The Blue Raiders helped the conference with national attention once again with their 49-28 victory over Georgia Tech, in Atlanta on September 29th.
With an overall record of 7-3, and a Sun Belt Conference record of 5-1, MTSU is heading to a bowl game this year. As well as vying for the conference championship.
After losing one of their biggest offensive weapons and conference rushing leader in Benny Cunningham. Middle Tennessee is on a current three game winning streak, and four game conference winning streak since October 13th.
Lets look at a few of the Blue Raiders who could be draft sleepers, heading into the NFL.
DT Jimmy Staten | 6-4, 300 lbs.
Staten had a phenomenal sophomore season for MTSU in 2011. The big DT can eat up a lot of space at the line of scrimmage. Not always getting to the quarterback, though opening big lanes for line backers to burst through and make big plays in the backfield.
It did seem however, that later in the season in 2011. The big man may have had conditioning issues. Although that seems to have remedied itself in 2012.
Staten does a nice job on inside runs, using his good swim move to come off blocks, and force the running backs to the sidelines, or wraps them up for a tackle at the line of scrimmage.
He may not be the fastest DT out there in the draft. Though his athleticism could turn some heads at the next level.
WR Anthony Amos | 5-11, 190 lbs.
With the absence of Benny Cunningham in the backfield for MTSU. They have leaned on wide receiver Amos more than perhaps many would have expected. And he has answered the bell nicely.
Leading MTSU in receptions (63), receiving yards (929) and adding nine touch downs on the year. Amos has become a very dangerous weapon for the Blue Raiders.
Amos' size may deter a lot of attention from the NFL. He has very good speed and excellent hands, picking the ball out of the air nicely very naturally. A very diverse player, able to line up all over the field and line of scrimmage, giving his quarterback and offense a lot of different looks.
His natural talent, speed, football IQ and hands will certainly garner attention at the NFL combine.
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