The Fight Hunger Bowl was undoubtedly the marquee match-up of Friday's bowls. It also marked the last time that the game will be played in AT&T Ballpark as it will be moved to the brand new Levi's Stadium next year. This year's games featured the Washington Huskies and the BYU Cougars. A game that was won by the Huskies with a final score of 31-16 but was in no way dominated. The Cougars won just about every offensive stat you could think of, time of possession, total yards, first downs and passing yards but just could not find the end-zone in this one.
Looking at it from the NFL Draft perspective, there are more than a few good names to know going forward.
Kyle Van Noy, OLB, BYU
Van Noy has gotten plenty of attention from NFL scouts. While his stats may not be eye-popping this season, his athletic ability jumps off the charts. Van Noy's Junior season is where he earned most of the attention as he had 22 tackles for loss (TFL) and 13 sacks. Both numbers dropped this season to 15.5 TFL and only 4 sacks. Having seen him both live and during this bowl game Van Noy is a hard-working, high-motor guy who is worth an early round draft pick.
What I liked:
Showed good instincts against the read option as he made the right decision on multiple occasions.
Has good acceleration coming around the corner and got into the offensive backfield a few times getting a couple QB hurries and a tackle for loss.
Able to stay at full speed after being chip-blocked, showed that on impressive nine-yard tackle for loss against Huskies RB Bishop Sankey.
What I didn't like:
Had a few missed tackles, one big one that allowed Sankey to score his second touchdown.
Disappeared throughout stretches of the game, whether it was him being on the sideline or just not making plays on the field. There seemed to be a whole lot of down time for Van Noy.
Stock Report: Neutral
This season and bowl game didn't do much to improve his stock but the NFL scouts are looking passed that and rightfully so. His athletic ability should be on full display during the senior bowl and combine.
Projected Draft Range: 1st-2nd Round
Van Noy had a down year but has plenty of upcoming opportunities to keep his current draft projection right where it is.
Cody Hoffman, WR, BYU
Cody Hoffman would have easily been awarded the player of the game had the Cougars won after finishing with 12 receptions for 167 yards. His numbers were down from last season where he had a very impressive 100/1248/11 slash-line. This season he finished with 57/894/5 stat-line, but that can mainly be attributed to working with a new quarterback.
What I liked: Have a seat, this may take a while
Good height, stands at 6'4".
Showed good vertical on a couple jump balls.
Has great body control when putting himself in best position to make reception.
Goes down to the ground to catch passes very well, did this twice tonight.
Tremendous in the open field and has great YAC ability. (YAC!)
Showed great concentration catching a pass in between three defenders and holding onto ball after taking hard hit.
What I didn't like:
A bit lanky, only 210 pounds at 6'4" he will need to bulk up a bit to take shots in the NFL.
Stock Report: Up
Hoffman helped himself out greatly tonight hauling in season highs in both receptions and yardage, showing the scouts in attendance that his down numbers are truly a product of a young, running quarterback under center.
Projected Draft Range: 5th round
Currently being tabbed as a fifth round draft pick, strong showings at the senior bowl and combine could easily move this projection up.
Bishop Sankey, RB, UW
Sankey ran for a University of Washington record 1,775 yards during the regular season and carried it into an impressive bowl game performance where he ran for 95 yards and 2 touchdowns on 21 carries. Sankey is still undeclared for the NFL Draft but after a season like that, a new head coach coming in and his starting QB graduating, many, including myself, believe he will enter the NFL Draft. This kid is as advertised.
What I liked:
Great combination of agility and power shown by quick decisive cuts and lowering shoulder to run over defenders.
Very decisive runner, hit the hole hard and made some special cuts. Looks very NFL ready.
Brought in three receptions tonight and did not look uncomfortable doing so.
Legs were constantly turning with upper body falling forward to end nearly every run.
What I didn't like:
Wasn't really asked to pass block much, usually sent out on flats or motioned out wide. Are they hiding a weakness? But all young NFL running backs have to learn pass-blocking at one point or another.
Left game late with a right-hand injury, but did not look serious.
Stock Report: Up
Sankey showed real NFL ability in tonight's game and that he has the tools to be a featured back.
Projected Draft Range: Late 2nd-3rd round
Sankey asked for NFL Draft evaluation last week and received a third-round grade but after watching the game tonight and the underwear Olympics possibly in his future, his stock is sure to rise.
Sean Parker, S, UW
Parker finished the regular season with four interceptions and sixty tackles. A nickel-back, converted to safety who has hard-hitting ability.
What I liked:
Showed great play recognition as he was around every play at the end, something impressive for a safety.
A very sure tackler, showed great form when wrapping up and making tackles.
Lined up in slot coverage as well as deep safety, didn't really see him up in the box at all.
Had a couple pass deflections and broke up one after delivering a hard legal hit (which of course be flagged in the NFL).
What I didn't like:
Left game with injury after taking helmet to the chest area, but again didn't look too serious.
Stock Report: Up
Parker is currently ranked as the no. 8 SS according to Nfldraftscout.com and could pass some of the guys ahead of him who have a few more questions to them.
Projected Draft Range: Late Day 3
His current round projection is the seventh round but with a strong showing at the senior bowl along with what he does after that, Parker could move into the sixth round and maybe even the fifth.
Austin Seferian-Jenkins, TE, UW
Seferian-Jenkins won the John Mackey award which is given to the Nation's top tight-end. It was a bit of a shock after he finished with only 33 receptions for 413 yards and seven touchdowns. Aside from touchdowns the other two stats are career lows for him.
What I liked:
His size is going to present a mismatch with anyone in the NFL. 6' 6" and 276 lbs. A great red-zone target.
Lined up outside, in the slot and in regualr TE formation.
Adjusted well to come up with his touchdown catch.
Solid blocking on running plays, didn't see much pass protection as he was sent out on routes.
What I didn't like:
Looked disinterested in running some routes when he knew he wasn't the primary option.
Only had three receptions, with his size/speed combo that should not happen.
Stock Report: Neutral
A very underwhelming performance, but that size can not be ignored. Got to see what happens going forward before his stock starts slipping.
Projected Draft Range:Late 1st-2nd round
A great red-zone threat and has a unique size/speed combo. Can see the Patriots taking him? Type of player they like, another TE with some off-field issues. BOOM!
Other Notes:
Senior Washington QB Keith Price played his final collegiate game and set a school-record 75 career passing touchdowns. Price threw a nice ball tonight before leaving with an injury and currently has a 7th round projection. May be asked to change positions, if QB does not play out.
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