2009 NFP scouting series: Central Florida

This summer, the National Football Post is breaking down every team in the Football Bowl Subdivision (formerly known as Division I-A) to identify players who might warrant interest from NFL teams in the 2010 draft.

The UCF Knights have a trio of defenders they’ll lean heavily on if they expect to have any chance to compete for a Conference USA title.

Offense

Kamar Aiken: No. 81, WR, 6-2, 212

A well-built receiver who displays impressive body control and coordination adjusting to the football. Showcases good awareness toward the sideline and does a nice job going up keeping his feet in play. Is an explosive leaper who knows how to extend his arms and pluck the ball at its highest point. Uses his body well to box out defenders away from the ball and contort his body to make the catch.

However, he plays at one speed and doesn’t showcase much of a second gear in the open field. Isn’t a sharp route runner and has a tendency to glide in and out of his breaks.

Impression: Displays good body control when adjusting to the football and uses his frame well to shield defenders. But he lacks the burst and footwork to consistently separate out of his breaks at the next level.

Defense

Torrell Troup: No. 98, DT, 6-3, 318

A thickly built interior lineman who exhibits good flexibility in his lower half and can really sit into his stance. Is a good athlete for his size and showcases decent short-area quickness stunting in space and pressuring the B-gap. Displays only average base strength, but demonstrates the ability to eat up blocks inside vs. the run game.

However, he lacks stability in his base when attacking upfield and can be easily washed out of plays. Is more of a straight-line athlete who can bull his way up field, but lacks balance and struggles fighting off contact. Needs to do a better job using his hands to keep himself clean; ends up on the ground consistently on plays away from his frame. Lacks overall awareness and is too inconsistent getting off the ball on time.

Impression: Teases you with his size, flexibility and athleticism, but struggles with his balance and doesn’t fend off contact on the move.

Bruce Miller: No. 49, DT/DE/OLB, 6-2, 256

A tough, hard-working guy who plays both DT and DE on the Central Florida defense. Times up the snap count well and is consistently the first defensive lineman moving off the ball. Maximizes his first step with proper footwork and gets on top of linemen quickly. Is very sudden in space and exhibits the lateral quickness to sidestep blocks and attack upfield. Possesses the burst off the ball to create penetration inside and does a nice job keeping his pad level down and working his way through contact. Showcases good technique off the snap, gets his hands up quickly to shed blocks and works his arms and feet in sync.

However, he is vastly undersized for the DT position and lacks the ability to generate much power on the move. Needs to win battles with his first step and struggles disengaging from blocks whenever opposing linemen get their hands on him. Can be easily washed away from the play vs. the run game and lacks the girth to consistently hold the point of attack.

Impression: A good athlete, but it’s his motor and technique that really jump out at you on film. Obviously he isn’t going to play DT at the next level, but there is something to be said about his toughness and skill set when he can line-up inside at 256 pounds and be effective. I think he could certainly find a role in the NFL as a 4-3 DE or 3-4 OLB.

Derrick Hallman: No. 38, FS/OLB, 6-0, 212

APNo. 38 Derrick Hallman

A physical hitter who does a nice job dropping his pad level on contact and using his hands to disengage from blocks. Displays good body control in space and looks natural breaking down and taking proper angles toward the ball. Showcases good instincts reading his run/pass keys and quickly attacks downhill. Is a physical wrap-up tackler who consistently gets his man to the ground.

However, he’s a limited athlete in space and lacks the ability to run sideline to sideline. Doesn’t display much of a first step out of his breaks and struggles getting up to speed quickly. Lacks the second gear to play from behind and doesn’t possess the closing speed to track the football.

Impression: Will make the move from linebacker to free safety this year, but simply doesn’t have the range to play in an NFL secondary.

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