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Tuesday, January 16
James, Hartwell impress NFL brass
By Mel Kiper
ESPN.com
In postseason all-star games, practices are usually more critical in the draft evaluation process than the game itself -- unless, of course, weather prevents the NFL brass from garnering solid scouting information. At the East-West Shrine Game practices last week in San Francisco, rainy conditions created a setting where the players' game-day performances were spotlighted more heavily than usual.
|  | | Utah's Steve Smith was the East-West Shrine Game's offensive MVP. |
During the week of practice, however, the headliners catching the eye of the NFL brass were TCU receiver Cedric James and Western Illinois middle linebacker Edgerton Hartwell.
James, a physically talented 6-foot-1½ 195-pounder figures to run in the 4.45 to 4.50 range, and is also coming off his most productive season with the Horned Frogs. After hauling in just four receptions as a junior in '99, James finished with 19 catches this past season, averaging 16.3 yards per grab. He also accounted for three touchdowns, one of which was a 75-yarder in their impressive victory over UTEP. What also impressed the NFL scouts was James's ability and potential as a kickoff returner.
Hartwell, a 6-1, 244-pounder, who transferred to the Leathernecks in '97 after a brief stay at Wisconsin, ended his productive career at Western Illinois as the all-time leader in total tackles and solo tackles. Hartwell's instincts to locate the ball and game-to-game consistency earned him plenty of notice during the regular season. Keep in mind, the Leathernecks have sent a number of players to the NFL over the years. Notables on that list include Bryan Cox, Rodney Harrison, Frank Winters and former Steeler DB Mike Wagner.
Both James and Hartwell have positioned themselves as possible draft selections either late on the first day or early on the second day if they continue to impress throughout the remainder of the draft process.
In the East-West Shrine Game itself, the most impressive performer on the field was Nebraska running back Correll Buckhalter. The 6-foot, 222-pounder carried the ball 10 times for 54 yards, while also catching three passes out of the backfield for 61 yards. Even though he played second fiddle to senior Dan Alexander during the season, Buckhalter still managed to rush for 750 yards, while leading the team with an impressive 7.1 yard average per carry.
Against San Jose State, he carried the ball 13 times for 117 yards, reached 100 yards on 16 carries against Kansas, and tied a career-high with three rushing touchdowns against Iowa State. He also enjoyed several other very solid efforts. Buckhalter totaled 100 yards or more on the ground against Texas Tech and Iowa as well, while averaging 12.7 yards per carry against Baylor.
As the numbers indicate, Buckhalter made things happen whenever he was given the opportunity. Because Alexander was the featured "I" back, Buckhalter may have gotten lost in the shuffle. But after his eye-catching effort at the East-West Shrine Game, everyone is aware of him now.
Casey Hampton, Texas's highly publicized defensive tackle, caused some problems in the backfield, impressing with his quickness for a low-based 6-1, 315-pounder.
Utah wideout Steve Smith again delivered a fine effort, hauling in a pair of TD receptions and earning game offensive MVP honors. While only 5-9, 178 pounds, Smith makes plays when it counts, while also proving to be a very effective and dangerous primary punt returner.
Even though quarterback Jonathan Beasley enjoyed a fine career at Kansas State and tossed two TD passes in the East-West game, I still view him as a marginal prospect who will likely have to battle his way onto an NFL roster as an undrafted free agent.
Boston College quarterback Tim Hasselbeck is a take charge leader with the necessary intangibles, but he won't overpower throws and should end up as a late-rounder or undrafted free agent.
The other two quarterbacks in the game, Auburn's Ben Leard and Boise State's Bart Hendricks, have a few redeeming qualities, but they could be overmatched in the NFL.
Miami (Fla.) wideout Andre King hauled in a 51-yard TD reception and appeared fairly polished with above-average, natural pass-receiving skills. King, who will be a 27-year-old rookie in the NFL next season, was chosen in the second round of the Major League Baseball draft in 1983 by the Atlanta Braves and spent five seasons in the minor leagues. With the Hurricanes, he flashed future NFL ability, but he had to perform in the shadow of standouts such as Santana Moss and Reggie Wayne.
In addition to the aforementioned Buckhalter, Hampton, Smith and King, also impressing on game day was Notre Dame receiver and return man Joey Getherall, Oregon State defensive end DeLawrence Grant, Iowa State defensive end Reggie Hayward and Southern Mississippi safety Leo Barnes.
Rotary Gridiron Classic
In Orlando, Fla., in the Team Florida vs. Team USA all-star game, Penn State signal-caller Rashard Casey delivered a solid performance, connecting with Florida State tight end Ryan Sprague on a 6-yard TD pass and also rushing for 41 yards.
Sprague came through with a fine performance overall, finishing with four receptions. Auburn wideout Ronney Daniels hauled in five receptions for 89 yards, but he will have to prove during individual testing that he has the necessary burst out of his break to gain separation against NFL cover men.
Other prospects from the Florida/USA game who turned a few heads included Ohio State defensive end Rodney Bailey, Kentucky defensive back Marlon McCree, West Virginia outside linebacker Chris Edmonds, Miami (Fla) tight end Ivan Mercer, and Oklahoma State tight end Marcellus Rivers.
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Mel Kiper Jr. breaks down the top underclassmen in the NFL draft.