I agree on the DEs. Garvin was just typical. That said, many Cane fans now think he wont get drafted and I think that's just plain wrong. He looks like a mid-round pick to me with his physical tools and moderate production. Deejay is gone unless he gets projections that he won't be drafted at all. And he should be drafted. Just not early. I've heard the rumors on Jeff Thomas, but he would be nuts to leave. He was invisible for most of the year with numerous players on the roster passing him by. Given his production from past years, and the fact that he started the year hurt, I'd guess that he never shook off all the injuries. I don't think he goes pro, but he might transfer. Navaughn reminds me of the Washington kid from Miami Northwestern. Declared, went undrafted, and I think he played one preseason with the Steelers. If Donaldson is wise, he will stay and get his degree because he is gonna need it. The true freshman Jakai Clark easily outperformed him this year. With a quarter of the gut. Anyway I appreciate your insight here AWSI.
Thank you. I agree with everything you wrote. Round to round projection is more difficult for me these days but I definitely think Garvin will be taken perhaps 4th to 6th. Depends on he tests. That is always vital at defensive end.
I'll be shocked if Dee Jay Dallas doesn't turn pro. He is somewhat like Kenyan Drake that you can't get too carried away with him, or too down on him. Playmaking ability but not a full timer.
The problem with Dee Jay is he tends to get fat. He ruined his sophomore season by playing at a silly weight. This season he was nicely trimmed down at the opener and his effectiveness soared. But he slowly gained some of the weight back, to the point it was very noticeable in the FIU game, where he got hurt and lost for the season.
Jeff Thomas doesn't seem to care about classwork. He has had frequent off the field situations, although nothing disqualifying by itself. Talented guy. I'll be surprised if he doesn't turn pro. For some reason Thomas didn't have quite the burst this season. He also needs improved coaching. Too often he'll wait for the ball instead of drawing contact/penalty.
Donaldson has the largest natural frame of any Canes player in memory. He looks like Sponge Bob Square Pants in terms of square to square. I cannot believe he allowed himself to reach the blob level of this season, or that any college conditioning program would allow it. He is so fat even the most uninvolved fan notices immediately.
Beyond the fat there is some talent there. I could see him playing in the NFL if he drops 30 pounds. Even at this weight he had some decent moments, like the opener against Florida and also portions of the Pittsburgh game that I attended.
Yes, Jakai Clark is a nice athlete. Needs to get stronger. He was fine other than some short yardage plays in which he got pushed backward. But that was more true early season than later.