Commentary

Claiborne rises up Big Board

The LSU cornerback flies up the Big Board; Brandon Jenkins of FSU slides a few spots

Originally Published: September 21, 2011
By Mel Kiper Jr. | ESPN Insider

It's probably not a big coincidence that one of the biggest movers on the Big Board thus far is from LSU. After all, the Tigers are one of the few teams that now have multiple games against serious competition, so you can start drawing some conclusions from the film. Elsewhere, there isn't a ton of movement, but one other player moved up after facing top competition. Despite a lack of gaudy numbers, I thought Landry Jones was very good in Oklahoma's showdown with Florida State. Sometimes you have to take what a defense gives you and limit mistakes, and Jones showed maturity in doing that, even if he didn't put up the video game numbers that Heisman voters seem to crave.

As always, juniors and draft-eligible sophomores are noted with an asterisk.

1
Andrew Luck *
AGE: 21
DOB: 9/12/89
HT: 6-4
WT: 235
POS: QB
Comp 57
Att 85
Pct 67.1
Yds 786
TD 8
Int 1

Luck 's completion percentage after three games is actually down a little from last year, but his stock is not. He's the total package. Arm strength, size, smarts, demeanor. Solid showing against Arizona last week.

LAST WEEK: 1 | PLAYER CARD

2
Quinton Coples
AGE: 21
DOB: 6/22/90
HT: 6-6
WT: 285
POS: DE
Tkl 6
Sack 2.0
Int 0

Coples has produced sacks at a fast pace if you combine this year and last. He's a gifted pass-rusher suited to be a pure 4-3 defensive end at the next level.

LAST WEEK: 2 | PLAYER CARD

3
Matt Barkley *
AGE: 20
DOB: 9/8/90
HT: 6-2
WT: 220
POS: QB
Comp 80
Att 116
Pct 69.0
Yds 892
TD 9
Int 1

The USC offense picked it up a little after a slow start, and now the competition picks up. Barkley has been very accurate thus far, particularly on the move.

LAST WEEK: 3 | PLAYER CARD

4
Matt Kalil *
AGE: 22
DOB: 7/6/89
HT: 6-7
WT: 295
POS: OT
GP 3
GS 3

Kalil has the size, athleticism, footwork and bloodlines. He projects as a blindside tackle. Unfortunately, beyond him, the USC offensive line has looked really inexperienced so far this season.

LAST WEEK: 4 | PLAYER CARD

5
Landry Jones *
AGE: 22
DOB: 4/22/89
HT: 6-4
WT: 229
POS: QB
Comp 53
Att 74
Pct 71.6
Yds 574
TD 2
Int 2

Jones has been a big numbers producer, but was solid in his decision-making last week in a big win. He has good size and a strong arm and has improved his accuracy. Could lead an undefeated team.

LAST WEEK: 6 | PLAYER CARD


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Mel Kiper Jr.

Football analyst
  • ESPN NFL Draft analyst since 1984
  • Contributes to SportsCenter and ESPN Radio
  • Writes weekly for ESPN Insider

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