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Scout’s Guide to the New Orleans Bowl: Arkansas State vs. Louisiana Tech

By Josh Keatley

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The New Orleans Bowl is the last game of the slate tonight and will kickoff around 9:00 PM. This game features a strong (9-3) Arkansas State Red Wolves squad favored by one against a somewhat disappointing (8-4) Louisiana Tech Bulldogs teams. The Bulldogs were expected to be better with the level of talent they have, but struggled to get to eight wins. My money is on the Red Wolves to beat the spread, because they seam to shine on their biggest stages. Below we are going to focus on five players from each squad hat could move on from the college ranks.

Sep 12, 2015; Jonesboro, AR, USA; Arkansas State Red Wolves wide receiver J.D. McKissic (23) runs after a catch in the fourth quarter as Missouri Tigers defensive back Anthony Sherrils (22) and safety Ian Simon (21) defend at ASU Stadium. Missouri defeated Arkansas State 27-20. Mandatory Credit: Nelson Chenault-USA TODAY Sports

Arkansas State Red Wolves:

TE, Darion Griswold, 6-5, 264 lbs., Sr.: Griswold came to Arkansas State as a quarterback and that athleticism is still evident in the way he plays. His best statistical season came as a Sophomore, but he has improved in every aspect of his game since then. Griswold is an extremely intriguing prospect and all eyes should be on him at the East-West Shrine Game.

WR, J.D. McKissic, 5-11, 193 lbs., Sr.: The third leading receiver on the team doesn’t sound impressive, but that’s because double teams are a little harder to beat. McKissic has some of the most reliable hands in the nation and his ability in the return game will also entice scouts. He is a talented and versatile player that has enough skill to warrant a Draft selection.

S, Money Hunter, 6-1, 193 lbs., Jr.: The name says it all about this prospect, Hunter has been starting for Arkansas state since his Sophomore year and has improved immensely over the course of time. His playmaking ability was on full display during his 99-yard interception return against Texas State, if he keeps making plays like that scouts will be on notice next year.

QB, Fredi Knigthen, 5-11, 189 lbs., Sr.: Knighten was an early fantasy pick of mine this year and he continued to put up video game like numbers, when he was healthy. He has been a bit bumped and bruised this season, but still shines when he has to. Knighten is perhaps the best scrambler in the country and when he is in the game anything can happen. He probably will not be drafted, but his dynamic athleticism will earn him a shot in fall camps.

RB, Michael Gordon, 5-9, 187 lbs., Sr.: Lacks the size NFL teams want in an every down running back and that will in all likely hood keep him from being drafted, but Gordon runs hard and has enough speed to be a weapon. Gordon has consistently shoulders the workload for the Red Wolves and should receive a camp invite.

Oct 30, 2015; Houston, TX, USA; Louisiana Tech Bulldogs running back Kenneth Dixon (28) carries the ball as Rice Owls safety JT Ibe (17) defends at Rice Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Thomas B. Shea-USA TODAY Sports

Louisiana Tech Bulldogs:

RB, Kenneth Dixon, 5-10, 212 lbs., Sr.: For fours years Dixon has been the rock on my fantasy teams and he has grown into a complete back that can be dangerous in any facet of the game. His versatility will make him an intriguing selection for any NFL team.

QB, Jeff Driskel, 6-4, 234 lbs., Sr.: Driskel was a former five-star recruit who was labeled a bust before transferring out of Florida, but he has completely reshaped his image and is arguably the most improved player in all of college football. This season has given him an opportunity to take the focus off of his flaws and place it right back on his insanely strong arm.

DT, Vernon Butler, 6-3, 309 lbs., Sr.: A big reason why the Bulldog run defense has been so destructive is due to the mammoth in the middle. Butler has NFL scouts buzzing about his ability to clog the middle of the line and his potential is through the roof.

FS, Xavier Woods, 5-11, 188 lbs., Jr.: When I hear the name Xavier Woods I immediately think of the WWE Superstar, but the Woods roaming the defensive backfield is a superstar as well. Woods was recently named to the All- Conference USA team and still has another year to establish himself in the eyes of the NFL.

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WR, Trent Taylor, 5-8, 175 lbs., Jr.: Taylor has used these last two seasons to establish himself as one of the most dangerous slot receivers in the game and he still has another year left. His size does hurt his stock a little, but his reliable hands, great route running, and superb speed will get him in the NFL conversation next year

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