Miami Hurricanes Send Nine To the NFL Combine, but Where Will They Get Drafted?
As you all know, the NFL Combine is a testing camp for possible NFL prospects. It goes from February 23rd to March 1st, in Indianapolis, IN.
The selections have been made and there are nine Hurricanes that have been invited to participate.
Many of them will be taken, but will all of them?
Here is a breakdown of where I believe these nine players will go, if at all.
Note: Miami has their Pro Day, where scouts can watch all Hurricane players perform certain workouts. This is especially nice for those who maybe didn't perform well at the Combine, or didn't get invited to the Combine. It is scheduled for March 10th at Greenfield Practice Fields.
Sources: Miami Career Stats- http://hurricanesports.cstv.com/sports/m-footbl/mifl-m-footbl-body.html
#9 DeMarcus Van Dyke, CB
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Van Dyke, or DVD as his peers call him, is a raw talent. He definitely has the speed to show off during the upcoming combine.
The problem to me is he wasn't very good at Miami, similar to Sam Shields, and we know what he did.
So I can see DVD being the same type of player Shields was, great speed with a good upside. With the right coaching, there is a possibility we will see him as an NFL corner.
My Prediction: With the emergence of Shields in Green Bay, I believe someone might take a gamble on DVD, but he is not as fast as Shields, so I do not see him getting drafted.
Miami Career Stats and Notes:
80 tackles, including three for losses
10 Pass Break Ups
3 Interceptions
#8 Matt Bosher, K
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Matt Bosher was one of my favorite players at Miami the last four years. He had more heart then a lot of the Hurricanes and it showed every time he made a game changing tackle.
He originally started Miami as a punter after his red-shirt freshman season averaging 41 yards a punt on 58 tries (also started placekicking late in the season).
His Sophomore through Senior season he was Miamis kicker and punter and was continuously being put on the Lou Groza list for best kicker.
Ended up at Miami averaging just under 42 yards per punt after a successfull 44 yards per punt season.
My Prediction: I honestly believe Bosher will be a punter or even kicker somewhere in the NFL. He has a very strong leg and can really punt the ball. It all depends on how his combine turns out, which will land him un-drafted or taken in the sixth or seventh round.
Miami Career Stats and Notes:
Played in 50 games in his career (2007-10), tied for the third-most in school history and only two less than all-time leader Brandon Meriweather (2002-06)
Holds school record for most consecutive field goals made (14 - 2009-10)
Closed out his career ranked second in school history in consecutive point after touchdowns made (105), tied for fifth in field goals made (45), seventh in point after touchdowns made (127) and seventh in total points scored (260) and points scored kicking (260)
Successfully made 84.9 percent of his career field goal attempts (45-of-53)
In his career, was 2-for-2 from 10-19 yards, 17-for-18 from 20-29 yards, 17-for-20 from 30-39 yards, 5-for-8 from 40-49 yards and 4-for-5 from 50+ yards.
Averaged 41.7 yards per punt in his career, landing 70 of his 234 punts inside the 20-yard line ... Averaged over 40 yards per punt all four years as the Hurricanes' punter
Made a career-long 52-yard field goal vs. Wake Forest in 2008
Made a career-high three field goals on four occasions, most recently against Clemson in 2009
Successfully made 97.7 percent of his career extra point attempts (127-for-130)
#7 Graig Cooper, RB
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Graig Cooper was going to be a legend at Miami. After a tremendous freshman season, there was no way that he wasn't heading for stardom.
The problem with the Hurricanes was the team just didn't give him the opportunities he should have gotten, not to mention the multiple injuries he faced during his four years at Miami.
The great upside to Cooper is his heart and willingness to play the game. He showed many glimpses this year when he came in late in the season and showed signs of what we remembered him as back when he was a freshman.
My Prediction: Cooper dazzles in the combine, and even though he has had his fair share of injuries, someone picks him up in the fifth or sixth round.
Miami Career Stats and Notes:
465 rushes for 2,383 yards and 13 touchdowns
Averaged 5.1 yards per carry
Third in program history in career all-purpose yardage (3,864), trailing only Santana Moss (4,394) and Ottis Anderson (4,265)
Ranks fifth in UM history in career rushing yards (2,387)
Scored 17 touchdowns in his career (13 - rushing, 3 - receiving, 1 - punt return)
.jpg?w=256 "Ohio State Team Doctor")
#6 Damien Berry, RB
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Berry had started out his career as just a Special Teams player, but in his Sophomore year he moved to the scout offense and was voted Offensive Scout Team Player of the Year.
In his Junior year he started to get some touches as the coaches realized that he was much more then a special teams player. He was removed from special teams and found a spot as a back up running back.
In Berry's Senior year, he was the starting running back as Cooper was injured all year long. He not only filled in nicely, but excelled as the starter, rushing for almost 900 yards.
My Prediction: Berry is a very hard runner and surprisingly quick, a lot like NFL superstar Frank Gore. I can see Berry having a very good Combine and getting drafted in the fifth round.
Miami Career Stats and Notes:
Finished career with 1,515 total yards on 283 attempts
One of just four UM players since 1975 to rush for 100 yards in four straight games
The other three players to accomplish the feat at Miami since 1975 are Willis McGahee, Edgerrin James and Clinton Portis
Played in 44 contests, starting 10 (all at running back)
Began career on special teams before transitioning to running back his junior campaign
Recorded career-high 25 rushing attempts at Duke in 2010.
Had career-best single-game effort against FAMU in 2009 with 162 yards.
Earned Second-team All-ACC honors as a senior.
#5 Colin McCarthy, LB
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McCarthy is a one man tackling machine for the last four years at Miami.
He reminds people a lot of Dan Morgan and even D.J Williams, who both play in the NFL. Scouts love his size and his motor, only questioning his multiple injuries and lack of NFL-type athleticism.
My Prediction: Many have him listed as a Special teams player, but after the Senior bowl, there is no doubt in my mind that he will get drafter and even higher then expected. I believe he will wow at the Combine, and with the Senior Bowl highlights, he goes in the third or fourth round.
Miami Career Stats and Notes:
Started 35 games for the Hurricanes at strongside linebacker before moving to middle linebacker during senior season..
Played in 49 games in his career (2006-2010), tied for the sixth-most in school history and only three less than all-time leader Brandon Meriweather (2002-06)
Finished his career with 308 tackles, including 165 solo stops
Registered 34 tackles for loss for 118 yards during his career
Two-time All-ACC honoree
#4 Orlando Franklin, OT
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At 6'7", 312 pounds, the potential for Franklin is unlimited.
He has a great frame and is surprisingly nimble for his size.
The only problem I have seen with Franklin is his lack of strength, as I've seen him get bull rushed more then once his senior year.
The upside to Franklin is that he has 51 career games in which he logged in some playing time, without significant injuries.
My Prediction: He is currently listed on many Mock Draft boards as a second round draft pick. I honestly believe that Franklin will not do as well as many think in the Combine and ends up going in the third round.
Miami Career Stats and Notes:
Played in 51 games and bolstered the 2010 `Canes starting experience, having made 39 starts from 2007-2010...
Two-time All-ACC honoree
Two-time ACC Offensive Lineman of the Week honoree
Garnered Rookie of the Year honors in 2007
Voted as the UMiami Sports Hall of Fame Unsung Hero in 2010
Helped Miami offense rack up second-(2010) and fourth-most (2009) yards in school history.
#3 Leonard Hankerson, WR
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There really isn't much more to say that hasn't already been said about the senior season that Hankerson had.
Honestly, if it weren't for Leonard, Miami might have not made it to a bowl game.
Just four years ago when he came to the Hurricane's squad and got some playing time, he couldn't even catch a 6 yard dump pass. I was horrified every time he set foot on the field.
There was even a point during his Sophomore year, where I was calling for him to be kicked off the team, he was that bad.
Then a funny thing happened, he met Mark Duper. During the off season Duper transformed a player who couldn't catch a cold into one of the best receiver's Miami has ever had.
During his Junior year, you could instantly see his improvement. By the end of the season, after 800 yards receiving, you knew this kid was something special.
Then just last year Hankerson turned into of the best receivers in college football, topping off an amazing season with the Offensive MVP award for the Red Team in the Senior Bowl.
My Prediction: Although his speed and quickness aren't the best, his route running skills and size will make him a second round draft pick, as long as continues to show his amazing hands at the combine.
Miami Career Stats and Notes:
Became just the third player in program history to record a 1,000-yard receiving season and the first to have 2,000 yards for a career and 1,000 in a season
His 22 receiving touchdowns rank third all-time at Miami behind Michael Irvin (26) and Lamar Thomas (23)
One of only three players in school history with back-to-back 800-yard receiving seasons (Irvin, Andre Johnson)
Caught a pass in 26 straight games dating back to Sept. 7, 2009
Played in 41 games over his career (2007-2010)
Earned First-Team All-ACC honors as a senior
Wrapped up his career with 2,160 receiving yards on 134 receptions
Named team most valuable player in final season
#2 Brandon Harris, CB
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Harris has been a super star for the Hurricanes for the last 3 years.
After his amazing Sophomore year, there was no denying he was the best cornerback Miami had in awhile.
Last year, Harris continued showing his skills, as opposing teams continuously avoided his side of the field.
My Prediction: The only reason Harris is second on my list is his late decision to leave for the NFL. He missed all of the All-Star games and hasn't seen any type of action on the field since the loss to Notre Dame on January 1st.
He must have a solid combine in order to be considered a first or second round draft pick. He has the skills to be a first rounder, and would have been a lock there had he stayed just one more year.
He has been working hard on his speed since he declared for the NFL and I believe he shows up during the combine. I have him going in the second round.
Miami Career Stats and Notes:
Named a semifinalist for the Jim Thorpe Award (nation's top defensive back) twice in his career (2009; 2010)
Played in 39 games and started 32 in his three seasons at Miami, recording 132 tackles, nine tackles for loss, four interceptions, five forced fumbles, two sacks and 28 pass break-ups in his career
Recorded a career-best nine tackles in a win at rival Florida State in the 2009 season-opener
Tallied a career-high six solo tackles twice (at Wake Forest in 2009; at Ohio State in 2010)
Used as a kick-returner early in his career, returning 13 kicks as a freshman and two as a sophomore for a career average of 24.5 yards per return
Ranked among the nation's elite and led the ACC in passes defended as a sophomore
Recorded 30 tackles as a freshman, 58 as a sophomore and 44 as a junior
#1 Allen Bailey, DE
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I know some of you think im crazy for putting Bailey above Harris in my predictions, but Bailey is an absolute monster.
Considering the combine really is just a showcase of athleticism, there will be scouts in awe over the size, speed, and strength of this man-beast.
Bailey has been an unbelievable defensive end for the Hurricanes; forcing other teams to play him with double teams.
My Prediction: Although he struggled in the Senior Bowl, there is no way he disappoints at the combine. I believe scouts will give him a high ranking. If he truly does work on his footwork as promised, there is no way teams are going to pass on this physically freaky player.
I believe someone takes the risk and he goes late first round or early second. He is Miami's only chance at a first round draft pick.
Miami Career Stats and Notes:
Played in 50 games in his career (2007-10), tied for the third-most in school history and only two less than all-time leader Brandon Meriweather (2002-06)
Named All-ACC twice in his career, earning first team honors as a junior and second team honors as a senior
Started 27 games in his career (4 in 2008; 10 in 2009; 13 in 2010)
Wrapped up his career with 103 total tackles (55 UA, 39 A)
Recorded 12 sacks for a loss of 112 yards in his career
Tallied 31 tackles behind the line (9 in 2008; 11 in 2009 and 2010) for a total loss of 183 yards
Named the team's Strength Training Athlete of the Year his junior and senior seasons
Recorded 18 quarterback hurries in his career, including 14 his sophomore season in 2008
Forced two fumbles in his career (both came his junior year)
Recorded a career-high 3.5 sacks against North Carolina on Oct. 23, 2010 and finished the game with a career-high tying six total tackles.
.jpg?w=480 "Ohio State Team Doctor")
