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COLUMBUS, OH - SEPTEMBER 20: Jerrel Jernigan #3 of the Troy Trojans gets loose for a second quarter touchdown against the Ohio State Buckeyes on September 20, 2008 at Ohio Stadium in Columbus, Ohio.  (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images)
COLUMBUS, OH - SEPTEMBER 20: Jerrel Jernigan #3 of the Troy Trojans gets loose for a second quarter touchdown against the Ohio State Buckeyes on September 20, 2008 at Ohio Stadium in Columbus, Ohio. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images)Gregory Shamus/Getty Images

NFL Draft 2011: Top 10 Small School Prospects

Mike FosterJun 3, 2018

If you look at the top prospect lists on most major NFL Draft previews, the top 20 players all come from SEC schools, or the like.

But every year in the NFL, smaller schools put out players who turn out to be household names by October.

So who's primed to be that guy this year?

Here's 10 smaller school prospects who have it made.

Muhammad Wilkerson, Defensive Tackle

1 of 10

School: Temple

Specs: 6'4", 315 pounds

Wilkerson is a two-sport star who excelled at basketball as well during his high school days.

He started right away at Temple, having two great seasons.

He moves very well for a man of his size and is a proven heady athlete.

Jerrel Jernigan, Wide Receiver

2 of 10
NEW ORLEANS, LA - DECEMBER 18:  Jerrel Jernigan #3 of the Troy University Trojans scores a touchdown over Donovan Fletcher #29 of the Ohio University Bobcats during the R&L Carriers New Orleans Bowl at the Louisiana Superdome on December 18, 2010 in New O
NEW ORLEANS, LA - DECEMBER 18: Jerrel Jernigan #3 of the Troy University Trojans scores a touchdown over Donovan Fletcher #29 of the Ohio University Bobcats during the R&L Carriers New Orleans Bowl at the Louisiana Superdome on December 18, 2010 in New O

School: Troy State

Specs: 5'9", 185 pounds

Jernigan was a star receiver and offensive specialist who was the driving force of the Troy Trojans offense. 

He's surprisingly physical and is a run after the catch player who thrives off being "that little guy".

He broke just about every Sun Belt offensive record imaginable and played four strong years for the Trojans.

Troy is known for putting out NFL talent, and they will definitely be putting out a winner again this year.

Davon House, Cornerback

3 of 10

School: New Mexico State

Specs: 6'1", 200 pounds

House is a tall defensive back with great speed and cover skills.

He's been compared to former Boise State cornerback Kyle Wilson by just about everyone possible.

House checked out well during workouts and has tons of experience under his belt as a senior who played four seasons with the Aggies.

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Banjamin Ijalana, Guard

4 of 10

School: Villanova

Specs: 6'4", 317 pounds

Don't worry about pronouncing this man's name.

Just know the big man from 'Nova can play some football.

The outgoing senior was part of a FCS National Championship team and looks just about as primed and talented as the other offensive guard prospects in this draft.

Kenrick Ellis, Defensive Tackle

5 of 10

School: Hampton

Specs: 6'5", 346 pounds

This guy just looks the part.

He originally redshirted at South Carolina but transferred to Hampton after off field issues.

He had 94 tackles as a senior and two sacks.

Chris Carter, Linebacker

6 of 10

School: Fresno State

Specs: 6'1", 248 pounds

Anytime I find a picture of a guy inviting contact with a club for a hand, I'm all in.

Carter is an explosive tackler who reeks of athleticism.

He will definitely need to fit himself into a 3-4 scheme, but with the popularity of the 3-4 going up these days, I'm sure Carter will find a home in the NFL.

Jordan Todman, Running Back

7 of 10
EAST HARTFORD, CT - NOVEMBER 27:  Jordan Todman #23 of the Connecticut Huskies carries the in the first quarter against the Cincinnati Bearcats on November 27, 2010 at Rentschler Field in East Hartford, Connecticut.  (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images)
EAST HARTFORD, CT - NOVEMBER 27: Jordan Todman #23 of the Connecticut Huskies carries the in the first quarter against the Cincinnati Bearcats on November 27, 2010 at Rentschler Field in East Hartford, Connecticut. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images)

School: Connecticut

Specs: 5'9", 203 pounds

Okay, so maybe Connecticut isn't a "small" school, considering they just played in the Fiesta Bowl.

But let's get real.

UConn hasn't even been an FBS member that long, and their program doesn't recruit like the powerhouses do.

Putting out a talent like running back Jordan Todman is rare. Todman might be considered one of the best tailbacks in the draft.

Edmond Gates, Wide Receiver

8 of 10

School: Abilene Christian

Specs: 6'0", 192 pounds

Don't let the school name fool you.

This guy has what it takes to play at the next level.

He's a good sized receiver with blazing speed, clocking a 4.31 40-yard dash time.

Will Rackley, Guard

9 of 10

School: Lehigh

Specs: 6'3", 309 pounds

Rackley was a three time All-Patriot League selection, proving he's a consistent contributor.

His size checks out, and his bench press is fantastic.

Rackley is considered to be a third round pick.

Buster Skrine, Cornerback

10 of 10

School: Chattanooga

Specs: 5'10", 186 pounds

Buster Skrine, aside from having an equally awesome name as the rest of the cornerbacks in this year's draft, has NFL potential, despite being small.

He ran an impressive 4.37 in the NFL Scouting Combine and was an All-SoCon first teamer in his final year.

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