How do these prospects sound to you?
ANDRE DAVIS, VIRGINIA TECH
Height: 6-1 Weight: 194 Birthdate: June 12, 1979
ANALYSIS
A master of the big play, Davis averaged 19.4 yards per catch over his last three seasons with the Hokies. Rebounded from an injury-riddled 2000 season, to catch 39 passes for 623 yards and seven touchdowns last year, even though QB Michael Vick had moved on to the NFL. Over his last two seasons in Blacksburg, Davis wasn't merely an outstanding receiver, but a terrific punt returner, averaging 15.7 yards per return and scoring four touchdowns. Also ran for Tech's track team during his time there, and has been clocked at 4.29 seconds for the 40-yard dash.
WHAT THEY'RE SAYING
"If that wasn't a first-round draft choice out there playing, I haven't seen one lately. (Davis) makes some nice catches. He just can run by people."
— Virginia Tech head coach Frank Beamer
"He is a very dangerous runner after the catch who can turn upfield quickly and run effectively with the ball on reverses. Once Davis gets it into gear, he will just run right by defenders."
— Joel Buschbaum, Pro Football Weekly
MOMENTUM
He might not break into the starting lineup right away, but his proficiency on punt returns should allow him to be an instant contributor to whichever team selects him.
"Andre Davis, WR, Virginia Tech: Isn't this high (23) on most boards. But he has speed and he's a good kid. Five years from now, he might be among the three best receivers from this class."
Pete Prisco Sr. Writer Sportsline.com
More on Davis:
"Davis was quite the athlete in high school. Although he did not play football until his junior year, he played soccer his first two years and also participated on the track team, in which he won the state championship in the 200 meters and finished second in the 100 meters. During his senior year, he ran under 4.0 flat."
Gil Brandt
2nd prospect:
MARC COLOMBO, BOSTON COLLEGE
Height: 6-8 Weight: 295 Birthdate: Oct. 8, 1978
ANALYSIS
This Boston native and die-hard Boston fanatic is part of a football family that includes cousin Steven Marciano, a former BC player. His skills are equally impressive as he captained an offensive line that enabled running back William Green to gain 1,559 yards in 2001, averaging nearly six yards per carry.
WHAT THEY'RE SAYING
"Colombo has the look of a starting left tackle in the NFL. Light on his feet, with an understanding of the nuances of the position, Colombo does a great job keeping defensive ends at bay in pass-blocking situations. Keep in mind, he opened the year at right tackle before shifting to the left side in the season's third game."
— Mel Kiper, Jr., ESPN
"Strong, tough, aggressive and he can pass-protect."
— Mike Detillier, M&D Draft Report
MOMENTUM
Colombo will bring a lot to an NFL team. As a versatile athlete growing up, Colombo excelled in baseball and basketball, so he can be counted on to be a disciplined team player. In addition, a tackle his size should get plenty of attention before the draft.
"Marc Colombo, Boston College: 30 strength reps at combine … Plays right tackle … Has improved a lot since first coming to Boston College … Colombo is a competitive player as well as a big man with serious strength."
Gil Brandt
ANDRE DAVIS, VIRGINIA TECH
Height: 6-1 Weight: 194 Birthdate: June 12, 1979
ANALYSIS
A master of the big play, Davis averaged 19.4 yards per catch over his last three seasons with the Hokies. Rebounded from an injury-riddled 2000 season, to catch 39 passes for 623 yards and seven touchdowns last year, even though QB Michael Vick had moved on to the NFL. Over his last two seasons in Blacksburg, Davis wasn't merely an outstanding receiver, but a terrific punt returner, averaging 15.7 yards per return and scoring four touchdowns. Also ran for Tech's track team during his time there, and has been clocked at 4.29 seconds for the 40-yard dash.
WHAT THEY'RE SAYING
"If that wasn't a first-round draft choice out there playing, I haven't seen one lately. (Davis) makes some nice catches. He just can run by people."
— Virginia Tech head coach Frank Beamer
"He is a very dangerous runner after the catch who can turn upfield quickly and run effectively with the ball on reverses. Once Davis gets it into gear, he will just run right by defenders."
— Joel Buschbaum, Pro Football Weekly
MOMENTUM
He might not break into the starting lineup right away, but his proficiency on punt returns should allow him to be an instant contributor to whichever team selects him.
"Andre Davis, WR, Virginia Tech: Isn't this high (23) on most boards. But he has speed and he's a good kid. Five years from now, he might be among the three best receivers from this class."
Pete Prisco Sr. Writer Sportsline.com
More on Davis:
"Davis was quite the athlete in high school. Although he did not play football until his junior year, he played soccer his first two years and also participated on the track team, in which he won the state championship in the 200 meters and finished second in the 100 meters. During his senior year, he ran under 4.0 flat."
Gil Brandt
2nd prospect:
MARC COLOMBO, BOSTON COLLEGE
Height: 6-8 Weight: 295 Birthdate: Oct. 8, 1978
ANALYSIS
This Boston native and die-hard Boston fanatic is part of a football family that includes cousin Steven Marciano, a former BC player. His skills are equally impressive as he captained an offensive line that enabled running back William Green to gain 1,559 yards in 2001, averaging nearly six yards per carry.
WHAT THEY'RE SAYING
"Colombo has the look of a starting left tackle in the NFL. Light on his feet, with an understanding of the nuances of the position, Colombo does a great job keeping defensive ends at bay in pass-blocking situations. Keep in mind, he opened the year at right tackle before shifting to the left side in the season's third game."
— Mel Kiper, Jr., ESPN
"Strong, tough, aggressive and he can pass-protect."
— Mike Detillier, M&D Draft Report
MOMENTUM
Colombo will bring a lot to an NFL team. As a versatile athlete growing up, Colombo excelled in baseball and basketball, so he can be counted on to be a disciplined team player. In addition, a tackle his size should get plenty of attention before the draft.
"Marc Colombo, Boston College: 30 strength reps at combine … Plays right tackle … Has improved a lot since first coming to Boston College … Colombo is a competitive player as well as a big man with serious strength."
Gil Brandt
Comment