The nation's leading tackler and two sets of twins will be playing in the inaugural Medal of Honor Bowl all-star game Saturday in Charleston, S.C.
San Jose State linebacker Keith Smith (6-foot-1, 236 pounds) led the nation with 159 tackles this season -- 11 more than anyone else -- and finished his career with 476, the most among active players. He was a four-year starter for the Spartans, and while he lacks speed, he is highly instinctual and always seems to be around the ball. He is a possible late-round draft pick.
The two sets of twins are the McCrays from UCF and the Merrells from Rutgers. Guards Jordan and Justin McCray are both 6-3 and 310 pounds, and both are physical run blockers who have a chance to go late in the draft. Jamal Merrell (6-4, 220) is an outside linebacker who is good against the run but isn't a pass rusher. His coverage skills also need work. He does run well. Jamil Merrell (6-4, 255) is a defensive end who has some pass-rush ability but needs work against the run. The Merrells combined for 58 tackles this season.
One of the more intriguing prospects in the game is Wake Forest's Nikita Whitlock (5-10, 250), who was a highly productive nose tackle for the Demon Deacons for four seasons; he finished his career with 241 tackles and 48 tackles for loss. But there's not much call for 5-10 defensive tackles in the NFL, and Whitlock will play tight end and fullback during the Medal of Honor Bowl.
Another former ACC player to watch is North Carolina defensive tackle Tim Jackson (6-5, 285), who slumped a bit this season after playing well last season in his first go-round at tackle after moving from end. He has good quickness and athleticism, though he needs to gain some weight and bulk. He is another potential third-day pick.
Here is a look at the rosters for the game, which will be played at The Citadel's stadium and benefit the Wounded Warrior Project.
Despite the relative lack of big names in the game, NFL Media draft analyst Daniel Jeremiah said it's likely that each NFL team have a representative on-site during the week.
Mike Huguenin can be reached at mike.huguenin@nfl.com. You also can follow him on Twitter @MikeHuguenin.
