for the position. 

Jonathan Martin, Stanford, OT

Jonathan Martin and the Stanford Cardinal will be in Glendale, Arizona on Monday night to take on the Oklahoma State Cowboys in what is sure to be a high-scoring Tostitos Fiesta Bowl.

Martin is a large reason why Andrew Luck has been so successful for the Cardinal over the years, and will prove it on Jan. 2 when he likely protects the highly-touted quarterback's blindside for the final time.

At 6'6", 304 pounds Martin is super athletic for a tackle, and that makes him a rare prospect. Another efficient outing in a bowl game will have Martin rising with Luck. 

Devon Still, Penn State, DT

A 6'5", 305-pound senior, Penn State's Devon Still is poised to wreak havoc on Houston's high-powered offense on Jan. 2 in the TicketCity Bowl in Dallas. 

Still has 10.5 career sacks to his name, and accumulated nearly 50 tackles this season while plugging run gaps and disrupting pass plays consistently. 

Still missed the Nittany Lions' 17-14 loss to Nebraska in November, a game in which the Cornhuskers rushed for 188 yards. 

With Still in the lineup on Monday against the Cougars, Penn State will get pressure on Case Keenum while building a wall up front. 

Still's dominant performance and physicality on the D-line will lead the way.