Yesterday was another day of rousing football action at JMU's practice, but there was one thing that took my eye off of the long snapping drills. Strolling around the turf with Mickey Matthews was an Indianapolis Colts' Super Bowl XLI championship ring. No, the Dukes football coach wasn't wearing it, but rather an NFL scout from the reigning World Champs. There was also a scout representing the Detroit Lions — surely only in town because the big cats from Motown will be losing in Washington on Sunday — and it got me wondering about the likelihood of JMU's top prospects playing on Sunday next year.

We'll start with the most decorated of JMU's seniors in safety Tony LeZotte. The 6-foot, 200-pounder has started every game so far in his career and moved to tenth all-time in tackles against VMI and needs just 11 more to be JMU's all-time leading tackler among defensive backs. He is a three-time All-American and three-time All-conference and is on the watchlist for this year's Buck Buchanon as the nation's top defender. He has a high football IQ and Matthews and his staff can count on him to call out any pre-snap adjustments. He has the average size of an NFL safety and the strength to lay the big hit. LeZotte would fit in well with a team like Philadelphia that has an aging defensive backfield and is probably the best bet of any Duke.

Defensive tackle John Baranowsky has raised eyebrows after a strong effort in 2006 as a first year player with the Dukes. At 6' 3" and 290 pounds he is solid against the run, forcing opponents to run the ball on the outside. Although most pro linemen on both sides of the ball weigh upwards of 300, Baranowsky succeeded at putting on muscle and brawn when he was moved from defensive end to tackle during his two seasons at Connecticut. The Sudbury, Mass. native is also the mouth of the team and shows lots of energy which could definitely help him if he's competing for a last roster spot. He was second-team All-A-10 last season.

Forget about the height for a second and go check him out if you haven't already. You might only have a second to see him though as he is usually the fastest player on the field. His 5' 7", 155-pound frame could turn some teams away, but Baker should take comfort in the fact that another short, quick and elusive JMU receiver is being inducted into the Redskins Ring of Fame this weekend. Gary Clark played a similar game and had to work his way to the NFL but every team needs a speedster at least on special teams. He's shown his versatility this season with a running touchdown to go with three receiving TDs and has to be accounted for on all plays. In both 2005 and 2006 he was first team All-conference as a punt returner and made second team as a receiver last season.

Oh and here's a picture of that rock I spoke of