College Bowl Preview: 12/24

Sheraton Hawai’i Bowl

December 24, Honolulu

Southern Methodist (7-5) vs. Nevada (8-4)

ESPN 7 p.m. CST

NEVADA
#10 QB Colin Kaepernick, 6-6, 220 pounds – A junior with a decision to make Kaepernick is an interesting talent. This year, he has run for over 1,000 yards in the so-called pistol offense with the Wolf Pack. Over his 36 games he’s run for 100-plus yards 11 times. But he’s not just a runner; Kaepernick can throw the ball as well, with 60 TD passes and 15 interceptions. Over his career he’s thrown for 6,899 yards while completing 55.7 percent of his passes. He averaged 6.9 yards a run with 2,883 yards on 414 carries, and 39 TD runs. He’s also caught a six-yard touchdown pass. That’s 100 touchdowns rushing, passing and receiving in 100 games.

Evaluation: A very intriguing prospect at quarterback. Kaepernick was a highly sought after baseball prospect, who was selected in the most recent June baseball draft by the Cubs. Questions surround the quality of the defenses he’s played against and how he translates into the normal pro offense out of Nevada’s pistol. Physically and mentally he’s a second-third round prospect. He may be able to elevate his stock by returning to Nevada for another year. If not, he’ll need strong pre-draft performances at the Combine, workouts and the like. With the right team and right coach, this guy can be a home run with some patience.

Others to watch: #49 S Jonathan Amaya, 6-1, 193 pounds – A second-team All-WAC performer, he was a walk-on freshman safety who went on to play in 44 games and contribute 229 total tackles and seven interceptions. Amaya had 83 tackles and one interception this season. He’s been very durable, missing only a handful of games in 2007 with a knee injury. That was the same year he returned an interception 80 yards for a touchdown against Nebraska. Amaya has 4.4-second speed and could be a strong safety, cornerback, wide receiver and kick returner.

SOUTHERN METHODIST

#17 WR Emmanuel Sanders, 5-11, 182 pounds – A record-setting receiver for the Mustangs, Sanders was the named to the All-Conference USA team as both a receiver and returner. He finished his career with 278 catches for 3,667 yards and 33 touchdowns, while playing in 46 games. This year he has 91 receptions for 1,215 yards and six TD passes. Over his career he returned 38 punts for 449 yards and a touchdown and 13 kickoffs for 288 yards. This season he’s averaged 15.4 yards on punt returns.

Evaluation: A talented catcher of the ball, he’s a slot receiver who has worked in the off-season with Deion Sanders down in Dallas. His return skills will turn the heads of some NFL teams. He should be a mid to late-round selection.