How will Ray Ray fare in his first game back?
This ACC rivalry game is littered with potential first rounders in the 2012 NFL Draft.
Miami will be back to full strength for the first time all season with the addition of Ray Ray Armstrong. They have had their ups and downs this season and face a game opponent with talent on their side as well. VT is coming off a tough loss to Clemson and will look to rebound against the Hurricanes. VT is expected to throw a ton of David Wilson at the ‘Canes to see if they can stop the run.
Guys to keep an eye on:
Lamar Miller, RB, Miami #6 (RsSoph)
Miller was viewed as a sleeper candidate coming into the 2011 season. But he’s no one’s sleeper now. Miller has shown the speed and power that could vault him into the first round of the 2012 NFL Draft. Only a redshirt sophomore Miller has the patience, vision, and instincts of a veteran RB. He is averaging 127 yards/game with over 7 yards/carry.
Ray Ray Armstrong, SS, Miami #26 (Junior)
The Miami secondary has been very good even in the four game absence of Armstrong. His addition figures to give an added boost to the already strong group. Armstrong is a high ceiling guy that is still learning the position. He figures to be a late 1 or early 2 in the 2012 NFL Draft, if he declares.
Marcus Forston, DT, Miami #99 (Junior)
Marcus Forston is probably the most overrated prospect in the country. He is as physically gifted as anyone but his gifts don’t match his production. He was tossed around by Michael Brewster and a non-factor against Bethune-Cookman. He did add his first sack of the season against Kansas St. but was not dominant by any means. Forston will have to be great the rest of the way through in order to be considered a first round pick. At this point, he is all hype with very little production to match it.
Sean Spence, OLB, Miami #31
Sean Spence isn’t regarded as highly as some of his defensive teammates due to his limitations in size. After watching him through the three games he’s played he is by far the best defensive player on this team. He was dominant in the K State game when he posted 14 tackles and a sack. He has 28 tackles and 2 sacks in three games and draws the tough assignment of stopping David Wilson and Logan Thomas. Spence is a solid second rounder that could find his way into the first in the 2012 NFL Draft.
Jayron Hosley, CB, Virginia Tech #20 (Junior)
What Hosley lacks in size (5’10” 175) he makes up for with speed and coverage skills. Hosley has excellent coverage skills and great change of direction. He doubles as one of the top punt returners in the country. He has three INT’s in five games in 2011 after his 8 INT sophomore campaign. Hosley had his most impressive game this season while shutting down the dynamic, Sammy Watkins and adding an interception against the potent Clemson passing attack.
David Wilson, RB, Virginia Tech #4 (Junior)
Wilson is making a name for himself as more than just a return specialist and change of pace back. He’s becoming a legitimate RB prospect. With Logan Thomas struggling to getting comfortable throwing from the pocket, the Hokies will go to Wilson early in often in this matchup. Miami is 105th in the country versus the run, so expect a big day for the junior RB.
Bruce Taylor, LB, Virginia Tech #51 (Junior)
Bruce Taylor is a name to watch as the season progresses. He isn’t on many people’s radar but has the skills to declare early for the NFL Draft. He combines speed and athleticism with a nasty disposition to make a very good LB prospect. He has 33 tackles and 1.5 sacks in five games in 2011 and he will be asked to stop Lamar Miller which is no easy task. After his 10 tackle performance in a loss to Clemson last week, Taylor is becoming a legitimate possibility for early entrance into the NFL.
Eddie Whitley, S, Virginia Tech #15
Whitley has been productive at VT as he’s coming off an 80 tackle, 2 INT 2010 season. He projects as a FS in the NFL and has above-average coverage skills. Whitley had been quiet in 2011 until last week’s breakout performance against Clemson. He notched 12 tackles and was around the ball for most of the day. Whitley is probably a day three prospect but could make his way into day two with more performances like last Saturday’s.
