Jan 25, 2014; Mobile, AL, USA; North squad running back David Fluellen of Toledo (34) against the South squad during the second quarter at Ladd-Peebles Stadium. Mandatory Credit: John David Mercer-USA TODAY Sports
Defensive Linemen
Justin Ellis, Louisiana Tech – Ellis looked like he could have used a manzier at the weigh-in, but he moved well when the ball was snapped. He demonstrated a surprising amount of ability to rush the passer at 360lbs. It is not like anyone is going to bring him in on passing situations to get to the quarterback, but he was surprisingly nimble in spots.
Dee Ford, Auburn – Ford was really impressive this week as a pass rusher, able to attack off of the edge. He was almost as impressive after practice as he was constantly surrounded by a crowd of people trying to get him to talk to them. Ford was as charismatic as anyone there.
Daniel McCullers, Tennessee – McCullers is a mammoth and looks unbelievable for someone who weighs nearly 350lbs. He does not get moved often, but better leverage would make him a far more effective player.
Caraun Reid, Princeton – Reid flashed a few times every day. He was really well put together at the weigh-in and seemed to revel in the fact he was not taking on multiple blockers on plays this week. If anyone was unaware of him before, he made sure they know who he is now.
Chris Smith, Arkansas – Ford got so much of the press but Smith is someone who consistently played well this week. He is short but has really long arms combined with a nice burst off of the edge.
Will Sutton, Arizona State – The mandatory comment about his weight. I have no idea what the strategy is with him at 315lbs. It seems counterproductive to who he is.
Linebackers
Jeremiah Attaochu, Georgia Tech – Attaochu is another player who had a difficult time dealing with pass coverage, his center of balance was too high and he looked noticeably uncomfortable.
Adrian Hubbard, Alabama – Hubbard is unbelievably long and it is hard to imagine anyone uses him as a linebacker in the NFL. He really had a hard time getting into his drops and working in pass coverage. Hubbard seems to be a defensive end only and even there, he was not great this week.
Christian Jones, Florida State – Looks great as an athlete, but I still do not know where he plays at the next level in the NFL. His most natural fit might be as a coverage linebacker but he still has a ways to go there.
Telvin Smith, Florida State – Smith was extremely slight in person and the 218lbs are going to be an issue. He excelled in team drills, showing impressive instincts but struggled in individual drills.
Jordan Tripp, Montana – Had some trouble adjusting to the competition, but was certainly not intimidated by anyone. He is intriguing because he has played inside and outside linebacker, but has five years of experience as a long snapper.
Kyle Van Noy, BYU – Van Noy was the best linebacker of the week, showing every aspect of the position a team could want. Coaches of the South Team seemed to be frustrated with just how effective he was in spite of not doing what they asked at given times.
Defensive Backs
Walt Aikens, Liberty – He was never afraid to go up and compete, showing physical play. Not overly tall but has some nice length because of his arms.
Craig Loston, LSU – He practiced exactly he played. Largely mediocre with a few splashes every now and again. Loston is physically impressive, but not much steak to go with the sizzle.
Keith McGill, Utah – McGill looked better in practice this week than he did in much of his tape. It was interesting that he is apparently on a far more healthy diet than the one they gave them at Mobile, which he said led to some significant cramping problems.
Jaylen Watkins, Florida – Watkins may have been one of the better corners this week and excelled in man coverage, coming up with a couple nice plays with his hands.