The War Room | HoustonProFootball.com 
December 17, 2004
Bowlin’, Bowlin’, Bowlin’…
by Warren DeLuca
HoustonProFootball.com
The bowls give draftniks their last opportunity to see many of the top prospects in real, live games. To help you sort through the 28 postseason classics, here’s HoustonProFootball.com’s annual bowl viewing guide. This installment covers the bowls scheduled through New Year’s Eve, with the January ‘05 games coming soon. Not every bowl or NFL prospect is mentioned, just the particularly intriguing ones. The prospects’ jersey numbers are listed to help you find them on the field, and asterisks (*) indicate underclassmen who are at least three years removed from high school, making them eligible to enter the draft.
I must admit to snoozing and not getting this out in time for the New Orleans Bowl. I would have written to keep an eye on Southern Miss’ athletic WLB Michael Boley and massive ORT Jeremy Parquet. What? You say that Boley had eight tackles, two sacks, and a 62-yard interception return for a touchdown? And that Southern Miss’ offense generally controlled the line of scrimmage, helping the Golden Eagles to average almost five yards per rush and allowing only one sack? Ah, the wonders of hindsight.
Tuesday, December 21
Champs Sports Bowl: Georgia Tech vs. Syracuse
(6:30 p.m., ESPN)
Georgia Tech DE Eric Henderson (#56) leads the ACC with 11 sacks this fall, and has the potential to be an effective blitzing 3-4 OLB. FS James Butler (#22) is a top tackler in run support and can block kicks on special teams. Syracuse OLT Adam Terry (#78) has the size, agility, and temperament to take on NFL pass rushers. SS/RB/KR Diamond Ferri (#22) is a playmaker on both sides of the ball despite having a name like a stripper.
Wednesday, December 22
GMAC Bowl: Memphis vs. Bowling Green
(7:00 p.m., ESPN2)
Memphis RB DeAngelo Williams* (#20) may be the most underrated back at the college level. NT Albert Means (#77) has the size that the Texans look for in a defensive lineman.
Thursday, December 23
Forth Worth Bowl: Marshall vs. Cincinnati
(5:30 p.m., ESPN)
Marshall DLE Jonathan Goddard (#50) leads Division I-A in sacks (16) and tackles for loss (28). He lacks size, but could be a Tedy Bruschi-type linebacker in the Texan defense.
Friday, December 24
Hawaii Bowl: Alabama-Birmingham vs. Hawaii
(6:00 p.m., ESPN)
UAB WR Roddy White (#10) has over 1,300 receiving yards this season and averages over 20 yards per catch.
Monday, December 27
MPC Computers Bowl: Virginia vs. Fresno St.
(1:00 p.m., ESPN)
Virginia TE Heath Miller* (#89), the Cavaliers’ leading receiver, is generally considered the top tight end prospect in college. ORG Elton Brown (#61), a/k/a “Big E,” is a roadgrader of a run blocker. OLT D’Brickashaw Ferguson* (#66) has the frame and feet to become a prototype NFL left tackle but must to continue to bulk up and get stronger.
ILB Ahmad Brooks* (#34) is a scary combination of size and speed. OLB Darryl Blackstock* (#56) has racked up 11 sacks this season as a 3-4 edge rusher.
Motor City Bowl: Connecticut vs. Toledo
(4:30 p.m., ESPN)
UConn QB Dan Orlovsky (#7) is a big, strong-armed dropback passer who has led the program to new heights. Toledo OLT Nick Koczur (#68) can block on the move and may slide inside to guard at the NFL level.
Tuesday, December 28
Insight Bowl: Notre Dame vs. Oregon St.
(8:45 p.m., ESPN)
Notre Dame DLE Justin Tuck* (#44) and Oregon St. DLE Bill Swancutt (#90) are both tweeners who would be outside linebackers in a 3-4 defense.
Wednesday, December 29
Alamo Bowl: Ohio St. vs. Oklahoma St.
(7:00 pm., ESPN)
Ohio St. CB Dustin Fox* (#37) bears the burden of the white cornerback – people will always want to move him to safety. Oklahoma St. RB Verand Morency* (#33) is a former minor league baseball player who picked up where Tatum Bell left off in Stillwater.
Thursday, December 30
Continental Tire Bowl: Boston College vs. North Carolina
(12:00 p.m., ESPN)
Boston College DLE Mathias Kiwanuka* (#94) has the quickness and long arms of a natural pass rusher in the mold of Simeon Rice. He’d be an outside linebacker for the Texans, although he might eventually grow into a down lineman. CB/KR/PR Will Blackmon* (#1) is a quality cover corner when he’s focused, and a dangerous return man.
Emerald Bowl: New Mexico vs. Navy
(3:30 p.m., ESPN2)
New Mexico OST Claude Terrell (#76), a LaMarque, Texas, product, projects inside to guard in the NFL, where he could put his physical run blocking skills to best use.
Holiday Bowl: California vs. Texas Tech
(7:00 p.m., ESPN)
Cal QB Aaron Rodgers* (#8) throws well on the run and is a very accurate passer. RB J.J. Arrington (#30) is a threat to go the distance on any play thanks to his breakaway speed. Tech DRE Adell Duckett (#91) projects to 3-4 OLB and has occasionally dropped into coverage in college.
Friday, December 31
Music City Bowl: Minnesota vs. Alabama
(11:00 a.m., ESPN)
Minnesota RB/KR/PR Marion Barber III* (#21) rushed for over 1,000 yards and ten touchdowns despite splitting time with talented sophomore Laurence Maroney. Bama OLT Wesley Britt (#70) is big, smart, and has battled back from injury.
Sun Bowl: Purdue vs. Arizona St.
(1:00 p.m., CBS)
Purdue QB Kyle Orton (#18) was a Heisman contender before injuries slowed him down. His size, arm strength, and toughness have drawn comparisons to Jim Kelly.
Liberty Bowl: Louisville vs. Boise St.
(2:30 p.m., ESPN)
Louisville WR J.R. Russell (#3) is a tough possession receiver but loses concentration at times.
Peach Bowl: Florida vs. Miami
(6:30 p.m., ESPN)
Florida RB Ciatrick Fason* (#4), the SEC’s leading rusher this season, has already announced that he’s turning pro after the game. MLB Channing Crowder* (#55) missed time with a foot injury but is a rare athlete. Miami RB Frank Gore* (#3) was touted as being better than Willis McGahee, but Gore has had surgery on both knees since then.
TE Kevin Everett (#84) has emerged from Kellen Winslow’s shadow to become the ‘Canes second-leading receiver this year. DRT Orien Harris* (#92), the younger brother of 49er OT Kwame Harris, could play end in a 3-4 defense. Many consider RCB Antrell Rolle (#6) a bona fide shutdown corner, but others question his ability to run with speed receivers.
Coming up next: The January 2005 bowls
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