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College Football Awards Calendar

DE Corey Wootton - Northwestern

Award Watch List -Semifinalists/ Finalists/ Winner/ Banquet
Bednarik- Aug. 13/ Nov. 4/ Nov 23/ Dec. 10/Mar 5 (Atlantic City, N.J.)
Biletnikoff- Aug 10/ Oct 26 /Nov 23 /Dec 10 /Feb 13 (Tallahassee, Fl.)
Broyles - Nov. 30 / Dec. 8 / Dec. 8 (Little Rock, Ark.)
Butkus - Aug. 20 / Oct. 15 / Nov. 19 / Dec. 4-8 / Jan. (Chicago, Ill.)
Walter Camp - Aug. 7 /Nov. 12 / Dec. 7 / Dec. 10 / Jan. 16 (New Haven, Ct.)
Draddy - Oct. 1 / Oct. 29 / Dec. 8 / Dec. 8 (New York, N.Y.)
Groza - Aug. 12 / Nov. 9 / Nov. 23 / Dec. 10 / Dec. 8 (Palm Beach, Fl.)
Guy - Aug. 5 / Nov. 13 / Nov. 23 / Dec. 10 / Jan. (Augusta, Ga.)
Heisman - Dec. 9 / Dec. 12 / Dec. 14 (New York, N.Y.)
Lombardi - Aug. 18 / Oct. 14 / Nov. 11 / Dec. 9 / Dec. 9 (Houston, Tx.)
Mackey - July 29 / Nov. 16 / Nov. 23 / Dec. 10 / April 26 (Carle Place, N.Y.)
Maxwell - Aug. 14 / Nov. 4 / Nov. 23 / Dec. 10 / March 5 (Atlantic City, N.J.)
Munger - Nov. 4 / Nov. 23 / Dec. 15 / March 5 (Atlantic City, N.J.)
Nagurski - Aug. 19 / Nov. 18 / Dec. 7 / Dec. 7 (Charlotte, N.C.)
Davey O'Brien - Aug. 3 / Oct. 26 / Nov. 23 / Dec. 10 / Feb. 15 (Fort Worth, Tx)
Outland - Aug. 11 / Nov. 23 / Dec. 10 / Jan. 14 (Omaha, Neb.)
Rimington - Aug. 20 / Nov. 23 / Dec. 10 / Jan. 16 (Lincoln, Neb.)
Eddie Robinson - Dec. 9 / Jan. 5 / Jan. 5 (Los Angeles, Ca.)
Disney Spirit - Dec. 10 / Dec. 10 (Lake Buena Vista, Fl.)
Jim Thorpe - Aug. 6 / Nov. 4 / Nov. 23 / Dec. 10 / Feb. 8 (Ok City, Ok.)
Doak Walker - Aug. 4 / Nov. 12 / Nov. 23 / Dec. 10 / Feb. 19 (Dallas, Tx)

NFL Dates 2009-2010

Aug. 8 - Pro Football Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony - Canton, Oh.
Aug. 9 - Pro Football Hall of Fame Game, Canton, Oh.
Aug. 13-17 - First NFL Preseason weekend

Sept. 1 - Roster cutdown to maximum of 75 players
Sept. 5 - Roster cutdown to maximum of 53 players
Sept. 10-14 - Kickoff NFL 2009 Weekend

Oct. 12-13 - NFL Fall Meeting - Boston, Ma.
Oct. 20 - NFL Trading deadline.
Oct. 25 - International Series, London, England - New England Patriots vs. Tampa Bay Bucs

2010 NFL Dates

Jan. 3 - Regular season ends.
Jan. 9-10 - Wild Card Playoffs
Jan. 16-17 - Divisional Playoffs
Jan. 24 - Conference Championships
Jan. 31 - AFC-NFC Pro Bowl - Miami, Florida

Feb. 7 - Super Bowl XLIV - Miami, Florida
Feb. 24-March 2 - NFL Scouting Combine, Indianapolis, In.

March 5 - NFL Free Agency begins.
March 21-24 - NFL Annual Meeting, Orlando, Florida.

April 22-24 - NFL Draft 2010 - New York City

May 24-26 - NFL Spring Meeting, Dallas, Texas

Supplemental Draft 2009
The NFL will conduct the Supplemental Draft 2009 this Thursday, July 16th for players who rescind their remaining college eligibility. This draft has been a little used process that considers special situations for players that are at least three years removed from high school. All 32 teams can participate in the weighted draft process that is divided into three tiers. Teams with six wins or less in last season will make up the first group, followed by a second group of non-playoff teams and finally a third group of the twelve 2008 playoff teams. Each team submits the name of the players that they want to draft with the round they would like to select them. The club with the highest selection will be awarded the player. In the case of two teams drafting the same player in a round, the club with the worse record last season will win the prospect. A team that uses a pick in the Supplemental Draft will forfeit their choice in the corresponding round of the NFL Draft 2010. The new draft prospects will be considered part of the rookie salary pool for the NFL Draft 2009 and must fit under the current contract structure and overall salary cap.

This year the Supplemental Draft will take place on July 16th at 1 p.m.
We will have a Free Supplemental issue this week of Pro Prospects for full subscribers.

Prospects Entering NFL Supplemental 2009 Draft as of July 14th.
Blake Boyd - OLB - Western Kentucky
McKinner Dixon - DE - Texas Tech
Jeremy Jarmon - DE - Kentucky
Torris Magee - WR - Southern Miss
Joe McMahon - OG - Central Michigan
Demetrice Morley - S - Tennessee
Deon Murphy - WR - Kansas St.
Corey Surrency - WR - Florida St.

BC Linebacker Herzlich Fighting Cancer

Photo - LB Mark Herzlich - Boston College

Boston College senior linebacker Mark Herzlich announced this week he has been diagnosed with Ewings sarcoma, a cancer most often found in bone or soft tissue. Herzlich was the ACC's Defensive Player of the Year last season and was preparing for his final campaign in the ACC. He had just finished his classes for the spring semester and returned home to Pennsylvania with pain in his left knee and throughout his leg. He went to see his orthopedic doctor, who requested an MRI because of the swelling in thigh. After the results, Herzlich was sent to an oncologist in Philadelphia who informed him he has cancer. Herzlich had turned down the NFL Draft 2009 as a junior to return for his senior season this fall. Last season, Herzlich led the Eagles with 110 tackles, 6 interceptions, 8 PBU, 2 FF and 2 FR. He was ranked a probable Top 10 selection in the NFL Draft 2010 entering his final season.

"It can be pretty life threatening," he said, admitting he was scared but sounding calm as usual. "My doctor told me the cure rate is pretty high, but then again for some people, they take the chemo well, get rid of most of the tumor and can remove the rest of it with surgery. Some people don't take the chemo well, and then you have to rely just on surgery, which obviously brings down the chances. Some people react differently. It's basically waiting to see how the chemo goes, how the treatment goes, and how my body reacts to everything."
"I've learned there are some things you can't control, and those are types of things I don't like to worry myself with because I can't control them. All I can control now is how I am mentally through the process. I hopefully can be a positive story in the end of this for people who go through this. It's really up to God and medicine how everything works out."

He intends to follow treatment this summer and see how his recovery progresses before making a decision about school and football in the fall or next spring.

“SPECIAL” - Special Teams Performers
Return Specialists - Kickoff Returners
Photo - Michael Ray Garvin

1. Michael Ray Garvin - Florida St.
Fast cornerback/ return specialist lead the nation as a KOR as a senior. He has blazing speed to make a difference as a return specialist. He ran a 4.22 at the Florida St. pro day that has him flying up the charts. He also will compete early for the nickel corner role after over 20 starts for the Seminoles defense that has an outstanding track record for cover men for the NFL game.

2. * Jeremy Maclin - Missouri
Big play specialist will be more valuable as a returner than receiver early in his career. He has been a difference maker as both a kickoff and punt returner. He has the burst of speed to hit the home run with natural openfield running skills. He has a huge upside as a receiver, but needs development in reading coverage and route running to play up to his athleticism.

3. * Percy Harvin - Florida
4. Mike Thomas - Arizona
5. Brandon Tate - North Carolina
6. Mike Goodson - Texas A&M
7. Derrick Williams - Penn St.
8. Marcus Thigpen - Indiana
9. Juaquin Iglesias - Oklahoma
10. Mike Wallace - Ole Miss

Punt Returners
1. * Jeremy Maclin - Missouri
2. * D.J. Moore - Vanderbilt
3. Derrick Williams - Penn St.
4. Mike Thomas - Arizona
5. Sammie Stroughter - Oregon St.
6. Darius Butler - Connecticut
7. Chris Williams - New Mexico St.
8. Devon Moore - Wyoming

Eagles Trade for Bills tackle Jason Peters
Knowshon Moreno Scouting Report

Photo - Knowshon Moreno - Georgia

The second major blockbuster NFL trade over recent weeks has turned the first round of the NFL Draft 2009 upside down. The Eagles traded their late #1 pick plus a #4 pick next week and a 6th round selection in the 2010 NFL Draft to the Bills for Pro Bowl offensive tackle Jason Peters. The trade was discussed over recent days and was completed with the Eagles giving two later picks after surrendering one of their #1 selections. Interesting, the deal leaves both clubs interested in landing a feature back among their top priorities. Both will be interested in Georgia tailback Knowshon Moreno with the Eagles retaining the 22nd overall pick and the Bills now holding the 11th and 28th picks in the first round. The Peters deal leaves the Bills, Broncos and Lions with two #1 picks each for the NFL Draft 2009.
New Jersey high school running backs will be the prime focus in the NFL Draft 2009 with Knowshon Moreno our #1 prospect at the position. Other running backs with Jersey histories are Donald Brown and Shonn Greene and each is considered a highly rated prospect who will probably be prime draft choices next weekend. Both are NFL feature backs and most likely early pro starters.

Knowshon Moreno - Scouting Report

1. * Knowshon Moreno #24 - 5’11” 215 lbs. - Georgia - Sp. 4.50
Rating 92 - Hindu Theory - Marshawn Lynch
Athletic third year sophomore displayed big time talent as one of the nation’s premier playmakers over his Bulldog career. Knowshon combines all the athletic talent to become a top NFL feature back with well rounded skills. He entered Georgia after a record setting career at Middletown South HS as one of the most talented athletes in NJ history. He has natural running skills including terrific vision, excellent cutting skills and good speed to run inside as well as make the big play. He has shown soft sure hands as a receiver to rank among the best in that role in recent memory, though not fully utilized in that capacity as a collegian. His career began with a terrific freshman season that saw him surpass 1000 yards rushing to become only the 2nd Georgia back to accomplish that feat, the other being Herschel Walker. He combines an awesome athletic package that includes size, speed, quickness and hands with natural running instincts. He is very quick to the hole with a good burst of speed through the hole and the cutting skills to put together several moves to create a running lane. He has very good change of direction skills to create room in addition to following his blockers well with the cutback skills to hit an opening with good speed. He has above average breakaway speed to go the distance and make a big play, though he lacks the elite speed of premier backs like Marshall Faulk He has both the power to break tackles and the speed to outrun defenders with some growth potential to get bigger and carry the weekly load as a pro feature back. As a receiver, he has made nice improvement especially as a route runner to warrant a high complete grade, in addition to showing the ability to pick up the blitz consistently as a blocker. He has excellent triangle numbers that have translated into outstanding production on the field at a very high level in the SEC. He is capable of being one of the special prospects for the NFL Draft ’09 with further upside potential in time. Within a short area, his suddenness allows him to create running lanes, using his fine speed and power to be a dangerous runner both inside and outside. As a receiver, he creates problems for coverage with well developed hands and route running to play the 3rd down role immediately as a pro. He is refined receiver with the talent to be a fine weapon in that role. He is quick inside runner that allows him to dart through the hole without losing speed and exploding through an opening into the secondary. He ranks among the top backs recently, but not at the level of elite prospects like Adrian Peterson or Marshall Faulk who were the best backs of the last 15 years. He is similar to NFL star Marshawn Lynch in his size, speed, AA and openfield running skills. He runs in a couched style with low pad level to utilize his powerful burst to run inside and will probably add another 10 lbs. to his frame as a pro, making him very effective between the tackles. He provides both the big play ability and the talent and toughness to carry the weekly workhorse load in an offense. He has the combination of quickness, hands, toughness and instincts to become a top rookie NFL feature back. He is a fast fluid runner with quick feet, allowing him to accelerate through the hole and hit the opening using his natural running skills, such as vision, balance and change-of-direction skills to get to the 2nd level. He follows blockers well and can shift gears, hitting top speed quickly and uses his blockers well to set up defenders. He has the power to run between the tackles and the quickness to bounce outside and make a big play in the open field. He is a slashing type runner who must prove in the NFL that he can carry the rushing load on a weekly basis. He has shown the ability to get stronger over the course of the game with the power to wear down a defense and the toughness to earn much of his yardage after contact. He needs work as a blocker especially his reads and hand technique, though he has performed fairly well in that role. He shows the ability to pick up a blitzing backer, but must learn to use his hands better to adjust after the initial contact to sustain his blocks.
The Numbers: Over his final season, he played in 13 games with 250 carries for 1400 yards for a fine 5.6 yard average with 16 TDs and 33 receptions for 392 yards and 2 TDs. In ’07, he played in all 13 games with 248 carries for 1334 yards and 14 TDs while averaging 5.4 yards per carry. He also added 20 receptions working with a young passer Matt Stafford. Over his career, he averaged a fine 5.5 yard average per carry and totaled 53 receptions.
The Skinny: Well rounded young playmaker with the ability to be a fine NFL feature back and an immediate impact performer. He has produced in big game situations over his career and wants the ball in critical situations. He has proven up to the challenge vs the best competition in the SEC. Quick tough versatile back with well rounded skills to become an NFL star and impact as a rookie. He combines the size and power to run inside and fine speed and running skills to get outside consistently and make the corner. At the combine, he ran 4.54 and 4.56 times with 25 reps in the lifting. He added a 35.5” VL and a 9’7” BJ. He was impressive in the agility and positional drills with a 6.84 three cone and 4.27 short shuttle to complete a good workout. Highest rated feature back with a top 20 grade in a deep group that has the makings of an excellent overall class. Young athlete is one of underclassmen who entered this January to form a special group of runners. Tough workhorse back with the package to become a top NFL runner. Clubs like the Texans, Jets, Eagles and the Bills interested.
Draft Projection: 1st Round - Top 20 Pick

Detroit Lions - 0-16 - Head Coach - Jim Schwartz - 1st Year

Key Team Needs: 1. QB 2. OT 3. CB 4. DT 5. LB
Photo - QB Matt Stafford - Georgia

1. Quarterback - The Lions would have to be overwhelmed to pass on Matthew Stafford with the first overall selection. They still have young QBs Drew Stanton and Dan Orlovsky and they could be part of trade moves after the draft process begins. Stafford gives them a franchise type passer, though one that should sit most or all of his 1st season.

2. Offensive Tackle - The Lions have savvy veteran LOT Jeff Backus and young vet OT Gosder Cherilus penciled in as the projected starters. They may address it with their #1 pick with blue chip tackle Eugene Monroe on the board. They could go for Eben Britton with the 21st overall selection. If they pass on the first round, they hope to address this in the early 2nd round with William Beatty at the 33rd overall selection.

3. Cornerback - The Lions have only marginal talent here and will most likely address this position at least once early in the process. They love Darius Butler and Alphonso Smith in the 1st round and D.J. Moore in the 2nd round. Their secondary has been sub par for a decade and needs to add top cover men in the early rounds. With their 3rd round selections, they could entertain corners Macho Harris, Mike Mickens and Chris Owens. They will probably address the secondary twice over the early rounds.

4. Defensive Tackle - The Lions traded vet Cory Redding for backer Julian Peterson. It was a sound move but leaves a pressing need on the inside. They love DT Peria Jerry with their second top pick, the 20th overall selection and Ziggy Hood with their #2 pick (33rd overall). They could opt for DT Corvey Irvin, Fili Moala and Alex Magee with all expected to be available in the 3rd round.

5. Linebacker - Lions have addressed this area fairly early in recent years with minimal success except for the addition of Pro Bowler Ernie Sims. They could draft both a Mike and Sam prospect fairly early in the process. They like James Laurinaitis very much and he could be available at the 33rd overall selection. On the outside, they like Clay Matthews and Clint Sintim in the 2nd round position. They also like Tyron McKenzie on the 3rd round for the SAM spot.

Insiders’ Insights
The Lions have five of the top 82 selections and can address a few major areas with premier prospects. This is a pivotal draft class after a disastrous decade under former GM Matt Millen. They could trade one of their young passers Stanton or Orlavsky after selecting Matt Stafford for another top 100 selection. They have many needs, but can address several key areas over the top three rounds. They have several key defensive needs that have to be addressed if they expect to compete for the playoffs. They hope to add a bookend LOT in the later first early 2nd round area to develop with Stafford. They also want to add a pass rushing DT will a prime selection. They could address this position early with Jerry and Hood highly coveted prospects. Their offensive line may add a few prospects both left tackle and an interior blocker. Both the linebacker and secondary units will probably be addressed fairly early with one of their top 4-5 picks.

1st Round Pick - QB Matt Stafford - Georgia - Well developed QB can be a franchise type leader.
Alternate Pick - LB Aaron Curry - Wake Forest - Most developed prospect in this draft class.

For the Complete NFL Team Report go to Order link www.draftinsiders.com