The D2football.com list of Top 100 players was leaked in late July and the PSAC West was well represented. Of the 100 players, nine of them were from the PSAC West, including four in the top half of the list.
Here’s the list, with commentary from writer Josh Buchannon, from 100 on down.
93. QB Cody Harris, Edinboro, Sr., 6-1, 194
Harris isn’t very big but the mobile signal caller is a returning two-time All-PSAC West selection who threw for 2,823 yards and 20 touchdowns with just 8 picks in 2012. He completed 66.6% of his passes last year as well.
76. RB De’Antwan Williams, Indiana PA, Sr., 5-7, 195
Williams transferred from Rutgers after 2011 and was one of the best players in the PSAC last year. He was a second-team All-PSAC West pick with 1,325 yards and 10 touchdowns rushing while averaging 30.8 yards per kickoff return. He may be tiny but he is fast, explosive, and stronger than you would expect.
71. WR Terrill Barnes, Indiana PA, Sr., 6-3, 215
Barnes isn’t a big name to most and hasn’t had any accolades yet but should in 2013. He’s a NFL prospect who had 764 yards and 9 touchdowns in 2012 after averaging 22.2 yards per catch in 2011.
68. RB Brandon Brown-Dukes, Mercyhurst, Soph., 5-7, 195
While he’s tiny he is one of he most dynamic young players in the country. Brown-Dukes averaged 5.3 yards per carry with 1,295 yards and 16 touchdowns as a freshman to earn first-team All-PSAC West and PSAC West Freshman of the Year honors.
56. CB James Jackson, Edinboro, Sr., 6-1, 185
While he began his career with 40 tackles and 5 picks as a freshman he had the year you would expect a man with his tools as a sophomore to earn first-team All-PSAC West honors. Jackson didn’t put up big numbers last year but had a solid season with 49 tackles and 4 picks. Despite not earning All-PSAC honors he was still one of the best corners in the league, in my opinion.
49. S Dewey McDonald, California PA, Sr., 6-0, 215
McDonald began his career at Fairmont State but after sitting out last year due to injury decided to transfer to Cal PA. He is a three-time All-WVIAC selection who had 73 tackles, 4 tackles for loss, and 6 passes defended in 2011. While he lacks elite speed he can run and has shown good ball skills, as well as the ability to support the run. He’s going to be expected to replace Rontez Miles as the leader of their defense.
41. DE B.J. Stevens, California PA, Sr., 6-2, 245
Stevens was a bit of a surprise star in 2012 with 22.5 tackles for loss, 14.5 sacks, and 60 tackles to earn first-team All-America honors. He’s an undersized end but has the athleticism to stand up and play linebacker at the next level.
33. LB Carl Fleming, Indiana PA, Sr., 6-2, 225
Fleming has better talent than his production indicates so keep an eye on him this fall as he could potentially sky rocket up this list as high as the top 10-12. He had 79 tackles, 8.5 tackles for loss, and showed good athleticism with two interceptions last year. He returned one for a touchdown as well. The former Pittsburgh transfer showed why he was a highly touted recruit in high school at times last year.
27. WR Mike Williams, California PA, Sr., 5-11, 185
Williams lacks elite tools but he’s a good football player who put up 1,006 yards and 10 touchdowns in 2012. He would be higher if not for just one year of production despite playing three years in D2.
Here’s my take on these selections:
The two running backs on the list will do extremely well this season. Brown-Dukes and Williams are both proven backs who are yearning for the chance to show NFL scouts they have what it takes. Brown-Dukes, in my opinion, should be a little higher than no. 68. He’s my dark horse pick in this list.
The receivers both lack elite skills, but at the same time both are solid guys. (Mike) Williams is due for a bigger season, and I look for him to have it this year.
McDonald is a guy who can surprise a lot of people. After transferring from Fairmont State, he has one thing on his mind: the next level. Watch for him to fill the shoes of Rontez Miles at safety and lay the lumber.
The snub on this list? Fleming. Fleming likely isn’t paying much attention to this list, but Buchannon hit it right on the head when he said he could shoot up this list.
Harris, the lone quarterback, could also surprise some people. He might look to be a little more dual threat, but look for him to establish himself as the top field general in the PSAC West.
With August now starting, regular season football will be here before you know it.
Photo Credit: NCAA.com
