Nov 30, 2013; Gainesville, FL, USA; Florida State Seminoles wide receiver Kelvin Benjamin (1) catches the ball for a touchdown against the Florida Gators during the second half at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium. Florida State Seminoles defeated the Florida Gators 37-7. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
In tonight’s National Championship contest there are a few prospects that you should be looking out for. Obviously, with the amount of talent both teams possess they are bound to have NFL caliber players, however these prospects are bound to be game changers in the NFL.
Kelvin Benjamin #1, SO (RS), WR , Florida State: With a 6’5″ 230 lb. frame and one of the best vertical leaps in all of college football Benjamin has all the physical tools to be a number one wideout for a litany of teams in the National Football League. In his Florida State career the ‘Noles have had so many weapons that he didn’t truly hit anybody’s radar until this season. However, even with so many offensive weapons on the Florida State roster, Benjamin has distinguished himself as the most dangerous threat in the passing game and especially in the redzone. Benjamin going into the title game against the Auburn Tigers has 50 receptions for 957 yards and 14 touchdowns on a team with a ton of experienced players in the passing game including returning starters, Kenny Shaw, Rashad Greene, and Nick O’Leary. We saw his breakout performance against hated in-state rival Florida. Benjamin racked up 212 yards on 9 receptions for 3 scores against talented SEC defensive backs. Look for Benjamin to create matchup problems all night in what should be a great contest. NFL Comparison: Marques Colston, New Orleans Saints
Telvin Smith #22, SR, LB, Florida State: This season has shown what a great talent Smith is along with how great of a leader he can be on the next level. Coming into the 2013 season he wasn’t highly touted and wasn’t even considered to be one of the best defensive players on the roster, but he has proved everyone wrong. Smith this season leads the Seminoles with 75 total tackles (9.5 TFL) to go along with 3 interceptions two of which he took for touchdowns, 2 fumble recoveries and 2 sacks. Outside of just the pure statistics, he was the heart and soul of a defense that shutdown every opponent they played and he along with Lamarus Joyner made big plays in the most crucial situations for FSU this season. The physical attributes that make him such a good NFL prospect are his sideline to sideline pursuit in the run game and the ability to cover most players man to man. Standing at 6’3″ and 218 lbs. he has the NFL frame and the speed to be a legitimate starter his first year out of college. Smith’s breakout performance came against #3 Clemson, when the Seminoles were ranked #5, he took over the contest with 11 total tackles and was flying all over field to get to the football and effectively shut down the powerful run game of Clemson. NFL Comparison: Mychal Kendricks, Philadelphia Eagles
Greg Robinson #73, SO (RS), LT, Auburn: Robinson who is a physically daunting human being at 6’5″ 320 lbs., might be the highest drafted player in tonight’s contest. With great technique, quick feet and powerful hands Robinson has the physical tools to be a starter and instant contributor on the next level. For a former offensive lineman like myself, he is what we would call a technician. If you watch Robinson play his hands and feet are in the right place on every play and he sets the tone for one of the most dangerous rushing attacks in the nation. One facet of his game that needs to become more developed in his ascension into the pro ranks is his strength in pass blocking. He is a good pass blocking tackle, but he’s not great…not yet. As an extremely good run blocker Robinson would fit in better as a right tackle at first in the NFL, however it won’t be long until he’ll eventually take over as the starting left tackle for whatever team selects him in the draft. Look for him to play an integral role in Auburn’s dynamic rushing attack in tonight’s National Championship game. NFL Comparison: Phil Loadholt, Minnesota Vikings