Smallwood

[Huskyforlife]

Was my favorite player last year. Will he come out next year? Imho I think he's a first round pick if he leaves after next year. So yes I'm predicting a huge year for Yawin. He's got NFL size and as long as he stays out of trouble he could definitely be our 2d first round pick. Honestly thought he was our best lb last year. And that's not taking anything away from sio, he was also a beast.

 

[huskymedic]

Shouldn't there be a choice that he stays in school for another year?

 

[Huskyforlife]

Shouldn't there be a choice that he stays in school for another year?

Your right.... Sorry no way to edit polls

 

[WhereistheDove?]

I don't think he's a first round pick because the value is just not there for an ILB. The first one taken this year for example, was Te'o in the second round. I think if he has another good season he's a 2nd-3rd rounder and even with that grade, I would be surprised to see him come back. I think he compares favorably to Arthur Brown out of K-State, with better on-field results to this point in his career.

 

[Palatine]

I don't think he's a first round pick because the value is just not there for an ILB. The first one taken this year for example, was Te'o in the second round. I think if he has another good season he's a 2nd-3rd rounder and even with that grade, I would be surprised to see him come back. I think he compares favorably to Arthur Brown out of K-State, with better on-field results to this point in his career.

Jarvis Jones is an ILB, he went #17 to Pittsburgh.

 

[WhereistheDove?]

Jarvis Jones is an ILB, he went #17 to Pittsburgh.

Jarvis Jones is an OLB. He's expected to take James Harrison's spot as a rush linebacker in their 3-4.

 

[Sean]

Pretty sure the first ILB taken was Alec Ogletree, not Te'O, but the point holds.

 

[Jax Husky]

Yawin is awesome, but we sometimes get caught up in a little homerism here in regards to how the NFL views UConn's player (see Nick Williams). That said, if Yawin can run in the 4.6s, yeah I see him as a late first, early 2nd Round prospect.

If he runs a 4.75, he is a 3rd round player.

 

[WhereistheDove?]

Pretty sure the first ILB taken was Alec Ogletree, not Te'O, but the point holds.

Nope. Some people were projecting him as an ILB, but the Rams have Laurinitis there. More than likely he'll be playing weakside linebacker.

 

[Palatine]

Jarvis Jones spent most of his time at Georgia playing inside.

 

[Palatine]

Yawin is awesome, but we sometimes get caught up in a little homerism here in regards to how the NFL views UConn's player (see Nick Williams). That said, if Yawin can run in the 4.6s, yeah I see him as a late first, early 2nd Round prospect.

If he runs a 4.75, he is a 3rd round player.

I think pretty much everyone on this board saw Nick as an UDFA or seventh round if lucky.

Smallwood had prototypical NFL measurables. He is a very good player. If he improves on his 2012 season, he will be nipping at the first round.

 

[ktuck911]

The way Smallwood has developed he could very well be a first round pick in the '14 Draft.. As long as continues to improve, anchor our D ( leadership on the field this upcoming season will determine his draft status IMO ), and doesn't get hurt he has a very good shot at becoming the best LB to come out of UCONN...

 

[WhereistheDove?]

Jarvis Jones spent most of his time at Georgia playing inside.

I believe you're mistaking Jones for Ogletree. Jones was an outside linebacker. Ogeltree played along side Gilliard and Herrera inside. Regardless, the point remains the same. The first player drafted as a ILB was Te'o, since both Jones and Ogletree will be playing outside initially in the NFL.

 

[Palatine]

I believe you're mistaking Jones for Ogletree. Jones was an outside linebacker. Ogeltree played along side Gilliard and Herrera inside. Regardless, the point remains the same. The first player drafted as a ILB was Te'o, since both Jones and Ogletree will be playing outside initially in the NFL.

Yes, they want to move Jarvis outside, largely because of his awful 40 time. Olgetree played outside at Georgia (and the Giants passed on him at #19). Jarvis played mostly inside at Georgia and was very effective blitzing between the tackles.

 

[UConnSportsGuy]

Was my favorite player last year. Will he come out next year?

That phrase has a whole new meaning now than it did a week ago given the media blitz on the Collins story this week.

 

[WhereistheDove?]

Yes, they want to move Jarvis outside, largely because of his awful 40 time. Olgetree played outside at Georgia (and the Giants passed on him at #19). Jarvis played mostly inside at Georgia and was very effective blitzing between the tackles.

In his highlight videos jones is lined up outside, in the couple games I watched he was lined up outside, and all the depth charts have him on the outside. Again, I believe you have the two mixed up. Ogletree was one of Georgia's ILBs. Jones was an OLB. Google their '12 depth chart.

 

[uconnbill]

hoping and praying for two more years, but if he goes out he will be a top pick in the draft

 

[pj]

I think pretty much everyone on this board saw Nick as an UDFA or seventh round if lucky.

Smallwood had prototypical NFL measurables. He is a very good player. If he improves on his 2012 season, he will be nipping at the first round.

The debate over Nick wasn't about getting drafted, it was whether he could make it in the NFL in time. He clearly lacks experience at WR and that kills his ability to be drafted. But he has physical gifts and could develop.

Smallwood can play OLB, he definitely has a shot at the first round.

 

[Huskyforlife]

Kiper ranks him 45th. Claims he could be a 1st rounder

 

[uconndogs]

I've said this a number of times already, but I think Yawin has the potential to be the best LB UCONN has ever had. If he can play at 240-245 with the same speed and quickness the sky might be the limit.

As for last season there were times when he and Sio literally took over games. Recruiting sites missed both these kids btw, and if there was a better tandom in the country I can't readily identify who they were.