College Football Underclassmen Testing The Waters

By Andrew Musur on January 19, 2015

The college football official deadline for NFL draft entries was at 11:59 p.m. Thursday evening. The National Collegiate Athletics Association states a player must stay in college for three years before they are allowed to enter their name into the draft.

Players across the country consulted their families, coaches and teammates and decided whether they would stay in college for another year.

The Ohio State University quarterback, Cardale Jones, was one of the most interesting early entry candidates. Jones had just capped off a marvelous three game stretch winning a Big Ten Championship, a Sugar Bowl, and a National Championship.

But who the heck was this guy? Six weeks earlier Jones was an unknown third string quarterback from Cleveland, Ohio. He took over an Ohio State team that desperately needed a leader following an injury to then quarterback, J.T. Barrett.

The 6-foot-5, 250 pound quarterback became that leader. After the National Championship Jones had three days to decide whether or not he would go pro. Crazy, right? A quarterback who had only played in three games his entire college career.

It was crazy to some, but Jones proved he could play ball with the best. On the biggest stages, Jones continually proved he had strength, poise and confidence. Maybe not so crazy after all.

There was also a problem if Jones decided to return to school. There was no guarantee who the starter would be next season. Jones would have to beat out two former Big Ten player of the year award winners, J.T. Barrett and Braxton Miller. Both Miller and Barrett would be coming off injuries when spring practices came around. The situation was not ideal for Jones.

Ultimately, Jones decided to stay in school: a safe decision.

The world of the NFL is an intense dog eat dog world. Although I think Jones would succeed in the NFL. He is a mid-to-late round pick with great intangibles and potential out the roof. A couple of years of learning under a veteran quarterback would be perfect for Jones. Jones has the potential to be an NFL quarterback, but a lot of things can happen before now and Jones’ first NFL start.

Jones is committed to getting his degree from The Ohio State University. He understands the value of education, which is great to see. Jones made a smart move.

Other Notable Early NFL Draft Entries:

Sammie Coates, WR, Auburn

http://grfx.cstv.com/

Sammie Coates is a long athletic wide receiver. Coates caught 82 passes for 1,757 yards and 13 touchdowns in his three years at Auburn. Coates was able to graduate this year, which is the only reason he is going pro. Coates, like Jones, valued his education and will be a low risk, huge reward early round pick.

Smart Move: Yes

Tevin Coleman, RB, Indiana

http://www.gannett-cdn.com

Tevin Coleman had a huge season. Coleman rushed for over 2,000 yards this season. The Hoosier star has fantastic vision and great bursts of speed.

Coleman should have been in the Heisman conversation, but unfortunately he was overshadowed by All American Wisconsin running back, Melvin Gordon. Coleman does not get enough credit for what he did with Indiana’s offensive line.

Smart Move: Yes

Landon Collins, S, Alabama

http://walterfootball.com

Landon Collins was one of the best ball hawking safeties in college football this year. Collins, a hard-hitting workhorse, led an Alabama defense to an SEC championship and Sugar Bowl appearance. Collins is exactly what the Chicago Bears need with the seventh pick.

Smart Move: Yes

Amari Cooper, WR, Alabama

https://usatftw.files.wordpress.com

The third place Heisman finalist, Amari Cooper, had one of the most impressive seasons for a wide receiver in college football history. Cooper put up big game after big game, and was the biggest offensive threat on the Alabama offense. My call is Cooper will be the first wide receiver taken in this year’s draft.

Smart Move: Yes

Dante Fowler Jr., DE, Florida

http://www.gatortailgating.com

Dante Fowler Jr.was one of the toughest defensive ends to guard this year. Fowler recorded 8.5 sacks this season proving to be a quarterback’s nightmare. Fowler will be a first round pick.

Smart Move: Yes

Melvin Gordon, RB, Wisconsin

https://thenypost.files.wordpress.com

Melvin Gordon fell 42 yards short of breaking Barry Sander’s single season rushing record, a 27-year-old record. Gordon led a Wisconsin team to a Big Ten Championship appearance. A powerful halfback who is great at finding holes will have an easy time finding a home in the NFL.

Smart Move: Yes

Brett Hundley, QB, UCLA

http://sports.cbsimg.net

Brett Hundley threw for over 3,000 yards in each of his three seasons at UCLA. A dual threat quarterback who has a nose for the end zone, Hundley is a good mid round pick. I would expect Hundley to be the third quarterback taking off the board. A weak quarterback class allows Hundley the opportunity for a higher draft pick.

Smart Move: Given the QB class, yes; otherwise, no.

Marcus Mariota, QB, Oregon

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A Heisman winner and almost National Champion, Marcus Mariota decided to skip his senior year and head to the NFL. Mariota threw 30 touchdowns in his three seasons at Oregon, and recorded over 10,000 yards.

Mariota was a truly great college quarterback, but I am not sure how well his game transitions to the NFL. A lot of Mariota’s success can be contributed to Oregon’s tempo. That tempo does not exist in the NFL, unless you play for the Philadelphia Eagles, but still not as fast.

Smart Move: Eh, kind of.

Jameis Winston, QB, Florida State

http://usatq.files.wordpress.com

Jameis Winston went 27-1 with a Heisman trophy and a National Championship in his three years at Florida State. Winston tossed 65 touchdowns at Florida State, but the red-shirt sophomore struggled with accuracy and decision-making.

Winston threw 28 interceptions in his two years, and ended his college career in an abysmal Rose bowl loss to Oregon. Winston has been predicted to be the number one pick in next year’s draft. I do not think he will go number one, but he will be the first quarterback off the board.

He will have to fix his behavioral issues if he hopes for a long NFL tenure.

Smart Move: Yes

T.J. Yeldon, RB, Alabama

http://media.al.com

T.J. Yeldon is a big powerful back that rushed for over 10 touchdowns in his three years at Alabama. The young Yeldon came onto the scene in Alabama’s 2012 National Championship game.

Yeldon had a strong sophomore year, but only ran for 979 this year. Yeldon is a powerful back that may have needed another year of development.

Smart Move: No

Todd Gurley, RB, Georgia

http://img.bleacherreport.net

Todd Gurley dominated college football early in the year, but tore his ACL in the Auburn game. Gurley is a powerful back that ran for 911 yards this year in only six games.

Gurley is an exceptional athlete and has a chance to succeed at the next level. He obviously does not want to risk injuring himself next year, so the draft is his best option. Gurley is a risky pick, but a good reward if he can perform up to his potential when he returns.

Smart Move: Yes

For the official 2015 early entry list, click here.

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