2008 Sleeper/Homer Player

[TomatoVSC]

It's a bit early...I know. But, I have a very good feeling that this guy is going to be an absolute stud next year.



Branden Ore...#28. Runningback, Virginia Tech. 5'11" 202 pounds. He runs between a 4.4 and a 4.5, and is considered somewhat of an all-around back. For a guy of his weight, he throws around a lot of force...and he still has good breakaway speed. Here are his stats thus far.



Not too shabby. Especially considering that he missed 2 games this past year. Can he catch the ball? Yes. Unfortunately, our passing game was somewhat lacking this year...but watch for that to improve as well.

Why is Ore a sleeper? The past 2 years, Virginia Tech's offensive line simply hasn't been that good. But, after a couple excellent recruiting classes, we have a solid OL for next year that includes Sergio Render(Freshman All-American) and a few other solid younger guys. What excites me the most about our O-line, though, is that they practice against one of the premier DL of the nation every day.

Last year Ore averaged 4.7 YPC, had 1137 rushing yards, and 16 rushing touchdowns. Here's what I expect next year.

5.2 YPC, 1550 rushing yards, 18 rushing touchdowns. It's going to be a good year for Branden Ore.

[STRICK-9]

How about this sleeper prospect from Wisconsin-Whitewater: Justin Beaver

Per Consensus Draft Services, a great source for NFL Prospects: "Justin Beaver may not be real big (5'8.5", 200) but he is a pure football player with a heart as big as they come. Justin is very compact and strong for his size (22 reps), has a 33.5" vj, a 9'6" bj and squats 455 pounds. Wisconsin-Whitewater has been in the DIII National Championship game the past two season, largely due to the amazing exploits of this fine small-school back.

In 2005, Justin rushed 428 times for 2,494 yards (5.7 ypc) and scored 24 times. This past season he was out with multiple fractures to the collar bone for four games, but still managed 266-1,430-4. Justin just flat out loves to play the game, and will play anywhere in the fall of '08 whether it be NFL or AF2."

[Chebington]

I don't know if Ore is really considered a sleeper. When you score 17 TDs for a great program as a sophomore, you're probably pretty well known.

[dawgland]

Originally Posted by Chebington

I don't know if Ore is really considered a sleeper. When you score 17 TDs for a great program as a sophomore, you're probably pretty well known.

thats why he said sleeper/homer pick

i'm assuming he meant 1 or the other

[TomatoVSC]

Originally Posted by Chebington

I don't know if Ore is really considered a sleeper. When you score 17 TDs for a great program as a sophomore, you're probably pretty well known.

I meant sleeper more along the lines of "he's top a top 5 back now but he will be this time next year." sort of thing.

[BucFanInKC]

Missouri TE Martin Rucker. Brother to Mike Rucker of the Panthers.




2006 1st-Team All-Big 12 (Coaches)
2006 2nd-Team All-Big 12 (Kansas City Star)
2006 Hon. Men. All-Big 12 (Associated Press)
2006 John Mackey National Tight End of the Week (Oct. 5)
2006 Team Metro Kansas City Player of the Year
2005 1st-Team All-Big 12 (Kansas City Star)
2005 Hon. Men. All-Big 12 (A.P., Coaches)
2005 John Mackey Tight End of the Week (Nov. 23)
2005 Team Receiver of the Year
2004 2nd-Team Freshman All-American (College Football News, Rivals.com)
2004 1st-Team Freshman All-Big 12 (The Sporting News)
2004 Team Freshman of the Year

[Cornhusker402]

Wow look at him, stiff arming a member of the Tar Heel defense...

[Cornhusker402]

Ill go with Anthony Gonzales, WR Colts

[dawgland]

Originally Posted by Cornhusker402

Ill go with Anthony Gonzales, WR Colts

who has the smiley where its banging its head into a wall

[Legacy]

Originally Posted by Cornhusker402

Ill go with Anthony Gonzales, WR Colts

He's definitely not a sleeper, but I'll go with this guy for a homer pick:

[UCLABUCSFAN]

Chris Horton S SR


Dennis Keyes S SR


Alterraun Verner CB SO

Bruce Davis DE SR



All are from UCLA. Both safeties can intercept well, and hit hard. Verner did well as a freshman last year, and returned his first two interceptions for touchdowns.

[thedestroyer]

Reggie freaking Smith, Oklahoma. Safety/Corner/Returner. He's my homer pick Learn the name.

[OneBucTruck]

My homer pick is Derrick Harvey, DE, FL Gators.

Originally Posted by TomatoVSC

It's a bit early...I know. But, I have a very good feeling that this guy is going to be an absolute stud next year.



Branden Ore...#28. Runningback, Virginia Tech. 5'11" 202 pounds. He runs between a 4.4 and a 4.5, and is considered somewhat of an all-around back. For a guy of his weight, he throws around a lot of force...and he still has good breakaway speed. Here are his stats thus far.



Not too shabby. Especially considering that he missed 2 games this past year. Can he catch the ball? Yes. Unfortunately, our passing game was somewhat lacking this year...but watch for that to improve as well.

Why is Ore a sleeper? The past 2 years, Virginia Tech's offensive line simply hasn't been that good. But, after a couple excellent recruiting classes, we have a solid OL for next year that includes Sergio Render(Freshman All-American) and a few other solid younger guys. What excites me the most about our O-line, though, is that they practice against one of the premier DL of the nation every day.

Last year Ore averaged 4.7 YPC, had 1137 rushing yards, and 16 rushing touchdowns. Here's what I expect next year.

5.2 YPC, 1550 rushing yards, 18 rushing touchdowns. It's going to be a good year for Branden Ore.

you a VT fan? ha me too, im a have 2 go with flowers the corner (homer pick)

[maryjanewatson]

Sam Keller, QB, Nebraska

By the time people are putting pumpkins on the stoop, he'll be in the Heisman discussion.

[UCLABUCSFAN]

Originally Posted by maryjanewatson

Sam Keller, QB, Nebraska

By the time people are putting pumpkins on the stoop, he'll be in the Heisman discussion.

Yeah, he was real good in the Pac-10 for a while.

[deltbucs]

CB Tony Carter
This kid improved by leaps and bounds last year. I expect him to be a top CB next year.

[nensey_zy]

Mike Jenkins and Trae Williams, USF cornerbacks. Mike Jenkins has a tendency to make clutch plays and Williams is a ball hawk who had seven picks last year.