Sooners safety, running back try to boost draft stock in Senior Bowl

Both are from Las Vegas, starred at powerhouse Oklahoma and are projected to be chosen as high as the second round in the NFL Draft.

So it only makes sense safety Quinton Carter and running back DeMarco Murray would be together in Mobile, Ala., preparing for Saturday's Senior Bowl.

The Senior Bowl is considered college football's top postseason all-star game, and its practices are closely monitored by NFL coaches, executives and scouts.

What happens this week affects the draft order in April.

"I can only do my part of it," said Carter, a Cheyenne High School product. "I'm not too worried about the draft. I feel I'm blessed to have the opportunity to be drafted."

Carter (6 feet 1 inch, 210 pounds) is projected as a second-round pick by NFLDraftScout.com and CBSSports.com, and both sites rank him as the top prospect at free safety.

National Football Post draft expert Wes Bunting isn't as sold on Carter, projecting him later in the draft. Bunting said Carter is "a bit upright" and needs to improve his tackling and range on pass defense. On the positive side, Bunting said, "I like his passion for the game. He stalks you and gives you a good pop."

Carter also has character in his corner; on Wednesday he received the Wooden Award for his community involvement and citizenship. The national award is open to college athletes in all sports.

Carter can expect plenty of NFL experts to break down his strengths and weaknesses, and he knows that comes with the territory. He trains in San Diego -- working on a series of drills that address mobility, strength and tackling among other areas -- and isn't concerned about what others think.

"Actually, I've heard nothing, and I ask no questions," Carter said. "I'm really focusing on performing and performing well and excelling."

Murray (6-0, 215) had a more celebrated career with the Sooners, but is projected as a second- or third-round selection by NFL Draft Scout and CBS. Each ranks the Bishop Gorman High graduate as the draft's fifth-best running back.

Bunting said he sees Murray going from the second to fourth round.

"DeMarco has straight-line speed and the ability to catch the ball out of the backfield," Bunting said. "His weakness is he runs upright. There's not much wiggle. He lacks overall strength. He takes too many hits. He's more of a third-down back."

Attempts to reach Murray were unsuccessful, but he told the Boston Herald this week his ability to do many things well should impress coaches.

This season he rushed for 1,214 yards and 15 touchdowns and caught 71 passes for 594 yards and five TDs. He also was a skilled return man, setting Oklahoma's career record with 6,498 all-purpose yards.

"I think every coach looks for a player who can run, catch, as well as block," Murray told the Herald. "I'm just out here showcasing all three and being an every-down back."

UNLV's top draft prospect is offensive tackle Matt Murphy (6-4, 300), who started all four seasons.

"He's got a good body," Bunting said. "He's not a dynamic athlete, but he's good at that position. I could see some team taking a chance on him. I wouldn't select him at tackle. I could see him as more of an inside player."

Rebels defensive tackle Isaako Aaitui (6-4, 315) probably will sign as an undrafted free agent.

"He looks the part (at tackle) and like he would be a good athlete," Bunting said. "He hasn't put it together, but I wouldn't be surprised if he makes an NFL camp and is on the practice squad for a year."

Bunting said Aaitui's knee injuries are a red flag, but there is potential for the raw talent from Western Samoa who didn't grow up playing football.

"That's why someone will give him a chance," Bunting said.

Nebraska offensive lineman Mike Smith (6-6, 285), a Palo Verde High product, also could find his way onto an NFL roster.

"I thought he was solid at the East-West Shrine Game (last week)," Bunting said. "He isn't real powerful, but he's a better athlete than I thought. I don't know if he'll be drafted, but he's capable of finding a spot."

Contact reporter Mark Anderson at manderson@reviewjournal.com or 702-387-2914.