Idaho Potato Bowl draft profiles

Tonight’s rendition of Post Season College Football is the keenly named Idaho Potato Bowl (ESPN, 7 PM) that appropriately features the Idaho Vandals and the Colorado State Rams. Idaho is a surprising eight-win team this season with a chance to go up to nine. CSU is no pushover, so it will be a tough match up for the Vandals. The game does not feature premier talent for the NFL draft, but here are a few names to keep an eye on tonight…

• Michael Gallup, WR, CSU: When a guy is leading their team in receiving yards with over 700 yards more than the next player, that player is doing something very right. The 6-1 Georgia native has been CSU’s deep threat this season and has scored 11 of the team’s 24 passing touchdowns. Gallup is a good athlete with nice explosion and dependable hands. Look for him to be featured once again tonight.
• Kevin Davis, LB, CSU: The leader of the CSU defense is their senior linebacker, Kevin Davis. Davis has a stout build at 6-2, 240 and is an explosive, downhill tackler. He is not a great athlete in space, but he is smart coming downhill and is an impact run defender. He will be a big component in slowing down Idaho tonight and his knack for a big defensive play may shine through again tonight.
• Trent Cowan, TE, Idaho: Despite being an undersized tight end (6-3, 230), Cowan is the best player on the Idaho offense. He is a match up nightmare who uses his size to body defensive backs and speed to get open against safeties and linebackers. Cowan looks to have a place as a move tight end in the NFL and should be a factor once again tonight.
• Jayshawn Jordan, CB, Idaho: Idaho’s playmaking defense is a big part of their surprise season and senior cornerback, Jayshawn Jordan is the leader of that unit. Jordan is a scrappy, undersized corner who plays with physicality in coverage and has an innate ability to find the ball in coverage. He was not tested much, but when he was, he made QBs pay with five interceptions on the season. Though Jordan is likely a slot cornerback only in the NFL, he could carve out quite a nice career for himself.
• Aikeem Coleman, DE, Idaho: In their front seven, Aikeem Coleman’s disruption is another factor in Idaho’s strong defense. Coleman is a physical, 6-3, 280 pounder with a high motor and great strength. Coleman is a very good run defender with the ability to push the pocket in the passing game. His athletic ability is a question and the junior might be better served to return a year, but there is no doubt that his productive season warrants attention.