University of Massachusets Athletics
London's Calling: WR Top UMass Prospect
April 26, 2007 | Football
April 26, 2007
By Rich Thompson, Boston Herald
UMass' Brandon London possesses the physical skills and the practical know-how to distance himself from the wide receiver crop in this weekend's NFL draft.
London's father, Mike, a former defensive line coach with the Houston Texans [team stats], guided his son through the combine and various workouts leading to Saturday's NFL draft.
"He keeps reminding me to work hard because he knows what they want to see in rookie camps," said the 6-foot-4, 210-pound London. "He tells me to work out hard, get in great shape because that's how you separate yourself from the other bodies that want to get noticed. Show up in shape and be ready to play football. He's looked at my film clips and he writes down notes about what to look for and the coverages I'll be seeing. When I get home we are going to look at tapes. He's been teaching me how to watch films since I was little."
London has been the subject of a steady stream of inquiries to the UMass sports information department in recent weeks, but he isn't the only member of the Atlantic-10 championship team who'll be of interest on the second day of the draft when teams are building depth.
Ironman tailback Steve Baylark ran for more than 1,000 yards in each of four seasons and is highly regarded for his versatility. All-American Christian Koegel, rated one of the top punters in the draft, could be on a few teams' lists in the late rounds.
Strong safety James Ihedigbo already has worked out for the Cincinnati Bengals and could be invited back after the draft. Center Alex Miller, right guard David Thompson and free safety Brandon Smith likely will be tendered rookie free agent invitations after the selection process runs its course.
London played in 43 games with 31 starts, catching 144 passes for 1,991 yards (13.8) and 15 touchdowns. He can sky for the ball, run over the middle, go deep, and dropped his 40-yard time from 4.55 as a junior to 4.47 in a recent workout.
"I think he's tested pretty darn well and he's certainly a guy that has all the makings," said UMass coach Don Brown. "If given the chance he could be someone special on draft day. He can get down the field, he's a big target and he's made several big plays for us. He's great over the middle and on deep posts and his length made him a tough matchup for any corner in our league. He's got tremendous toughness and he's a great blocker.cw0
"When you put all those together I think he's a complete receiver."
Baylark was the A-10 offensive player of the year, a second team All-American and only Marcel Shipp, who plays for the Arizona Cardinals, rushed for more yards in UMass history. The 6-foot, 220-pound Baylark ran for 5,199 yards on 1,080 carries and 42 rushing touchdowns. He also caught 76 passes for 690 yards (9.1) and five touchdowns.
"His production as a football player and his work ethic and the type of kid he is are incredible," said Brown. "He's a big back who can catch the ball and his running skills are second to none."
Koegel started in 49 games and made 225 punts for 9,196 yards (40.0 avg.), And he dropped 68 punts inside the 20-yard line. Brown cited Koegel's hang time for making UMass one of the nation's best punt coverage units in Division 1-AA.
"Christian is a special guy and you don't realize what you had until you go to spring practice," said Brown. "He's committed to his craft and he can make all the kicks. He's got great length, he can dump it inside the 20 and pressure doesn't faze him. His hang time was as good as anybody in the country and it is pro caliber. That could be his greatest strength."
