January 17, 2007

In my first report on small school players it seems only fitting to start with the most important position, the quarterback. This year is a great class for finding quarterback gems among the small school elite. There are 5-6 who could make it in the NFL from this class alone. Two are top four round talents with 3-4 more worthy of bringing into camp as developmental players.

Here is a look at the top 5, along with a list of a few noteworthy names to remember

TOP 5 SMALL SCHOOL QUARTERBACKS

1. Joe Flacco , Delaware , 6'6, 237lbs, 4.84 40

Flacco originally attended Pittsburgh before transferring to Delaware after his redshirt year. Flacco was scheduled to compete in this week's East-West Shrine game but received a late invite to the Under Armour Senior Bowl and opted out. This will be a huge step in determining his final grade. For those who love the stats, his completion percentage dropped as the season went on and he struggled heavily against Appalachian State's speed in the first half of the FCS title game. He then settled down and showed his pocket presence, strong arm, accuracy, toughness, and even some touch on his passes. If he can learn to put touch on his passes and continue to work on reading defenses, he could be a sleeper out of this year's class. He rates anywhere from the 2nd-5th round by most NFL scouts. Some see only his upside while others see many mistakes and a player who will take time to develop. Expect someone to fall in love with this pocket passer and pull the trigger on him in the late 2nd or early 3rd round.

2. Josh Johnson, San Diego , 6'3, 200lbs, 4.56 40

Johnson is one of the more intriguing prospects as he comes from non-scholarship FCS San Diego. Johnson didn't face the best competition but he torched them in his career. Perhaps the most impressive stat from this year is that he led the FCS in pass efficiency with a rating of 198.3. He threw for 2,988 yards, 43 touchdowns, and just one interception. A two-time Walter Payton Award Finalist, Johnson became one of the most decorated players in recent FCS history. He has attracted the attention of all 32 teams with his quick release, mobility, arm strength, and athletic ability. Johnson has great upside but will need to gain weight and work on refining his passing skills. One thing to note is that he was tutored by current Stanford Head Coach and former NFL quarterback Jim Harbaugh. Johnson is currently at the East-West Shrine game where he has impressed in his workouts. Some say his stock has moved up to the first day. Right now he is a 3rd-4th round projection.

3. Mark Nicolet, Hillsdale, 6'1, 220lbs, 4.73 40

Nicolet has been a late riser after his offensive MVP performance at the Cactus Bowl where he passed for 103 yards and 3 touchdowns. It was no surprise since he has been named a 2nd team All-America selection by the AP, Daktronics, and d2football.com after earning the GLIAC Offensive Player of the Year award. He finished his senior campaign with 31 touchdown passes and 3,335 yards passing. The big knock on him will be his level of competition, pure quickness, and the fact that he has only been highly productive for one season. He has adequate arm strength to make the throws needed at the next level and reads defenses well. One intangible he has shown is leadership over his career. He has immensely improved each of the last two years. His late rise has moved him into the priority free agent category with an outside of chance of a 7th round selection if he can put together a good pro day performance.

4. Nick Hill , Southern Illinois , 6'3, 215lbs, 4.78 40

Hill, a two-year starter, came from Western Kentucky where he played basketball for the Hilltoppers. Many didn't know what to expect from the heir apparent of All-American Joel Sambursky, but realized they found another gem. He is a mobile left handed quarterback who completed nearly 72 percent of his passes this year to go along with 28 touchdowns. He showed good arm strength and mobility in the FCS playoffs and earned an invite to the Texas vs. Nation All-Star Challenge in February. He has a smooth release, good short route accuracy, and the arm to make most throws needed. One knock besides level of play is that he will lock on a receiver instead of reading the defense at times. He could move up the board substantially after a good showing in Texas . He is currently a priority free agent by most with a few teams giving him a late round draft grade.

5. Ricky Santos , New Hampshire , 6'1, 218lbs, 4.83 40

Santos has been one of the most productive players ever to take the field in the FCS ranks. In his four years as starter he has defeated three FBS opponents, including over 350 yards and 5 touchdowns against Rutgers as a freshman. Santos finished his career as the all-time leader in CAA history for passing touchdowns, pass completions, and yards gained, among many more. The four-time Walter Payton Award Finalist has a gun slinging approach to the game that many question if it will translate to NFL success. One knock on his game is that he played his entire career in the shot-gun formation so he will have to show he can go under center and become a drop back passer. Most had him as a late rounder but he has dropped somewhat after an average performance at the Hula Bowl. Right now he carries a priority free agent grade.

Notables: Kyle Spotts, Kutztown; Brad Roach, Catawba; Luke Drone, Illinois State; Blake Barmore, Trinity; Daniel Polk, Midwestern State (WR).

EARLY TOP 25

Here is a look at 25 prospects who are most on the radar of NFL scouts.

Next Week: Running backs