2009 NFP scouting series: South 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 South Florida Bulls stumbled to a 2-5 record in the Big East last season but return a talented group of defensive prospects, including one of the nation’s top senior safeties.

Offense

Matt Grothe: No. 8, QB, 6-0, 205

An undersized quarterback prospect who possesses decent athletic ability and knows how to buy time in the pocket. However, he doesn’t make quick decisions in the pass game and struggles deciphering defenses.

APQuarterback Matt Grothe

Is a coordinated passer who exhibits an ability to throw from a number of angles and is fairly accurate on the move. However, he has a tendency to force the ball into coverage and lacks the arm strength to fit throws into tight areas. Doesn’t possess an NFL-caliber arm and lacks the ability to throw with much zip down the field or outside the numbers. Is a gritty competitor who will fight and scratch for every yard in the run game and showcases the ability to take off and pick up a first down with his feet.

Impression: A tough quarterback whom the team seems to rally around, but his skill set looks more suited to the CFL.

Carlton Mitchell: No. 2, WR, 6-4, 212

A big, thickly built target who carries his weight well and displays great athletic ability for a man his size. Isn’t a real natural receiver, lets the ball get into his body too often and doesn’t consistently high point the play. However, he does a nice job using his big frame and short-area quickness to get between cornerbacks and the ball in order to secure the catch.

Is a powerful route runner who gets up to speed quickly and has an impressive second gear to his game. Is a load to bring down in the open field and exhibits an ability to create after the catch. Showcases good balance out of his breaks and is a sudden route runner in the short/intermediate pass game. Gets a bit leggy down the field and isn’t as clean when asked to quickly redirect out of his routes. However, he possesses the vertical speed to threaten secondaries deep and does a nice job tracking the football over both shoulders.

Impression: Possesses a rare blend of burst, speed and power for the position. He’s still a bit raw, but will continue to develop and has the makings of a potential No. 1 option at the next level.

Defense

George Selvie: No. 95, DE, 6-4, 245

APDefensive end George Selvie

Lacks power when playing the run and needs to do a better job extending his arms on contact and keeping linemen off his frame. Is easily washed out of plays outside and struggles setting the edge. Lacks power as a pass rusher and doesn’t exhibit any kind of an initial jolt on contact. Isn’t even real effective on stunts because he lacks the base strength and natural leverage to drive offensive linemen into the backfield.

Does a nice job timing the snap count and is consistently the first defensive lineman moving off the ball. Lacks flexibility on his outside pass rush and struggles dropping his shoulder and dipping under offensive linemen. But he possesses an explosive inside rush and does a nice job firing off the ball, keeping his pad level down and penetrating through the B gap.

His best attribute is his initial burst off the snap, although he consistently gets too high out of his stance and struggles redirecting with any type of counter move. Needs to clean up his footwork and technique off the ball as well and learn to take a more positive first step on his pass rush.

Impression: Displays some natural explosion but lacks power and flexibility. I don’t see him as a real sack artist playing with his hand on the ground; his best shot is as a 3-4 outside linebacker.

Kion Wilson: No. 42, ILB, 6-1, 235

Reads and reacts quickly to run plays inside and does a nice job sidestepping blocks and breaking down on the football. Plays with natural leverage and will dip under blockers when he gains a step, but lacks the power to take them on in the hole. Displays only adequate straight-line speed but looks more quick than fast. Does a nice job keeping his feet moving, cleanly redirecting and closing on the ball. Works hard in pursuit but needs to do a better job using his hands to keep himself clean through traffic. Will take an occasional false step, but overall he does a nice job quickly deciphering the play and finding the ball.

Impression: Redirects quickly inside and has a nose for the ball. Isn’t overly physical or fast, but will compete for a roster spot at the next level.

Jerome Murphy: No. 3 CB, 6-1, 185

Possesses a really wide stance off the ball and lacks the flexibility and balance to comfortably sit into his back-pedal. Opens up his hips right away and sidesaddles his way down the field. Lacks the ability to break down during his drop and drive on the ball. Has a tendency to float down the field and gives up a lot of room underneath. Trusts his deep speed and isn’t afraid to sit on routes and jump balls in front of him. However, he’s susceptible to the double move and struggles quickly transitioning back outside down the field.

Isn’t real natural when his back is to the play and has a tendency to get grabby. Lacks awareness, struggles getting his head around and quickly finding the football. However, he’s an explosive leaper who does a nice job high-pointing the play. Displays good toughness as a tackler and isn’t afraid to stick his head in vs. the run game. Exhibits impressive straight-line speed for his size and showcases the range to run with receivers down the field.

Impression: Possesses good size/speed numbers, but isn’t a technically sound corner and struggles with his footwork and balance. Would really struggle in man coverage at the next level.

Nate Allen: No. 5, FS, 6-1, 206

A well-built safety with good instincts; always seems to play within himself. Takes good angles toward the football in the run game and is a solid wrap-up tackler in the open field. Isn’t overly explosive and lacks elite range in the secondary, but reads his keys quickly and is always in position to make a play. Displays good fluidity in his drop and does a nice job keeping his feet under him and driving on the ball. Exhibits an impressive initial burst out of his breaks and possesses the closing speed to run with receivers in man coverage.

Is tough to separate from down the field and showcases the awareness to correctly read routes and undercut passes. However, he’ll get caught watching the ball at times and loses track of receivers behind him.

Impression: Diagnoses plays quickly and has the footwork to consistently put himself in position to make a play on the ball. Doesn’t make many mistakes and looks like a solid starting safety at the next level.

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