One of the reasons for UM’s high preseason ranking (eighth in the AP) poll is that the Canes are again loaded with NFL-caliber talent. One of several NFL scouts who attended a closed Canes practice this month said that he departed very impressed. In fact, some evaluators believe UM could have three first-round picks (mix of seniors and underclassmen) if they play to their capability. At the top of the list among seniors: safety Jaquan Johnson, cornerback Michael Jackson and defensive tackle Gerald Willis.
Johnson is being rated anywhere from a late first-rounder to a second-day pick. One NFC evaluator gave him a third-round grade because “he’s obviously not that big” but others rate him higher. Safeties coach Ephraim Banda put it this way: “A lot of NFL people are asking what type of player he is. Is he a leader? Is he the guy who gets you lined up? My answer is 100 percent yes.