The South was in full pads again today for the final time this week, until gameday of course. No disrespect to the North team, but if given the choice this is the squad that the majority of draftniks and scouts would prefer to see. It was overcast and a little windy with the sun peaking through at times but we weren’t there to evaluate the weather. Let’s take a look at who stood out.

   • Oklahoma State QB Brandon Weeden is probably the best quarterback in Mobile this year. Weeden appears to have all the physical tools and intangibles that you look for in a signal caller, it’s just a matter of how early a team is willing to invest in guy who will be a 29-year-old rookie. After practice the charismatic and engaging Weeden was talking to a reporter and said that there is obviously nothing he can do about his age. Weeden then jokes that if there was a way to change that date on his birth certificate from “1983” to “1989” that he’d have his agent do it.

   • Arizona QB Nick Foles isn’t exactly known for his mobility but did make a nice deep throw on the run today, which was dropped.

   • The knock on San Diego St. QB Ryan Lindley is that he isn’t accurate and that was plain for all to see today. One notable miscue came when Lindley underthrew Chris Rainey, who was wide open deep.

   • Baylor RB Terrence Ganaway didn’t look like he belonged with this elite group today. Ganaway was hesitant in the hole and didn’t break as many tackles as a 241 pound runner should, although he did flash nice balance in the 7-on-7’s, Ganaway struggled as a blocker too, getting blown up by Sean Spence and Nigel Bradham.

   • Mississippi St. RB Vick Ballard looked very good and continued to show why he is one of this year’s most underrated prospects. Quick for his size, Ballard had a great outside run where he accelerated past Courtney Upshaw and Taylor and there was no one who could catch him as he ran for the touchdown. Ballard also did a solid job as a blocker and gave good effort. On the downside Ballard did fumble an exchange with Ryan Lindley during 11-on-11’s.

   • Louisiana Tech RB Lennon Creer was nothing to write home about today. In fact, Creer had difficulties getting through the line at times. Creer is not overly quick or fast and obviously didn’t know playbook or schemes yet after being added late as an injury replacement. On a positive note Creer was able to handle Emmanuel Acho in the backs on backers drill, proving to be quite capable in that aspect of the game.

   • Florida Atlantic FB Alfred Morris was rocked by Jake Bequette in back on backers. Morris didn’t receive very many carries, which limited his chances to showcase his talent, but on the rare occasions when he did get the ball Morris looked hesitant going through the hole.

   • Arizona WR Juron Criner has done a nice job of rehabilitating his stock this week after a disappointing senior season. On one particular rep Criner hauled in a deep ball over DeQuan Menzie.

   • After an early drop L.S.U. TE Deangelo Peterson seemingly caught everything the rest of the way. The South safeties simply couldn’t make a play. Peterson even turned around Markellete Martin at one point, making an early round pick and one of the top two or three safeties in this class look pretty bad.

   • Alabama TE Brad Smelley has been a pleasant surprise this week, showcasing soft hands and proving to be very effective as a pass catcher. One one play in the end zone Smelley extended high to make a great reception.

   • Florida’s Chris Rainey has looked better as a wide receiver than a running back this week, although he would prefer to stay primarily in the backfield. Rainey used his elite speed to gain separation from cornerbacks, including Casey Hayward, and also adjusted to make the catch on a pass thrown behind him. Rainey may be the most electrifying prospect in this year’s game.

   • Houston WR Patrick Edwards was too fast and quick for Casey Hayward on one rep in 1-on-1’s, burning the Vandy corner badly. Edwards looks like a prototypical slot option for the next level and could be selected earlier than most think.

   • Georgia OL Cordy Glenn continues to perform well this week. Glenn was stationed at left tackle again today and even though there were some tough moments against Quinton Coples the size, power and athleticism that are the hallmarks of Glenn’s game were once again evident. Perhaps the highlight of the day for Glenn was when he held Courtney Upshaw, who could be a Top 10 overall pick in the 2012 NFL Draft, in check during the 1-on-1’s.

   • Illinois OL Jeff Allen played left guard throughout the practice and seemed much more comfortable inside. After battling Quinton Coples in “The Pit” on Tuesday the two got into a shoving match after a 7-on-7 drill today. At one point Allen also took Melvin Ingram down and held his own in the other reps as well.

   • When it comes to L.S.U. OG Will Blackwell it’s probably better to observe the old adage that if you can’t say anything nice then it’s better to say nothing at all. It’s been a real rough week for Blackwell, who just doesn’t look like he belongs on the same field with all of these amazing offensive and defensive lineman.

   • Alabama C William Vlachos doesn't look the part and lacks the size and strength to truly dominate. However, Vlachos once again employed good leverage and stayed under the pads of the guys he was blocking. Vlachos did play a role in a mishandled snap with Brandon Weeden in 11-on-11’s though.

   • Baylor C Phillip Blake seems destined for mediocrity this week.to continue his mediocrity. That’s better than drawing attention for the wrong reasons like Will Blackwell though! Blake isn’t flashy and struggled a bit with his balance but snapped the ball well. Blake never got bull rushed but didn’t generate much of a push either. Looks like a solid back-up at the next level.

   • Georgia C Ben Jones may be the type who does everything well but nothing truly great. Technically sound with top intangibles, Jones also displayed some versatility by playing a bit of right guard today. Jones had some great battles with Brandon Thompson, with each winning their fair share of the reps.

   • Troy OL James Brown probably had his worst day of the week. Early on Brown was able to stonewall Tydreke Powell in 1-on-1’s but overall he had trouble keeping his pad level down, which put him at a disadvantage. Brown was basically dominated by Brandon Thompson at times.

   • Florida St. OT Zebrie Sanders had a below average day after some impressive performances earlier in the week. Sanders was able to handle Courtney Upshaw, which is no small feat, but struggled with the other top defensive ends that he faced. Melvin Ingram in particular used inside move after inside move to win their matchups while Quinton Coples was able to get the best of the former Seminole by utilizing his athleticism to slaughter Sanders. The physical tools are certainly there but Sanders was unable to put it all together today.

   • U.A.B. OT Matt McCants once again showcased his impressive athleticism and excelled in space but wasn’t overly physical with opponents. McCants did a nice job against Melvin Ingram early in practice but went downhill against Malik Jackson. It appears as though power may be McCants’ kryptonite.

          

   • South Carolina DE Melvin Ingram had a great day as a whole. There were a few reps where Ingram couldn’t figure out a strategy to beat his opponent, although the crafty pass rusher was eventually able to find a way to get the best of guys such as Zebrie Sanders and Matt McCants. Ingram has certainly looked every bit the part of a likely mid first round pick and has definitely solidified his status in Mobile.

   • North Carolina DE Quinton Coples had an excellent practice and continued to show why he may be the first player from this year’s game to be selected in the 2012 NFL Draft. Coples basically had his way with Zebrie Sanders and used his athleticism to beat Cordy Glenn inside at times. Coples really did it all today.

   • Clemson DT Brandon Thompson has heavy hands and uses them really well. Smooth off the snap, Thompson was doing so well against Will Blackwell that the blocker ultimately resorted to holding. Thompson also ripped past James Brown in one rep. Overall it was a strong performance for Thompson, who should be a Top 50 overall pick and could sneak into the back end of round one.

   • Tennessee DE Malik Jackson was a pleasant surprise today, coming through with some standout moments. At one point Jackson put Matt McCants right on his behind! Jackson was probably too reliant on his hand punch, but for the most part it was working so it’s hard to fault the guy.

   • Alabama OLB Courtney Upshaw didn’t have his best day of the week, with both Cordy Glenn and Matt McCants neutralizing the Crimson Tide defender at times. Upshaw still flashed that first round skill set but it just didn’t translate into impact plays today like it usually does.

   • Texas ILB Emmanuel Acho was solid but unspectacular. Acho was disciplined in gaps but struggled to shed blocks against the run and also dropped an interception. Seems like more of a backup and special teamer at the next level.

   • Florida St. OLB Nigel Bradham looked good in man and solid in zone. That coverage ability should be a feather in Bradham’s cap.

   • Miami (FL) OLB Sean Spence had trouble when offensive linemen got their hands on him but but he was as aggressive as anyone on the field. Spence flew sideline to sideline and had a real nice tackle for a loss in 7-on-7’s. Spence could over-pursue the action at times but showed a lot of heart and passion.

   • North Carolina OLB Zach Brown had a GREAT day. Not only did Brown excel in pass coverage, reading the quarterbacks eyes and moving well. It seems as though Brown was in on almost every play during 7-on-7’s. Brown also did a solid job of filling gaps. Considering his impressive mix of speed, athleticism and range it’s hard to envision Brown escaping the first round.

   • Texas OLB Keenan Robinson didn’t really stand out today in the reps we saw. Robinson did okay in backs on backers but wasn’t always in position to make many plays during 7-on-7’s and 11-on-11’s.

   • Arkansas OLB Jake Bequette had a solid day and continues to improve as the week progresses. Bequette displayed good explosion off the snap and dominated with his size in backs on backers. Bequette still has issues in space but wasn’t completely lost like earlier in the week. The strides that Bequette has made in Mobile bode well for his ability to take coaching. After practice we spoke with Bequette about the transition from defensive end to outside linebacker. Bequette said he didn’t know that he’d be playing linebacker this week and wasn’t really prepared for it but after struggling initially is now thankful for the opportunity to show teams that he is capable of playing on his feet. Bequette said that he is still drawing interest as both a defensive end and outside linebacker depending on the team and that for workouts he hopes to get "as big as I can at a weight that I still feel fast", most likely 270 pounds.

   • Georgia CB Brandon Boykin was absolutely amazing today and could end up being selected over some guys with higher profiles. Boykin is on the smaller side but has a rocked up physique and didn’t seem to have much trouble covering wideouts who were considerably taller and thicker. A great athlete with outstanding speed, Boykin flips his hips as well as any cornerback in Mobile this week.

   • After getting off to a slow start where he failed to get his head around to defend the ball North Alabama CB Janoris Jenkins quickly began to show why most consider the former Gator star to be a clear-cut first round talent. Jenkins didn’t appear to have elite straight line speed at times but is so smooth and has such fluid hips that it doesn’t really matter. One of the highlights of the day for Jenkins came when he layed out Dwight Jones, who is more than five inches taller and 35 pounds heavier. As long as Jenkins can alleviate concerns about his off-the-field issues in pre-draft interviews there is no reason why he shouldn’t find a home somewhere in those initial thirty-two picks. Jenkins has taken care of his business this week.

   • Louisiana-Lafayette CB Dwight “Bill” Bentley continues to validate my opinion that he is one of the most underrated players in the 2012 NFL Draft. Bentley is clearly undersized but very instinctive with the ability to stick to receivers like glue down the field. This kid was even able to keep up with Chris Rainey, which is really saying something! Bentley doesn’t profile as a starter at the next level but is going to be an excellent nickel corner for some lucky team.

   • Furman CB Ryan Steed was up and down, getting beat by Juron Criner early on but recovering but later winning that same matchup by getting his head around to break up a pass in the red zone. Steed lost a 50/50 scenario with Jeff Fuller along the sidelines at one point too though. Steed should be a Day 2 selection.

   • Florida RB Chris Rainey, Georgia CB Brandon Boykin and North Alabama CB Janoris Jenkins all worked as return men today. Talk about a wealth of speed and athleticism!!! Each has proven to be dynamic in that aspect of the game and could be impact players on special teams in the pros in addition to their positional duties.

   This was arguably the most impressive practice of the week, with the vast majority of the best players in town all looking like studs. Jenkins in particular helped himself and his performance could go a long way towards securing a spot in the first round. Things will start winding down now as gameday draws closer but this extremely talented South squad definitely made their mark and all of the scouts, coaches and decision-makers had to come away impressed. DraftCountdown.com certainly was.