Small School Cornerbacks
by Matt Miller
By Matt Feminis and Josh Buchanan (<a>D2 Football</a>)
<b>Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie (6-2 175), Tennessee State (I-AA)</b>
Cromartie is one of the top cornerback prospects available, regardless of classification. He is working with Deion Sanders? former trainer, and at 6-foot-2 with sub-4.5 speed, the fluid Rodgers-Cromartie likely won?t last beyond the early portion of the second round. For New Era?s full scouting report, click here.
<b>Antwaun Molden (6-2 195), Eastern Kentucky (I-AA)</b>
A Toledo transfer, Molden?s size and track background will get him into an NFL camp. His workout performance will determine whether he?s a late-round draft choice, or a preferred free agent. At this time, he is not scheduled to appear in an all-star game or the February Combine. That said, Molden has good size (likely closer to 6-foot-1), covers well, and made 70 tackles this fall to go along with a pair of interceptions. If he can run in the 4.5 range, he could be a sixth-round option for teams looking to unearth a poor man?s Charles Tillman.
<b>Al Phillips (5-11 195), Wagner (I-AA)</b>
Phillips has what many talent evaluators consider ideal size for an NFL cornerback. His timed speed won?t wow people (reportedly in the 4.5 range), but Phillips notched 17 career interceptions, while doubling as a return man. Phillips is not afraid to make a tackle, and should be able to contribute on special teams. He?s likely on the Draft fringe at this time, but given the significant number of small school defensive backs thriving in the League, a prospect like Phillips who has produced and possesses sufficient measurables won?t be overlooked.
<b>Brian Witherspoon (5-10 163), Stillman (Division II)</b>
Witherspoon is a raw but talented corner with 4.2 speed who has been one of the best return men in the Southern Intercollegiate Athletic Conference and a track champion. Tabbed as the fastest man in the SIAC, he was the 2006 Track & Field 100 and 200 meter dash conference champion. He finished 4th in the NCAA D-II Outdoor Track & Field Championships, and was named an All-American. He finished with two interceptions and seven pass breakups in 2007. Witherspoon is a project who someone will take a chance on after the draft. His big knock is technique, as he finds himself out of position quite often. His speed allows him to easily make up for it, something that won?t happen in the NFL. He will need a chance to shine in a post-season all-star game to have a shot at getting drafted.
<b>Brandon Carr (6-0 205), Grand Valley State (Division II)</b>
Carr is a two-time 1st team All-American and an all-conference selection. He has solid size/speed measurables at 6-foot with 4.4 speed. He has been a shutdown cover corner at the Division II level who has proven to be one of the most sound at the position. He lacks great game speed, but is fast enough to be a sound player at the next level. He has 11 interceptions and 39 pass breakups in his career. Expect him to be a priority free agent signing shortly after the draft.
<b>Derrick Huff (5-11 188), Eastern Kentucky (I-AA)</b>
Huff makes up the second half of EKU?s outstanding cornerback tandem. While he?s not as highly regarded by scouts, Huff earned numerous accolades for his 2007 season in which he intercepted an NCAA-leading nine passes, and added 64 tackles. A three-year starter, Huff was an All-American and the Ohio Valley Conference Defensive Player of the Year this fall. Huff?s timed speed is nothing special, and he was burned by Kentucky?s Dicky Lyons when EKU played its intra-state Division I opponent in September. At this time, he?s likely a priority free agent.
<b>Other notables</b>: Steven Williams (Harvard); Maurice Leggett (Valdosta State); Marcus Brown (VMI); Denatay Heard (Stillman); Scorpio Babers (Sam Houston State)
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