Wednesday, April 23, 2008

Cason Point

With the NFL Draft coming up on Saturday, it makes me think about which teams the players you have seen play at the college level will go to, and if they will be successful at the NFL level. Now that the number one pick has been chosen, (Jake Long, OL/T Michigan) it will be interesting to see who will step up in the draft and who will fall.

I am most interested in where this guy is going to go. Antoine Cason, (#5 in the red jersey) had a stellar career at the University of Arizona. He finished with 15 career interceptions, and averaged just over 23 yards per interception return, which set a new school record. Cason didn't leave the NFL combine with scouts very happy though, finishing with a 40-yard dash time of 4.52. The top time for defensive backs was 4.31. Speed is important as a defensive back, and some scouts don't think Cason can compete with the speed of players at the next level. Nevertheless, #5 did walk away with a prestigious award this year:

The Jim Thrope Award. It goes to the best defensive back in the nation. Cason played a big role in the Arizona vs. #2 Oregon game where the Wildcats upset the Ducks 34-24. Cason finished the game with 2 TD's, one an interception 42-yard return, and the other a 56-yard punt return. The game was on a national stage, and I don't think there was any doubt that Cason was the player of the game. Best of luck Antoine in the 2008 NFL Draft.

1 comment:

Kenneth said...

When it boils down to it I guess 2/10 of a second does make a difference but come on...if the guy can play corner he can play corner. I think he should be one of the first corners taken...even though the cougars showed him what's up in '07.