Bowl Game Preview: Russell Athletic Bowl, Louisville vs Miami, 2014 NFL Draft Prospects and Players to Watch

Dec 5, 2013; Cincinnati, OH, USA; Louisville Cardinals quarterback Teddy Bridgewater (5) reacts to a touchdown during the fourth quarter against the Cincinnati Bearcats at Nippert Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Andrew Weber-USA TODAY Sports

Louisville Cardinals (11-1) vs Miami Hurricanes (9-3)
6:45 pm EST on ESPN

This years Russell Athletic Bowl features one of the most sought after prospects in the 2014 draft class, Teddy Bridgewater. The redshirt junior is still undecided on whether or not he will be heading to the NFL, but with a strong showing tonight, he could have his decision made for him. Miami has had a hard time getting their offense to click since losing their leading rusher, Duke Johnson, to a season ending injury earlier in the season. Look for both teams to try to make a statement on offense early in this matchup.

Prospects to watch:

Louisville:

QB #5 – Teddy Bridgewater – Junior
Bridgewater has all the tools to be a franchise quarterback at the next level. He puts the perfect amount of velocity and touch on his throws, and can make big time plays with his arm. He has the leadership mentality that you want to find in a young quarterback prospect. Bridgewater trusts his teammates to make plays and is a very unselfish football player. Look for him to light it up in what could be his last college football game.

WR #9 – DeVante Parker – Junior
DeVante Parker has been Bridgewater’s go to target for the past couple seasons. The third year junior is undecided on the NFL, but many think his decision will follow the path of his quarterback. Parker has good size and athleticism, but isn’t the most polished receiver in this class. He is another player looking to raise his stock with a good game.

DE #91 – Marcus Smith – Senior
Former high school quarterback turned linebacker, turned defensive end, Marcus Smith is the leader on this Cardinals defense. He has the athleticism to play all over the field on the defensive side of the ball. After making the position switch, he has led the Cardinals in sacks and has become a solid NFL prospect at the same time.

Miami:

QB #17 – Stephen Morris – Senior
Stephen Morris is a competitor. He isn’t afraid to stay in the pocket and make tough throws under pressure. He has a strong-arm and great accuracy. At times he trusts his arm too much, which can lead to late-game turnovers. With speed to burn, he is a playmaker with the ball in his hands. Morris is a tad undersized and may slip into the later rounds of the draft.

OT #77 – Seantrel Henderson – Senior
This guy is a monster. He was once thought to be the most talented offensive lineman recruit in college football when he was a freshman. Henderson has missed some time due to injury and a couple off the field incidents, but he has the most potential of any lineman in the middle rounds.

OLB #52 – Denzel Perryman – Junior
Denzel Perryman is built like a rock. He is a very solid, hard-hitting defender. He is most dominant against the running game because of his shore tackling skills. Perryman can fit into any defensive scheme and is a very adaptable player, which will help his draft position by itself. He isn’t the most flashy player, but he can get the job done.