Player Coaches
Andrew Pucilowski- TE, CCM/CCSU- A shockingly effective mid-yardage receiver and Red Zone presence. Pooch was able to take advantage of mismatches in last years game to earn Offensive MVP honors. It will be interesting to see how effective Pooch can be as the main focus of the opposing defense. If Pooch is shut down it will be a long day for his offense.Strengths- Solid Hands and Route Running
Weaknesses- Speed, Distance, and a Defensive Liability at times.
NFL Comparison: Jason Witten.
Scott Intravaia- WR/QB, CCSU- A consistent and charasmatic two way player. Intravaia's offensive abilities range from a good mid-long range receiver to an effective and accurate quarterback. Intravaia's role on his own team is going to be interesting as he will be faced with many difficult decisions based purely on his drafting this year. An interesting dilemna for the first time General Manager/Coach.
Strengths: Versatility, Size, and Athleticism
Weaknesses: 1 on 1 coverage.
NFL Comparison: Jerry Rice
Players
Kris Self- WR/QB, Vanderbilt- A speed demon with a solid arm. Self will more than likely be his teams QB, however he may line up as a receiver a few downs throughout the day. The projected # 1 overall pick, Self demands respect with his speed. Defensively, Self seems to have become better each year. A great free safety, Self takes a lot of pressure off of his teammates by providing great over the top coverage. As he showed last year, he can take his team on his back and lead them to victory, which he may have to do again this year.
Strengths- Speed, Route Running, and Football IQ.
Weaknesses- Size
NFL Comparison- WR-Steve Smith (CAR), QB-Doug Flutie
Dan Delorenzo- WR/CB, Notre Dame University- Last year's Defensive MVP, Dan Delorenzo has become a legend on the Turkey Bowl gridiron. Delorenzo came up with another big showing last year. His defensive ability iss second to none. Offensively, Delorenzo is an effective receiver who has a knack for the clutch plays. A consensus # 2 overall pick, it will be interesting to see what type of team Delorenzo will be surrounded with this year.
Strengths- Defensive Awareness, Big Game Player and Toughness
Weaknesses- None
NFL Comparison- FS- Troy Polamalu, WR- Hines Ward
Matt Divirgilio- WR, Loyola- The biggest surprise in perhaps the history of the Turkey Bowl. A late round draft choice, he became a huge part of his team's success. This year he will not be overlooked and that will surely be reflected in his draft choice. He remains, however, with something to prove as he will want to ensure the fans that he is not a one year fluke. Defensively, he remains somewhat unproven but offensively he will be looked to as a key player and much pressure will be put upon this youngster's shoulders.
Strengths- Speed and Strength.
Weaknesses- Consistency still to be proven.
NFL Comparison: Terrel Owens.
Jon McManus- WR/TE- Brown University- This tall and fast route runner will be faced with constant tough matchups. He is a big game threat and may be severely underrated. Some of the mock drafts have him going as high as # 4 overall. His draft status remains to be seen and it will be interesting to see where this big target will end up. Having a good year last year helped keep his stock high but he remains a very big X factor for this game.
Strengths- Size and Speed
Weaknesses- Coverage
NFL Comparison- Jeremy Shockey
Dan DeGeorge- WR, Princeton University- Few knew that this two sport athlete was going to be so effective. He was held at bay for much of last years game having to line up against Ferramosca. Regardless, DeGeorge has the ability to be a difference maker. Always reliable, DeGeorge has become what many consider to be a silent assassin on offense. Suprisingly quick off the line, he has a nose for the end zone and will be a solid pick for any team.
Strengths: Speed and Solid Hands.
Weaknesses: Smothering Defenders on him.
NFL Comparison: Steve Smith (NYG)
John Ferramosca- WR/CB, Villanova- Few thought that this fiery receiver could keep his cool for the entirety of the game. But for the vast majority, it seemed that Ferromosca had decided to keep solely focused on winning. When this happens, he is a force to be reckoned with on the football field. A solid lock down defender, Ferromosca was able to shut down many solid wideouts and will undoubtedly command a larger defensive responsibility this year. Only time will tell if he is up to the challenge.
Strengths- Defensive coverage.
Weaknesses: Gluttony, Lust, Greed, Sloth, Envy, Pride, and Wrath.
NFL Comparison- Dre Bly
Tom Pistolas- QB/WR/FS, Colgate University- Perhaps the biggest question mark this year in the Turkey Bowl. Last year wasn't his best but general manager's will have to decide whether to look at his overall body of work or his most recent play. Hampered by a finger injury, Pistolas had three bad series with the defense forcing an interception and two 3-and-outs. However, defense has always been a strong point and last year was no exception. Depending on what team drafts him, Pistolas' role will vary significantly. He could return to a quarterback role or be a valuable mid range receiver. Another large question Pistolas is facing is the health of his shoulder. Either way, this year will go a long way in determining Pistolas' draft stock for years to come and his overall legacy.
Strengths: Football IQ and Defensive Awareness
Weaknesses: Size
NFL Comparison: QB- Eric Crouch, WR-Kevin Boss.
Mike D'Urso-WR/Punter, THE Hobart College- Last year's Turkey Bowl was a tale of two D'Urso's. Mike was able to come in the game and immediatley lead his team on an 8-1 run. However, the magic came to an end in crunch time and Mike was unable to get his team into the endzone twice before the opposition scored 6 times, resulting in a 12-11 loss. The multiple interceptions thrown towards the end of the game left a lot of questions about Mike's ability to be the second QB in this years game. Mike has good scrambling ability and a strong arm, he will look to raise his draft stock in the combine in a few weeks, but will also ready to be an intermediate receiver should his captain choose another QB as the starter.
Strengths: Arm strength and speed.
Weaknesses: Composure and zone coverage.
NFL Comparison:WR-Chad Ochocinco
Pault Butler- WR- Brown University- Paul Butler...The name raises many eyebrows and questions. An unparalleled jump in ability during the softball season. Butler stormed on the season to easily capture the Comeback Player of the Year award. But many will look to him as a solid option at WR and Butler must impress in order for his team to be able to have more than two options. Butler has made progress every single year and it will be interesting to see how he can accept the challenge now that he is in the spotlight.
Strengths: Pass Rush.
Weaknesses: Speed.
NFL Comparison: Justin Tuck.
Jack Mayer- WR/OL, The College of William and Mary- Mayer demonstrated his heart and determination last year and provided highlight reel plays. His unique and deceptive speed gives Mayer a chance to excel in any situation. His work on both the offensive and defensive lines make him the most formidable lineman in the game.
Strengths: Short Routes and Blocking.
Weaknesses: Deep Routes.
NFL Comparison: Joe Jurivicious.
Andy Delaney: WR, Syracuse University- Andy's good speed and football awareness make him a good receiver to have on your team. Certain matchups will allow him to really be a factor in this years game by using his speed across the middle of the field. Andy had some trouble in man coverage last year, so being put into a zone defense may best fit his style of play.
Strengths: Speed and hands.
Weaknesses: Man coverage, deep routes.
NFL Comparison: Mousin Mohammed
John Farrell: WR, Georgetown University- This will be John's first Turkey Bowl experience and he will look to make it one to remember. John has a natural athleticism that both captians are well aware of and would make a nice addition to either team. He has good hands and will certainly look to impress the captains in the combine. John has the potential to be a huge X-factor in this years game.
Strengths: Athleticism and hands
Weaknesses: Lack of Turkey Bowl experience
NFL Comparison: Jericho Cotchery.
Chris Desimone- WR, Notre Dame University- What can someone say about Chris Desimone? Another rookie to the Turkey Bowl, Desimone will rely on speed and aggressiveness to make his mark. He is a question mark going into the game and it will be interesting to see where he falls in the draft and ultimately how he plays.
Strengths: Speed and Agility
Weaknesses: Unknown football ability.
NFL Comparison: Darren Sproles.
Colin Self: WR, Mendham High School- Colin is far younger than any other player on the field, however his football awarness is second to none. This will be Colin's first Turkey Bowl as well, meaning he has something to prove. A very talented young player, Colin's success will not be based on his skill so much as his size. If he can overcome the dissadvantage of being less developed physically than the other players he will certainly have more than one chance to be an impact player.

No comments:
Post a Comment