What are some of the top Juniors thinking? Here's some dish.
1/7/05
*Brandon Browner finally made it official as he is leaving Oregon State for the NFL Draft. This adds more depth to an already great CB class. Browner currently is a late 1st-early 2nd Rounder, but could move up a little higher into the 1st Round after workouts.
1/6/05
*Miami WR Roscoe Parrish has made it official as he will enter the draft. This is a questionable move on his part, Parrish will likely be selected in the middle rounds, but should have immediate contributions as a return man.
*A new underclassman name has surfaced as Nebraska DT LeKevin Smith is considering following his teammate Fabian Washington to the pros. The 6'2, 310 lb junior would likely be a middle round selection.
*Oregon State's Brandon Browner was considered almost a sure thing to enter, but sources close to Browner say the recent rash of cornerbacks declaring may have pushed Browner towards coming back. But there are some conflicting reports floating that Browner may have alread decided to declare. No official word has been given yet though and this will be an interesting one to follow.
*Texas has already had Jonathan Scott stay, but sources close to Texas say they expect to lose at least one junior by the time this is all done. DT Rodrique Wright has made it pretty clear he's returning, so it looks as though the early defector could FS/CB Michael Huff.
1/5/05
*Texas OT Jonathan Scott was informed by the NFL office that he would be a 2nd Round selection. Thus, Scott has decided to remain at Texas for his senior season. He did not receive any details as to why he was graded as a 2nd Round pick. In a year where most of the top OTs are not left side candidates, Scott was generally preceived to be higher rated. He should be a top 10-15 player heading into next season.
*Michigan SS Ernest Shazor may have had some doubt creep in later in the year, but sources close to the Michigan program still say he is expected to leave. Teammate Marlin Jackson has been talking to Shazor about the benefits of coming back as has Leon Hall, but the feeling is that Shazor is still wanting to leave.
*Florida LB Channing Crowder has decided to enter the draft and ESPN is now reporting that another SEC LB, Georgia's Odell Thurman has as well.
*Some cornerbacks are apparently headed to the NFL, Clemson's Justin Miller has made it official as he has informed the Clemson coaches that he will be leaving. Two other highly regarded underclassmen, Virginia Tech's Jimmy Williams and Oregon State's Brandon Browner are both leaning towards entering the draft.
*We had previously reported that USC QB Matt Leinart had decided to leave. But reports out of California are now saying Leinart is leaning slightly towards staying for his senior season. I still believe that when it comes down to it, Leinart will ultimately choose the draft.
*Georgia FS Thomas Davis has finally made it official as he has declared for the draft. Teammate Max Jean-Giles is likely to follow Davis to the NFL, while LB Odell Thurman is still about 50/50.
*There have been several RBs declaring, now one more has decided as Louisville's Eric Shelton will enter the NFL Draft. This could scare off some RB prospects, although it is expected that DeAngelo Williams enter the draft and now according to the Miami Herald, Leon Washington may consider as well. However, Miami's Frank Gore says that unless he's a 1st Rounder, he's staying and it is unlikely the advisory committee will give him that evaluation. Gore's teammate Roscoe Parrish says he won't leave unless he's certain he'll go by the 4th Round.
*South Florida RB Andre Hall had applied to the advisory committee as well, but he has now stated that he will return to school.
*Maryland DE Shawne Merriman has long been reported to be leaning towards the draft and he has now made it official as he has declared for the draft.
*Expect an announcement either today or tomorrow that West Virginia CB PacMan Jones will enter the draft.
*A bit of a surprise as San Diego State WR Jeff Webb has applied to the advisory committee and he says he'll be leaving if there he is sure that he will be drafted.
*After winning the Orange Bowl, USC LB Lofa Tatupu is expected to enter the draft early. One junior who I am surprised has not been more interested in the draft in TE Dominique Byrd who could take advantage of a weaker TE class, but he apparently will return.
the rest of the page.
http://www.draftshowcase.com/underclassmen.htm
