Juniors leaving early

[psuexv]

Alabama stars announced today - http://content.usatoday.com/communities/campusrivalry/post/2011/01/alabama-mark-ingram-julio-jones-marcell-dareus-nfl-draft/1

Julio Jones, Mark Ingram and Marcell Dareus

[lilheavy]

http://www.neworleans.com/sports/lsu/553861-twitter-lsu-rb-ridley-will-enter-nfl-draft.html (Twitter: LSU RB Ridley will enter NFL Draft)


The leading rusher for LSU in 2010 will have to be replaced, according to one NFL Draft source.

Tony Pauline of DraftInsider.Net tweets that "Sources have told us LSU running back Stevan Ridley will enter the draft and begin training for the combine in Florida this week."

Ridley, the junior tailback who was fourth in the SEC in rushing with over 1,000 yards this past season, was declared ineligible for the Cotton Bowl by the NCAA for what the school called a one-time academic rule violation. LSU immediately appealed and won. Ridley then shined in Cowboys Stadium by rushing for 105 yards and a score on 24 carries to help LSU slam Texas A&M, 41-24.

Making the most of his first year as the regular starter, Ridley is expected to be a mid-round pick in the April draft.

Ridley was the most consistent player on the offensive side of the ball for us this year. Very much underrated and will be a solid pick for someone. Good Luck to him! Michael Ford, Spencer Ware, and Alfred Blue or more than capable of filling his shoes.

[Rudy]

I never thought Ridley was considered that great to go early. LSU looked really good in the Cotton Bowl though.

[lilheavy]

I never thought Ridley was considered that great to go early. LSU looked really good in the Cotton Bowl though.

I wouldn't say he was great but he was pretty damn solid. Especially when you consider the passing game had 0 threat against anyone. He constantly faced good defenses that stacked the box and still averaged 4.6 per carry and over 1100 yards with 15 tds.

[JeffHCross]

While some of the site is an eyesore, this is definitely my preferred source for Players Leaving Early: http://www.draftcountdown.com/features/Underclassmen.php

[HWill]

While some of the site is an eyesore, this is definitely my preferred source for Players Leaving Early: http://www.draftcountdown.com/features/Underclassmen.php

I use this one: http://es.pn/fNhiuB

[JeffHCross]

Decent list, but it looks like it's sorted by Grade. I like Draft Countdown because it's sorted by name. Six of one, half-dozen of the other.

[HWill]

Players are listed in order of their current Scouts Inc. draft grade, with those who do not yet have a full evaluation at the end of the list.

Ah, good point. Oh well.

Sidebar: What exactly is Scouts Inc.? I know Todd Mcshay is affiliated with it (or them), but I googled and didn't see an official website or anything.

[JeffHCross]

Scouts Inc is ESPN's scouting department. As far as I know, it has no presence outside ESPN, so calling it "Scouts Inc" is really a misnomer or misrepresentation.

[Rudy]

Auburn will take a big hit with Cam Newton and Fairley gone. Who is their QB next year?

[HWill]

Auburn will take a big hit with Cam Newton and Fairley gone. Who is their QB next year?

http://s3.amazonaws.com/twitpic/photos/full/225283926.jpg?AWSAccessKeyId=0ZRYP5X5F6FSMBCCSE82&Expires=1295106598&Signature=pOq4NKwnHVCy%2Btuw0j0ueg5lZuQ%3D

[JeffHCross]

Their QB is the infamous Red X. Man, that might be trouble in the SEC.

[UGA14]

Whoever gets AJ Green is getting a hell of a wideout that could be a #1 on a ton of NFL teams. The guy is a game changer.

[Rudy]

I liked Green over Julio Jones for sure. Lots of big WRs in this draft though. The Dolphins could use a speedy one more than anything. I'm still annoyed the Dolphins didn't take a single TE last year in a draft full of pass catching ones. That was a need for us that got totally ignored. John Jerry in round 3 will go down as a big reach compared to the talent we passed up in other spots. The Dolphins spent way too much time just drafting guys that were captains on their team or guys the coaching staff worked with at the senior bowl. They got way too safe and the talent on the Dolphins took a hit.