2012 NFL Draft Bowl Preview | Valero Alamo Bowl 

What a story season this has been for the Baylor Bears. Led by Heisman Trophy winner Robert Griffin III, the Bears have been able to rise from the depths of the Big 12 conference, to having relevance in college football.

RGIII has revived this football team, and has every intention of leading them to a bowl victory against the Washington Huskies.

The Huskies are another surprise team that have been led by a sophomore quarterback in Keith Price. Price takes over for former 1st round pick Jake Locker, although Price has been doing what Locker couldn’t in Washington: Win.

Price led the Huskies to a 7-5 record and proved that they can be a threat to put up major points.

Both teams lack great overall defensive play, and this should likely end in a shootout between Price and RGIII.

You can watch the Valero Alamo Bowl on ESPN at 9pm EST on December 29th, 2011.

Here are some 2012 NFL Draft prospects to watch out for:

Washington

Offense

Chris Polk, RB*

Polk is a pure north/south runner with very good vision and patience. He breaks arm tackles with ease and is tough to take down.

He lacks elite speed, and compares more to a Trent Richardson type running back, except without all of the after contact yardage.

Jermaine Kearse, WR

Kearse has good size at 6’2 215, and has solid hands to match. His route running could use improvement, as well as a lack of mental lapses.

He’s not a burner, but he can go up and get the ball in the air when he really tries. Motivation could be an issue at the next level.

Devin Aguilar, WR

Aguilar is more of a speedy receiver with slot ability at the next level. He’s a very good punt returner and has good vision when returning on special teams.

His hands are above average, sometimes struggling to look in the ball before running, and having slight fear catching in the middle of the field.

Senio Kelemete, OT

Kelemete will make his 25th straight start at left tackle for the Huskies in his last game. A former defensive tackle, he moved to the left side of the offensive line as a freshman.

He’s a bit undersized at 6’4 289, but he has room to build a bit, although his lack of height could force him to move inside to play guard. He’s more athletic than most would believe and has solid potential.

 

Defense

Alameda Ta’amu, DT

Ta’amu is a big tackle who looks to be a solid nose tackle for quite some time at the next level. At 6’3 337, Ta’amu has the size to plug lanes and take up space along the defensive line.

He has the strength to succeed, and contrary to popular belief, he can penetrate and get into the back field. He should be one of the first defensive tackles off the board.

Everette Thompson, DE

Thompson has excellent size to play defensive end at the next level at 6’6 272, and could possibly make the transition to 3-4 outside linebacker if he were more athletic.

He’s not a true play maker on defense, however, struggling to get to the quarterback regularly and being less than impressive on different occasions.

Quinton Richardson, CB

Richardson is a veteran on the Husky defense who has received big time playing time since his freshman season.

He has great size at 6’0 203, and can play physical. He is lacking in the speed department, however, and will struggle to keep up with faster receivers, often playing stiff as well.

Desmond Trufant, CB*

The name Trufant could ring a bell, possibly because his older brother, and former Washington State cornerback, Marcus, plays for the Seattle Seahawks.

Trufant is a speedy corner with play making ability, who also isn’t afraid to tackle. He’s around 6’0 177, but he’s still a very talented player, although he may stay in school for one more season.

 

Baylor

Offense

Robert Griffin III, QB*

RGIII can run the football, he can throw the football, and he could probably kick the football as well.

He’s a stud and a surefire Top 10-15 pick if he comes out after his junior season. He has exceptional intangibles and physical ability.

Terrance Ganaway, RB

Ganaway is a bigger back at 6’0 240 that lacks good speed, but he makes up for it with his bruising north/south ability.

He likely will be a late round pick as he isn’t very versatile, but he could make a nice short yardage back for somebody.

Kendall Wright, WR

Wright is a quick, shifty no-nonsense receiver that catches nearly everything. He’s had a fantastic senior season with RGIII throwing the football to him, and he has made very few mistakes.

His route running has been impressive, and his straight line speed is adequate. We could see him move into the first round in April’s draft.

Robert T. Griffin, OG

Not to be confused with his QB, but this big boy sits at 6’3 336 and can really move the pile. He’s a pure right guard at the next level and has shown ability to be nimble on his feet.

He’s a late round projection, but a nice project.

Philip Blake, C

After struggling in his sophomore season at right tackle, Blake moved to center after the departure of J.D. Walton.

At center, he has excelled as a leader and a pass protector in Baylor’s fast paced offense. He’s just 6’2, which takes him out of tackle range, and is purely a center at the next leve.

Defense

Tracy Robertson, DT

Robertson has seen plenty of playing time since his freshman season, and likely will get a late round look. He’s around 6’4 285 pounds, and has potential to move to 3-4 defensive end to play the five technique if he can improve his strength and play at a high level consistently.

Nicolas Jean-Baptiste, NT

Jean-Baptiste is a big boy who had experience in 2010 playing with current Browns defensive tackle Phil Taylor.

He’s started for two seasons as a nose tackle and has done a nice job of using his strength at the point of attack to take up space. However, he struggles to do it consistently and doesn’t have a great motor.