NFL Draft Blitz

Having watched the Casino Del Sol All-Star game. Just have a short report that highlights a couple players that stood out. 

 

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The first of the postseason bowls took place on January 11th. For the second year, the Casino Del Sol All-Star Game was held in Tuscon Arizona. Six drafted players took part in last year's game with each member of the 2013 squad hoping to follow in their footsteps. Here's who stood out at the game. 

 

- Stanford wide receiver Drew Terrell was deservedly named the MVP of the contest. He finished the game with two catches for 59 yards while returning another punt for 39 yards. The former Cardinal doesn't look like much at 5'11 180 but high-pointed the football on a 49 yard reception, out-jumping two defenders in the process. Terrell showed a good burst and maintained speed when changing directions. Showing effort as a blocker and having value on special teams will only make him more valuable to scouts. In his senior year with Stanford, he recorded 443 yards receiving with four touchdowns while averaging 12.6 yards per punt. 

 

- Auburn running back Onterio McCalebb only saw a handful of carries (7 for 40 yards) but he flashed his best asset - his speed. Reported to run as fast as a 4.28 40, he was clearly the fastest player on the field. Another multi-facet threat, McCalebb rushed for six touchdowns, caught 18 passes, and returned kickoffs for the Tigers in 2012, including a 100 yard score against Mississippi State. 

 

- Sticking with running backs who put on a show, Ray Holley out of Louisiana Tech was the most successful runner on either squad. His quick feet and good burst led East squad with 88 yards on 12 attempts. And despite his small size (5'9 200), he played big and seeked contact. In his senior year at La Tech, Holley rushed for nearly 750 yards and caught 34 passes. 

 

- Most of the QBs struggled, not surprising given the circumstances of playing with new teammates, but Washington State's Jeff Tuel was the exception. Tuel flashed a big arm, completing two deep passes. His touchdown pass to Brice Butler was on the money; a go route thrown to the outside shoulder that hit Butler in stride. His senior year under Mike Leach did not turn out the way he likely hoped for (2091 yards passing, 1:1 TD to INT ratio) but he has a chance to be a late round pick. Tuel will be playing in the NFLPA Bowl this Saturday. 

 

- You won't hear too much about punters leading up to the draft but Hawaii's Alex Dunnachie is a name to keep an ear out for. He grew up in Australia playing Aussie Rules football before attending Hawaii. After a poor junior season and an alleged DUI case that resulted in suspension to begin 2012, Dunnachie finished his year strong with an average of 46.3 yards. Of his 49 punts, twenty went 50+. 

 

- A unique aspect of the game was the addition of two International players. Tomokazu Sueyoshi and Ryoto Takahashi both hail from Japan and received invitations to the game. Takahashi played a fair share of snaps at weakside defensive end, but it would seem like a longshot for either to get a look in an NFL camp. Still, it's an intriguing story. 

 

- One sour note to add in. Ole Miss tight end Jamal Mosley suffered a severe injury in the first quarter, reportedly a torn ACL.  He recorded three touchdowns on 15 catches his senior season.