Prospect Central

Jabari Arthur
Height/Weight: 6-4/228 | Birthplace: Montreal, QB, Canada | College: Akron | High School: Vanier Prep
Draft Year: 2008 | College Jersey Number: 12

Drafted sixth overall by calgary in 2007.

The former prep school quarterback made remarkable strides during his senior year, developing into one of the more physical big-play receivers in college football in 2007. He set a school single-season record with 86 receptions, but it is what he did on those 86 grabs that truly stand out. He had 15 catches for 20 yards or longer, as 54 were good for first downs, converting 24 third-down passes and one other on fourth down.

The Canadian native returned for his fifth year, despite being a first-round pick in the 2007 Canadian Football League draft, going as the sixth overall pick to the Calgary Stampeders. He would close out his career as the school's all-time leading receiver with 184 catches for 2,653 yards, as his 17 touchdown catches rank third in Akron annals. His 86 grabs in 2007 set a Zips single-season record, while his 1,171 yards gained and 10 touchdowns both rank second on the school annual record books.

Arthur was rated the best high school prospect in Canada during his senior year at Vanier Prep. He was named the League MVP and Offensive Player of the Year as a sophomore and senior, as he also served as captain of Team Canada as a junior. He was the school's Athlete of the Year as a freshman, leading the squad to a 42-4 record during his career, winning a regional championship in 1999. He also lettered in track.

Arthur enrolled at Akron in 2003, playing quarterback on the scout team. He lost a heated battle with Pittsburgh transfer Luke Getsy for the starting quarterback position in 2004 and made the move to wide receiver. He played in nine games, starting two contests, but also missed two midseason contests due to a left shoulder separation. He finished his first year at split end with 23 catches for 270 yards (11.7 avg), as he also completed 3-of-6 passes for 12 yards and rushed seven times for 17 yards in brief action under center.

In 2005, Arthur appeared in 12 games, earning his only start vs. Northern Illinois, sitting out vs. Ball State due to a concussion suffered vs. Bowling Green. He snared 30 passes for 482 yards (16.1 avg) and found the end zone three times. He attempted one pass and lost 15 yards on one rushing attempt.

As a junior, Arthur started nine of 12 games at split end. He suffered a left foot fracture vs. Buffalo, but still played in the team's final two contests before undergoing surgery. He led the Zips with 45 receptions for 730 yards (16.2 avg) and four touchdowns. He also posted three tackles (2 solos). The receiver could have left school and signed with Calgary in the CFL, but he decided to return for his final campaign.

That decision proved to be the right move, as the All-Mid American Conference first-team choice ranked 11th in the nation with a school single-season record 86 receptions and ranked 12th in the NCAA with 1,171 yards, the second-best season total in school history (13.6 avg), as his 10 touchdown grabs also rank second on Akron's annual record chart. He ran four times for 3 yards, returned three kickoffs for 15 yards and posted two tackles.

Arthur started 24 of 45 contests at Akron. He is the school's all-time leader with 184 catches for 2,653 yards (14.4 avg) and ranks third with 17 touchdown grabs. He completed 3-of-7 passes for 12 yards, gained five yards on 12 carries and 15 yards on three kickoff returns. He also registered five tackles (three solos).

Analysis
Positives: Has good upper body muscle development and mass, with room to add more bulk, especially in the trapezoid and neck area, for a possible move to H-Back at the next level … Has a solid lower body frame with thick thighs and calves, large hands and good overall strength … More of a possession-type receiver, but knows how to use his body well to shield the ball from defendersPhysical and combative going for the ball in a crowd, using his height and elevation to easily high point the ballHas keen field vision and alertness to the sticks, converting 24 third-down plays and one more on fourth down into first down grabs as a senior … Greatly improved his arm extension as a senior, no longer using his body as a crutch (used to body catch or trap the ball) … Lacks great speed, but has good athletic ability, as he is more of a "quicker-than-fast" receiver who shows good foot quickness and body control for his rare size and might be a better fit bulking up and using as a slot receiver or motion tight end … His experience as a quarterback greatly helped him in developing good awareness during routes, as he has a good understanding how patterns develop, showing good field position to settle under the zone's soft areas … Has outstanding football character and was described by the coaches as one of the best workers on the team … Self-starter who can take all types of coaching and possesses good practice habits … Dependable, vocal leader and team captain … Has good knowledge of the markers and operates well along the boundary, dotting his feet and maintaining balance while showing good adjustment skills to secure the ball in bounds … A good short-area receiver who uses his rare size to his advantage, as he has the strength to overpower the smaller defenders in a crowd … Plays with confidence underneath, showing the ability to shield and post up in the red zone … Has a bit of a drop step in his release, but can avoid or power through the press quickly … Does not generate instant acceleration, but is a good long strider who can cover ground going deep (best on underneath and crossing routes than he is attacking the seam, though) … Looks a bit deliberate in his movements because of his size, but has the athletic feet and body control to get under the ball without having to break stride … Has good awareness for keeping his feet in the back of the end zone, excelling on fades and post patterns … Drives hard away from the defender and has enough agility and power to separate moving laterally (vertically is still a work in progress) … Has shown improved concentration looking the ball in … Has enough flexibility to bend and reach for the ball, but because of his size, he has to go to his knees to secure the shoestring passes … Good leaper with above average height and leaping ability, as his big hands give him an advantage to secure the jump balls … Has big, soft hands and extends them properly to catch away from his frame … Not a sudden eluder, but runs hard for a player his size and his strength makes it difficult for cornerbacks to bring him down in isolated coverage … Has the size and tools to be a dominant blocker, but needs to do it with better temperament and consistency.

Negatives: Shows some tightness and is not real explosive or sudden … His tall frame prevents him from laying out for some passes that he should … His blocking effort is inconsistent, but he has the hand punch to shock and jolt … Still a bit of a raw route runner, as he flashes ability, but plays at different speeds and has only adequate initial quickness … Lacks suddenness off the line and in routes and is more of a speed-builder who lacks good quickness into and out of cuts … Shows only adequate release from the line, but has the hand power to defeat the press (improved during 2007, but had problems getting a release in the past, as he did not always protect his body, letting defenders get a piece of his jersey too often) … Needs time to build speed off the line and releases too erect, needing to do a better job of sinking his pads … .Doesn't elude defenders at the line, but instead uses his hands and size to beat press coverage … Runs deep routes only adequately, as he tends to drift and take soft angle cuts (more precise on short routes) … Lacks good speed in routes and is not real crisp into and out of his breaks, as he needs to drop his weight better and cut down his steps at the route break point … Has only adequate ability to separate from defenders in the open (better eluding laterally than vertical) … Has the ability to extend and pluck the ball, but until his senior year he often used his body to make the catch … At times, he'll use his body well and grab balls in traffic, but will also have drops and won't out-muscle smaller defenders … Deep balls need to be accurate so he can cradle them … Needs to stick his foot in the ground and comeback to the ball quicker on deeper routes … Lacks suddenness to adjust to balls thrown behind him … Can grab balls above his head, but struggles with opposite-shoulder balls … At times, he can be tough to bring down on shorter routes, but effort is inconsistent … Inconsistent blocker who can use his size well to block and sustain, but his effort is up and down.

Compares To: BRANDON MARSHALL-Denver … Arthur is not going to win many foot races, but he is starting to become a savvy route runner with good lateral separation skills. He is not going to be a vertical threat, but if used as a motion tight end/H-Back/slot receiver type, he will be a nice target to move the chains in a crowd. He is developing better hand technique, but still needs route refinement. With his size and potential shown as a senior, he could be just as effective as Marshall, but will need a year or two to work on his overall route mechanics.

Career Notes
Arthur holds the school career records with 184 receptions for 2,653 yards, topping the old marks of 149 catches by Matt Cherry (2000-03) and 2,577 yards by Lavel Bailey (1997-2000) … His 17 touchdown catches rank third in school history behind Dan Ruff (27, 1967-70) and Bailey (21) … His 86 receptions in 2007 topped the previous Akron single-season record of 75 by Domenik Hixon in 2005 … His 1,171 yards receiving in 2007 are topped only by Hixon's 2005 total of 1,210 yards on the school's single-season record chart … His 10 touchdown catches in 2007 rank second on the Zips single-season record list, topped by Ruff (11 in 1968) … His 15 catches vs. Western Michigan in 2007 topped the old school single-game record of 13 grabs, first set by Jim Lupori (vs. Muskingum, 1960), and matched by Willie Davis (vs. Kent State, 1984) and Hixon (vs. Marshall, 2004) … Only Kenny Christian of Eastern Michigan (20 vs. Temple, 2000), Jamie Hence of Western Michigan (16 vs. Ohio University, 1987) and Greg Jennings of Western Michigan (16 vs. Virginia, 2005) had more catches in a game in Mid-American Conference annals … His 225 yards receiving vs. Western Michigan in 2007 broke the previous school single-game record of 201 yards by Willie Davis vs. Kent State in 1984.

2007 Season
All-American honorable mention and Super Sleeper Team choice by The NFL Draft Report … All-Mid American Conference first-team pick … Started all twelve games at split end, ranking 11th in the nation while leading the team with a school single-season record 86 receptions, as he also placed 12th nationally with a team-high 1,171 yards (13.6 avg), the second-highest season total in school annals … His ten touchdown grabs also rank second on the Akron single-season record list … 54 of his receptions were good for first downs, as he converted 24 third-down grabs and one more on fourth down … Had fifteen catches for 20 yards or longer … Carried four times for 3 yards (0.8 avg), but two of his attempts converted third-down plays … Gained 15 yards on three kickoff returns and recorded two tackles … Had five contests with at least 100 yards receiving.

[url=http://www.cbssports.com/nfl/draft/players/historical/1616278]http://www.cbssports.com/nfl/draft/play ... al/1616278[/url]

no doubt that he has potential to be a special player... but looks awfully injury prone... regardless cant wait to see him on the field this season

forgot to put this on there

Agility Tests
Campus: 4.55 in the 40-yard dash … 1.61 10-yard dash … 2.66 20-yard dash … 35-inch vertical jump … 10'5" broad jump … Bench pressed 225 pounds 19 times … 370-pound bench press … 450-pound back squat … 308-pound power clean … 31 3/4-inch arm length … 9 3/4-inch hands … Right-handed … 24/36 Wonderlic score

Jabari definately has great skills and speed for a bigger guy and his size gives him an advantage over the smaller DB'S and LB'S in the CFL. This guy is a special player and will do great things for The Bomber's now that he is healthy.

We have alot of size going in to TC at the reciever position and LaPo has alway's liked his bigger reciever's because as i mentioned above they have an automatic advantage over the smaller defensive player's in the league.

I have to admit, I'm floored by the size of our receivers:

Hargreaves 6'5" 234
Arthur 6'4" 225
Bowman 6'4" 220
Hall & Ralph 6' 3" 190
Harris 6'2" 220
McHenry 6'2" 215
Franklin 6'0" 210

These guys are LB'er size.

Hey Piggy, Can you do me a favour and change the thread title to "Prospect Central"

Instead of making a new thread for every Player that I dig up info on I'll just put them all in here

Josh Svec : NI
WR - 5'11" - 187lbs - 23yrs old
School : Waterloo
Undrafted 2009

ran 4.68 40yrd dash
10 strength reps
28" Vertical Jump
8 feet 10.5 inch broad jump
4.06 shuttle time

recieving yards - 864(2nd in CIS)
receptions - 48(4th in CIS)
TD's - 3

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nIkhHoKCRUA

Scott McHenry: NI - Ranked 6th on scouting bureau
SB - 6'2" - 215lbs - 23yrs
School : Saskatchewan
3rd rounder 2009

ran 4.68 forty yard dash
10 strength reps
36 VJ
9'8" Broad Jump
4.28 shuttle

TORONTO -- Scott McHenry starred as a receiver for the University of Saskatchewan

Huskies. The Saskatoon product was ranked 6th on the latest edition of the CFL

Amateur Scouting Bureau.

McHenry was named to back-to-back East West Bowls in 2007 and 2008 and has

emerged as one of the top receivers at the University of Saskatchewan.

The 6’1?, 220 lbs. slotback burst onto the CIS scene in 2005 with 17 receptions for

404 yards and three touchdowns for the Huskies. He was the team’s leading receiver

in the 2005 Mitchell Bowl with five receptions for 78 yards and was named the Canada

West Rookie of the Year.

"Scott is a big, strong receiver that creates space,? said Saskatchewan Head Coach

Brian Towriss. “He has tremendous awareness and ability to find a soft spot in zone

coverage. [He] is a physical receiver, a solid blocker and runs excellent routes.

[url=http://www.cfl.ca/article/cfl-draft-video-profile-scott-mchenry]http://www.cfl.ca/article/cfl-draft-vid ... tt-mchenry[/url]

Other successful Recs compared

Rob Bagg - 4.74 forty, 12 strength reps, 29" vertical, 9’1 ½? broad jump, 4.36 shuttle
Chris Getzlaf - 4.75 forty, 8 str reps, 34 VJ, 10’2½?

Deji Oduwole: NI - Ranked 10th in the 2009 scouting bureau
DE - 6'2" - 250lbs - 23yrs in august
School: Calgary
Undrafted 2009

40yrd dash: 4.94
Strength Reps: 22
Vertical Jump: 23.5"
Broad Jump: 8'8"
Shuttle Time: 4.59

TORONTO -- Deji Oduwole is a defensive end from the University of Calgary. A Canada West all-star, Oduwole was ranked 10th on the latest edition of the CFL Amateur Scouting Bureau.

Oduwole started all eight games at defensive end in 2008, recording 31 tackles and leading his team with five sacks. He was named a Canada West all-star.

Oduwole began his CIS career at Saint Mary's University under Head Coach Blake Nill. He was named Saint Mary's' nominee for rookie of the year in 2005 before sitting out the 2006 season, due to transfer rule, to follow Coach Nill to Calgary.

"Deji is very athletic, game speed is above average, and he uses his hands very well," said Calgary defensive coordinator, John Stevens. "[He has] the ability to compete on defence and special teams [in the CFL].

[url=http://www.cfl.ca/article/cfl-draft-video-profile-deji-oduwole]http://www.cfl.ca/article/cfl-draft-vid ... ji-oduwole[/url]

Stan van Sichem: NI
DE/LB - 6'2" - 229lbs - 23yrs
school: Regina
4th rounder 2009

40yrd dash: 4.68
Strength Reps:21
Vertical Jump:37.5"
Broad Jump:9'5"
Shuttle Time:4.31

TORONTO -- Stan Van Sichem's football career began in Grade 10; however, he originally moved from the Netherlands to Canada to pursue an ice hockey career.

Van Sichem attended Athol Murray College of Notre Dame where he was named Team MVP in Grade 10, 11, and 12 in addition to serving as the captain of his team in Grade 11 and 12.

The hybrid defensive end / linebacker had an outstanding career at the University of Regina, where he became school's all-time leader in career sacks.

"I play the game because I love taking on a new challenge every day," said Van Sichem. "I push myself as hard as I can because I want to become the best football player I can possibly be, both physically and mentally."

"I love the challenge of going to the next level. I have been working hard for this opportunity and would not disappoint any team that would give me a chance."

On believer in Van Sichem's ability is his head coach at Regina, Frank McCrystal. "Stan is a very fast and relentless football player," he said. "He will always pursue the football. He is also very athletic and has a natural ability with a willingness to work on those parts of the game where he needs to improve."

[url=http://www.cfl.ca/article/cfl-draft-video-profile-stan-van-sichem]http://www.cfl.ca/article/cfl-draft-vid ... van-sichem[/url]

Thaine Carter: NI - Ranked 15th in 2009 scouting Bureau
LB - 6'00 - 230lbs - 23yrs in May
School: Queens
6th round 2009

40yrd dash: INJ
Strength Reps: 19
Vertical Jump: INJ
Broad Jump: INJ
Shuttle Time: INJ

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r2mabP8tI-Y

…i thought this kid had the ‘goods’ last year to make the team until he was injured…Injuries are something that curtail promising careers…What is it they say…‘you can’t make the club from the tub’…I’m hoping guys like Jabari Arthur and Thaine Carter have put their injury problems behind them and we see them make the 2010 team… :rockin:

So these are some of the Prospects Joe Mack brought in this off-season(with the exception of Jabari Arthur and Thaine Carter)... If you count, we now have 3 of last years top 15 prospects according to the ammeteur scouting bureau... As well as Josh Svec, who I think looks like an increadible prospect. Not sure why he went undrafted, but hey, so did Ian Logan, and look how that turned out.

I'm very excited about these guys... our NI recieving depth looks about a thousand times better then that of the taman era. With Guys like Aaron Hargraves and Brock Ralph, Along with Prospects like Jabari Arthur, Josh Svec and Scott McHenry, you can't deny that we have already improved here.

Guys like Oduwole and Van Sichem will be very good on special teams. Pierre-Luc Labbe and Shawn Gallant have been very good on special teams, and I can see Labbe pushing for work on defence this season.. Prospects Thaine Carter and one of Gesse, Greenwood, or Williams(assuming LAPO is dead set on grabbing a LB with our number 1) will be good special teamers and make an immediate impact that way instantly, but they will also push for work on D. Very excited about that

So if you think about it, landing guys like Oduwole, Van Sichem, Josh Svec and Scott McHenry is kind of like a draft already. so only having four picks this year really isn't so bad.

Our offensive Line looks pretty good, especially if we land Kristian Matte in the fourth round(heres hoping). I think that guy could push for starting in the gaurd spot opposite LaBatte and exceling... He has similar numbers, and the houston texans coach has good things to say about him... something about never missing his blocking assignments... He put up 225 more than LaBatte, and had similar Agility numbers, however LaBatte is much bigger in size.

D.J. Hall
Height/Weight: 6-2/193 | Birthplace: Ft. Walton Beach, FL | College: Alabama | High School: Choctawhatchee
Draft Year: 2008 | College Jersey Number: 22 | Combine Position: WR | Combine Jersey Number: 20

Overview
A clutch receiver with a long, lean frame, DJ Hall was a model of consistency throughout his Alabama career. He was the first player in school history to produce a pair of 1,000-yard receiving seasons and is only the second player in Tide history to reach that lofty standard.
He set new Alabama career records for receptions (194) and yards receiving (2,923) while his 17 touchdown grabs were one shy of the school's all-time mark.

Hall caught the attention of the media in 2006, garnering All-Southeastern Conference second-team honors. He started 10 of 12 games, ranking 12th in the nation and third in the league with an average of 88 yards per game receiving. His 62 receptions ranked third on the school's season-record list while his 1,056 yards (17-yard average) set a new Tide annual mark. He had five touchdown grabs and gained 139 yards on seven kickoff returns (19.0 avg), adding 48 yards on six rushing attempts (8.0 avg). His seven 100-yard receiving performances set a single-season Alabama record.

Hall was again named to the All-SEC second-team in 2007. He started 11 of 13 games, serving a half-game suspension for a violation of team rules vs. Louisiana-Monroe. He set a school record with 67 receptions and his 1,005 yards receiving (15-yard average) rank second in Tide annals to his 2006 totals. He scored six times on catches, gained seven yards on a kickoff return and seven yards on two reverses.

In 48 games at Alabama, Hall started 39 times. He holds the school record with 194 receptions for 2,923 yards (15.1-yard average) and 17 touchdowns. He carried the ball nine times for 60 yards (6.7-yard average), lost one yard on two punt returns and totaled 196 yards on 10 kickoff returns (19.6 avg). On 215 touches, he finished his career with 3,177 all-purpose yards, an average of 66.19 all-purpose yards per game.

Analysis
Positives: Has a lean frame, but can add at least another 10 pounds of bulk without the additional weight impacting his quickness … Displays good arm length and very tight upper-body muscles and tapered thighs and calves … Classic vertical-type receiver with the valid speed to stretch the field … Shows natural hands and good timing extending for the ball away from his frame … Has the second gear and hip wiggle to elude after the catch … Glider-type of route-runner with the sudden surge off the snap when he gets a clean release to get into his routes … Shows good balance, body control and timed speed to accelerate in and out of his cuts with good precision … Can get to the pass at its high point when he times his leaps … Needs to use his hands better to escape the jam, but will compensate with good head fakes and quick change-of-direction moves … Shows good field awareness during routes, allowing him to find soft spots in the defense … Has improved his ability to generate a strong thrust in attempts to separate and has also improved in making adjustment on routes (mostly in posts and crosses) … When he takes crisp and clean angles, he is much better at gaining separation after the catch. However, when he gets too long-legged, he doesn't come out of his breaks as cleanly … Uses good elusiveness to avoid defenders and get a clean release, as he has gained confidence in running crisp, precise routes to shake coverage, knowing he can stretch the field deep with his speed … Not the type who can get himself between the defender and the ball, but he is adequate at adjusting to catch outside his framework, showing the balance and body control to pluck balls, turn upfield quickly after the catch and pick up extra yards, as he has the loose hips and agility on the move to avoid defenders … When given room, he can run by most opponents and attack the deep secondary … Builds his speed quickly and has the feet and shifty body moves to elude … Creates separation, whether with his straight-line stride or when breaking down to generate a lateral burst … Fluid and flexible with his body control, as he is capable of reaching low for the ball and making adjustments without having to gear down … Has quick stop-and-go action to elude in the open, but can also do an effective job when he uses his weave to escape.

Negatives: Has had two off-field issues for which he was suspended; both will need further clarification … Not the type that relishes contact and will shy away from the physicality of going up for the ball in a crowd (failed to get to 41 throws and had 14 others deflected in 2007) … Has adequate field instincts, but needs more than several reps to retain … IQ test score indicates he might have problems digesting a complicated playbook … Type of player that needs to be pushed and monitored and is not a self-starter … Needs to show better maturity on the field and improve his overall work ethic … Lacks true courage in traffic and struggles to get into his routes when facing a physical press … Not as alert to sidelines and boundaries as one would like and has had mental lapses and concentration issues on the field, resulting in quite a few dropped balls or missed opportunities to get to the catchable passes … Gets bounced around too much trying to work back to the quarterback and on underneath routes (looks to have good strength, but fails to utilize it on the playing field, preferring to shy away from contact) … Has good hands, but will revert to body- or double-catching as a crutch … Needs to do a better job of tracking the ball in flight, as he struggles to get his head turned on the ball, especially with his back to the defenders … Will give some effort, but takes only passive swipes in attempts to block at the line of scrimmage and he's more effective cut blocking … Has worked to improve, but because of a lack of strength to escape the jam, he will revert to taking a drop step in his release, at times … Lacks focus to make the circus catch along the sideline and must learn to play with better aggression.

Compares To … LAURENT ROBINSON-Atlanta … Like the former Illinois State receiver, Hall's reach for the ball and second gear allow him to separate quickly after the catch. He lacks the courage of Robinson going over the middle of the field, but both are valid vertical threats with good ability to stretch the field. Hall needs to improve his work ethic and mature off the field, as he seems to have a lackadaisical approach to training and practice. When he gets a clean release, he can attack the deep secondary. Yet, even if there is a $100 bill in the middle of the field with his name on it, he will not be found in that area. Hall needs to gain overall strength or show better aggression in beating the press. He looks like Tarzan, but plays like Jane and is not to be relied upon in the clutch. His vertical speed is what impresses scouts most.

Agility Tests
Campus: 4.49 in the 40-yard dash … 280-pound bench press … 330-pound squat … 245-pound power clean … 31 3/8-inch arm length … 9 1/4-inch hands … Right-handed … 15/24 Wonderlic score.

Will Franklin

Height/Weight: 6-1/214 | Birthplace: St. Louis, MO | College: Missouri | High School: Vashon
Draft Year: 2008 | College Jersey Number: 2 | Combine Position: WR | Combine Jersey Number: 17

Overview

Overshadowed most of his career by heralded teammates Chase Daniel, Martin Rucker, Chase Coffman and Jeremy Maclin, Franklin has caught the attention of professional teams with his team-first attitude, blazing speed and naturally soft hands. The nephew of former Cincinnati Bengals standout wide receiver Darnay Scott, Franklin credits Scott with inspiring him to pursue football.

Franklin would go on to start 36 games during his career with the Tigers, seeing action as a slot receiver and at the "X" position. He placed his name in the school record books, as both his 143 receptions and 2,125 yards gained rank fourth in Missouri history.

Franklin enrolled at Missouri in 2004, seeing action in 11 games at the "X" receiver position behind Brad Ekwerekwu. He managed just six catches, but they were good for 174 yards (29.0 avg) and a touchdown. He shifted to slot receiver in 2005, starting all but the Nebraska game. He gained 413 yards on 40 receptions (10.3 avg) with two scores and rushed eight times for 17 yards (2.1 avg).

The 2006 season saw Franklin take over at the "X" receiver position. He was well on his way to earning conference postseason honors, but he landed on his right shoulder making a first quarter dive at a pass vs. Iowa State, suffering a torn labrum that required surgery. The injury forced him to sit out the team's final two games, finishing third on the squad with 48 catches for 829 yards (17.3 avg) and six touchdowns.

As a senior, Franklin was named All-Big 12 Conference honorable mention. He started all 14 games at "X" receiver, coming up with a career-high 49 receptions for 709 yards (14.5 avg) and four touchdowns.

In 48 games at Missouri, Franklin started 36 contests. He ranks fourth in school history with 143 catches for 2,125 yards (14.9 avg) and 13 touchdowns. He rushed nine times for 9 yards, fielded one punt for no return yardage and scored 82 points.

Analysis
Positives: Has the rare sized frame teams look for - minimal body fat (7.2%), natural muscle thickness throughout, long limbs, large, soft hands, outstanding leaping ability, thick thighs and calves, tight waist, hips and abdomen and room on his frame to carry at least another 15 pounds of bulk with no loss in quickness … Has the sudden burst to get a clean release off the snap and valid hand strength to defeat the press … Smooth runner with excellent timed speed, showing the ability to drop his weight when making cuts, displaying good body control throughout his running stride … Shows good instincts and awareness on the field, quickly finding the soft areas to settle under Called by QB Chase Daniel the team's most alert receiver, as more than 20 percent of his catches came after breaking off his routes and coming back to help when the pocket was pressured the last two years … Has really improved his competitiveness the last few years, displaying more fire than he did earlier in his career, displaying true courage and a desire to make plays after the catch, and will compete for the ball in a crowd … Took a while to adjust to college life and the staff felt that he had a bad attitude and complained a lot when he first entered the Missouri program, but has completely changed and has consistently improved his work in the weight room and on the practice field … Has become a vocal leader who will get in his teammates' faces … Has a good burst and shows good quickness after the catch, utilizing effective head fakes and wiggle to make the initial tackler miss … Possesses quick feet that allow him to change directions swiftly, as he has the balance to drop his pads and show crispness in and out of his cuts … Shows good quickness from scrimmage vs. press coverage, demonstrating a strong hand strike to surprise a lethargic defender … Has a very smooth release off the line, showing an ability to elude bump-and-run coverage with quick feet, good fakes and a sharp burst … Drops his weight well while making cuts and gets back to the ball very efficiently, doing a fine job of slipping underneath coverages and uses his body well to shield defenders from the ballDemonstrates good field awareness and body control along the sideline, getting his feet down in bounds … Looks for the yard marker and takes good angles as a second-level cut blocker … Even with his valid speed, he doesn't really blow past defenders, but shows enough burst to stretch the field and is best when he can find holes in the defense and settle in … Displays good, soft hands and the ability to pluck high and away from his frame, as he can also catch the deep, over-the-shoulder balls with his hands extended away from his frame … Demonstrates good body control while adjusting to low balls and balls thrown behind him and has no problems sacrificing his body to go vertical (suffered a torn labrum stretching out for the ball vs. Iowa State in 2006, but says he will do it again, if needed) … Reacts well to the ball in flight and while he is not really a shifty receiver, he will pick up yards after the catch with head fakes and the valid speed to escape … Shows good toughness while battling for extra yards … Threatens the deep secondary consistently, as he has the timed speed to gobble up the cushion and get behind the opponent before the defensive back has a chance to recover … Willing to compete for jump balls or combat defenders in a crowd … Not really excited about blocking at the X's, but has good angle concept and field awareness to cut block.

Negatives: Has a confirmed learning disability that requires extra assistance with school work … Will need extra reps in practice due to poor mental retention … Has valid speed to stretch the field, but needs to refine his pattern running, as he rounds off his routes, especially double moves and slants (more a product of what the system asks from him) … Willing to compete for the ball in a crowd, but does not show the playing strength to be an effective receiver on short routes, as he will get knocked off shallow crossing routes by linebackers and drops a few balls due to a lack of concentration when working in a crowd (has courage, just tends to get distracted when he hears the defender's foot steps) … Will compete for the ball in a crowd, but not always, as he has pulled up on short balls in traffic when he thinks he has no chance of getting to it … Lacks enthusiasm and playing strength as an in-line blocker and gets warded off at the point of attack, but is adequate as a cut blocker in the second level … Has matured, but openly complained and was a bit of a problem to handle his first few years in the program (comes from a rough background and had a chip on his shoulder when he arrived on campus) … Has good cutting ability in the open, but on shorter routes he takes too long coming out of his breaks … When he keeps his hands active, he can ward off the jam, but when his chest is exposed defenders are quick to ward him off and knocked him off his route … Has the speed to elude, but needs to be more elusive in his patterns, as he tends to run right into a crowd … Has natural hands, but will revert to trapping the ball or letting it into his body … Needs to secure the ball better before turning up field to reduce costly turnovers.

Compares To: RODDY WHITE-Atlanta … Like White, Franklin has the valid speed to threaten the deep secondary, but is not the greatest route runner. He needs to be more elusive after the catch, rather than rely on his timed speed to help him escape. He will lose concentration at times and is prone to trapping the ball, but seems to work better on attacking the deep third of the zone than working in a crowd. He has a smooth release and gets into his route quickly, when he uses his hand to defeat the press, but does not do it all the time. He has courage underneath, but despite looking the part, he does not use his strength to stop defenders from knocking him around in a crowd. He has a verified learning disability and will need time to digest a playbook. Much like White, it will be a few years before this kid will settle into a routine at the next level, but with his speed a patient coach could unearth a nice second-day talent.

Agility Tests
Campus: 4.38 in the 40-yard dash … 241-pound bench press … Bench pressed 225 pounds two times … 441-pound squat … 266-pound hang clean … 40.5-inch vertical jump … 10'11" broad jump … Did 14 pull-ups … 32 1/2-inch arm length … 9 3/4-inch hands … Right-handed … 11/48 Wonderlic score.

Combine: 4.37 in the 40-yard dash … 1.53 10-yard dash … 2.53 20-yard dash … 34.5-inch vertical jump … Did not do the 225-pound bench press.

thanks for the info... of the recievers brought in hall and franklin are definately the most interesting heading to camp... as a chiefs fan i got to see franklin a little when he first broke into the nfl... a lot of kansas city fans and coaching staff were really excited to have him on board, unfortunately he never really broke out... has the the talent and tools to be an effective reciever at the nfl or cfl level, the question is, is the passion there? and can he tackle the learning curve

hadnt known much about hall but sounds like a similar player. big frame, lots of speed, and skills. but maybe has had trouble adapting to the pro game... maybe lacking the intangibles it takes, cfl could be a good fit for him...

im not going to brag these guys up to much as of yet... but saY they do pan out... could you imagine dj hall, will franklin, adarius bowman, terrence edwards, jabari arthur, and either rock ralph/aaron hargreaves lining up against the opposition... an awful lot of speed and size... could be a scary recieving corps this year... time will tell

Even if they don’t pan out, there is still Chris Davis and the probable return of Titus Ryan… We will have a very good recieving corps regardless :wink:

Very good information 123, have you ever considered applying to be a scout for the BB'S? Seriously though i did not know as much as i do now about these prospects and after reading and watching the vids i would not be too shy to say that our depth at reciever is the best we have had in a long time and this year will be a competetive camp.

I have to add that i thought Svec was a nobody (TC Fodder) and too small but now that i have studied your analysis and vids i would have to say this kid looks great and has a great shot at starting in July, he is faster than i imagined and still competetive in traffic for a smaller guy, makes me feel better about Mack and LaPo's scouting/signing ability. :thup:

Forgot to put up highlight vids for Franklin, and Hall

Franklin:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S68BjDow4NA

DJ Hall

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pH_idY3JhM0

dayummm those 2 got wheels.

well, ill say this about our receiving prospects.. they got the skills for sure.

how well will that translate to the bigger cfl field... well, speed never hurts thats for sure.

i think our receivers will be a pleasant surprise this year.

I agree 100% killer, i think alot of teams will be under estimating our reciever’s, i am happy to see alot of talent on the bombers reciever list and i really don’t like stating these kinds of opinions regarding our “prospects” but we could very well have the best recieving group in the league come regular season, more size and more speed at training camp and LaPo is in for a tough decision process when it comes down to the wire at training camp.