RB Sean Tyler
Western Michigan to Minnesota
Poor size for a halfback at 5’8, but has strong lower half. Very good vision and patience as a runner to see holes develop and make cutbacks to find the open field. Shifty with good downhill speed and burst after cuts. Elusive, twitchy runner that is light on his feet and can make guys miss in the open field. Plays more physically than his size, lowering his shoulder through contact and landing forward to gain an extra yard.
Tyler led the Broncos’ backfield last season, accumulating 1,027 yards, 7 TDs, and a 4.9 yards per carry average. Committed to Minnesota, Tyler will likely be part of a backfield by committee, given he doesn’t excel in blocking situations. However, he has good hands and could be used as a pass-catching threat, a role he didn’t have many opportunities in with Western Michigan. His acceleration and twitchiness allow him to make big-time, home-run plays that should be exciting for Minnesota fans next season.
WR Bryson Green
Oklahoma State to Wisconsin
Good size at 6’1, 205lbs. Explosive acceleration off the line of scrimmage. Uses sharp cuts and good footwork to create separation in his routes. Very good at tracking the ball and using good body control to adjust to throws. Good downhill speed to win on go routes. Physical pass-catcher, able to out-leverage the defender and put himself in a position to win contested catches. Has good burst and is an elusive runner who can create yards after the catch.
Green made an impact for Oklahoma State in only his second season, putting up five TDs and 584 yards on 36 receptions. He started six games as a freshman as well. Last season he was largely used as a deep threat, but his twitchiness and sharp cuts could allow him to get open in short-yardage situations as well, and he will likely have a more diverse role as a receiver for Wisconsin next season. Green has two more years of eligibility and will look to further his early career success with the Badgers next season.
WR J. Michael Sturdivant
Cal to UCLA
Very good height at 6’3 and on the leaner side at 205lbs. A naturally fast runner with long strides, he gets downfield and into the stem of his routes in a hurry. Good suddenness and quick movement off the line of scrimmage. Very good hands and ball tracking — is able to make difficult catches or win vertically. Creates in-route separation through his downhill speed and his quick change of direction. Has quick acceleration and burst after the catch.
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Sturdivant has the makings to be an all-around very good receiver. He has the height and speed to be a deep, vertical threat and has the body control and hands to bring down contested 50-50 balls. His short-area burst and exclusivity make him a threat in short-yardage situations to pick up quick yards on screen plays. He had 7 TDs and 65 receptions for Cal last season and will look to get even more usage for UCLA next season.
LB David Reese
Florida to Cal
Good size at 6’1 and 238 lbs. Used as an edge rusher with Florida, although listed as a linebacker. Lean, muscular build with a solid frame. Uses hands well against blockers to disengage. Lacks the strength to create much pushback and disruption in the backfield. Displays good effort and strain on every down. Solid play speed and lateral movement.
Overall, Reese made only a marginal impact for the Gators last season. He needs to put on more weight and get stronger to be a successful edge rusher with power. This will also help improve his tackling as he struggled to bring down the ball carrier in one on one situations. Currently built more to be a speed rusher, but wasn’t used in that way. He has the speed to be successful in that role if coached up. Shows the athleticism and play diagnosis to return to his normal linebacker position with Cal next season.
