Boatload of Local Talent Named in Senior Bowl Watch List
by Ayo Fapohunda
Posted August 27, 2013 11:01 am
2013 Senior Bowl, Aaron Donald, Dayonne Nunley, Devin Street, Dorian Bell, Gianni Carter, Jordan Hall, Kaleb Ramsey, Matt Yoklic, Mike Williams, Tom Savage, Will Clarke
Photo courtesy of www.zimbio.com
Western PA’s tradition of having NFL attention brought to the region was put on display when the Senior Bowl committee released their 2013 Watch List. Whether it be past WPIAL alum or local college senior standouts, the Pittsburgh region is known as a hotbed for NFL talent. Below are all the players selected for the Senior Bowl watch list with relations to the region.
QB- Tom Savage
School- University of Pittsburgh
Once a high profile high school prospect, Savage is now attempting to live up to his potential and lead a Pitt program that enters the ACC with wide eyes. With an offense with plenty of weapons, don’t be shocked if the Paul Chryst lead offense, allows Savage to showcase his big arm and emerge as a potential draft pick.
RB- Jordan Hall
School- Ohio State
Most fans forgot about Hall, but after sitting out last year, The Jeanette graduate looks to compliment Carlos Hyde and newcomer Dontre Wilson, with a Ohio State program with hefty expectations, don’t be surprised to see the veteran back be a major contributor in the Buckeyes championship run. Possessing one of the most impressive skill sets we’ve seen from a player in the region in decades, Jordan Hall hopes he can join classmate Terrelle Pryor at the next level.
WR- Gianni Carter
School- Duquesne
The West coast native has been playing well for the Dukes ever since he transferred from Montana State and now is been rewarded as one of the top senior receivers in the country. At 6’2 212, Carter has a great frame and is sure handed enough to make an impact as a possession receiver at the next level. With a Duquesne team loaded with BCS transfers, the NEC member is starting to turn into a yearly visit for NFL scouts.
WR- Devin Street
School- University of Pittsburgh
After deciding to return for his Senior year after testing the waters last year, Street is now considered by many experts a potential early round pick. Blessed with great size, speed and skill set, Street needs to prove he’s a game breaking player his final year. On track to break Pitt’s career receiving records, Street may have the most to lose or gain with his performance this season.
WR- Mike Williams
School- California University of Pennsylvania
The Cal U program has grown accustom to having players named to this list, so when word got to the D2 powerhouse that Williams had been chosen, they weren’t surprised at all. With a young squad and losing standout safety Rontez Miles and veteran tailback Lamont Smith, the receiver looks to lead the depleted Cal U squad, along with proving to NFL scouts he belongs in the league.
DL- Aaron Donald
School- University of Pittsburgh
The standout defensive lineman is a household name amongst Pitt fans and if he continues his dominance in the college ranks, don’t be surprised if he becomes one in the NFL as well. Considered by many as a mid round pick, Donald now looks to prove to scouts all around the NFL that he’s really a early round talent. With the move to the ACC, he’ll certainly have the opportunity to prove it. Guaranteed to face double teams all season long, if Donald dominates like we’re accustom to, the skies the limit for his draft potential.
DL- Will Clarke
School- West Virginia
The Taylor Allderdice graduate is drawing attention due to his 6’7 270 frame and rare ability to move around like a linebacker. With all the tools that NFL scouts look for in versatile ends, Clarke has the opportunity to establish himself as a play maker on the defensive side of the ball and potentially jump into the first two rounds. Coaches are challenging him to play more violent and set the tone for a defense that isn’t respected in NFL circles.
DL- Kaleb Ramsey
School- Boston College
Not many people know about Ramsey, but up in Boston College, the Uniontown graduate is a big deal. Having battled injuries throughout his career, Ramsey finally gets the opportunity to live up to expectations and anchor the Boston College defense for newly hired Steve Addazio. We spoke with one of their coaches about him last year and he said he’s more talented than BJ Raji when he’s healthy. Barring no injury, don’t be shocked if the tackle finds his way up the draft ladder.
DB- Dayonne Nunley
School- Miami of Ohio
The one time freshman All American now enters his senior year after going down last year with a season ending knee injury. Now almost at 100% Nunley looks to solidify his spot in the middle to late round of the 2014 NFL Draft. Since arriving in Oxford, Nunley has consistently been one of the Red Hawks main contributors defensively and looks to continue his “No Fly Zone” assault on the MAC and add to his interception total.
LB- Dorian Bell
School- University of Pittsburgh
The former Ohio State Buckeye is back to where he started, being considered one of the top linebackers in the country. Coming off an All American performance last year even while missing multiple games, Bell looks to lead the loaded Dukes to a NEC Championship and hopefully into the FCS playoffs for the first time. The Duke still possesses all the tools that made him the top rated linebacker out of high school years ago. If Bell can build on his performance from last season, don’t be surprised to see his name called early.
P- Matt Yoklic
School- University of Pittsburgh
With so many explosive punt returners in the league now, the emphasis on top notch punters has never been greater. Trying to follow in the footsteps of Pro Bowler Andy Lee, Red Shirt Senior Mat Yoklic looks to add to his impressive punt average and find his way in the NFL. Now in the faster ACC conference, Yoklic will have to make sure he punts extremely well this fall to stop any games from turning into track meets.
Read more recruiting articles by Ayo Fapohunda
Follow Ayo Fapohunda on Twitter: @finestpreps
Email Ayo Fapohunda: ayo@preps.com
Add Ayo Fapohunda to your Google+ Circle
TAGS:
2013 Senior Bowl, Aaron Donald, Dayonne Nunley, Devin Street, Dorian Bell, Gianni Carter, Jordan Hall, Kaleb Ramsey, Matt Yoklic, Mike Williams, Tom Savage, Will Clarke