[CBFF] Dave Ball?

[Victor Waldron]

Well, there's something to be said of production even at the D1-AA
level. Here's the scouting report from ESPN:

David Ball
WR | (6'0", 193, 4.65) | NEW HAMPSHIRE

Scouts Grade: 41

Flags: (S: SPEED) Player lacks ideal speed at position
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Strengths: Possesses adequate size, knows how to shield defenders from
the ball and is capable of making the tough catch in traffic. Times
jumps well, flashes the ability to catch the ball at its highest point
and has the potential to develop into a productive red zone target.
Possesses good athletic ability and runs crisp short-to-intermediate
routes. Reads defenses fairly well and can locate soft spots working
against zone coverage. Fights for the ball while it's in the air and
isn't afraid to go over the middle. Catches the ball in stride and
flashes the ability to make the first defender miss.

Weaknesses: While extremely productive at the collegiate level, he
played at a small school and there is major concern about ability to
adjust to a much higher level of competition. Possesses marginal
top-end speed. Lacks explosiveness and should have problems creating
separation working against quality man-to-man corners. Doesn't show a
second gear when tracking the ball downfield and isn't going to outrun
defenses. Lacks ideal upper body strength, gets pushed around at times
and needs to improve ability to beat press coverage.

Overall: Ball saw action in 11 games as a true freshman in 2003 and
had 38 receptions for 486 yards (12.8 average) and four touchdowns. In
2005, Ball played in 12 of 13 games setting UNH single-season records
for receptions (81), receiving yards (1,504), and touchdown catches
(17) while averaging 17.5 yards per catch. Ball played in all 13 games
in 2005 and broke his own receiving records by finishing the year with
87 receptions for 1,551 yards (17.8 average) with 24 touchdowns. As a
senior in 2006, Ball caught 93 passes for 1,114 yards (11.9 average)
with 13 TD's. Ball finished as the most prolific scorer in NCAA DI-AA
history, shattering Hall of Famer Jerry Rice's career-record of 50
touchdown receptions.

Ball displays exceptional hands and he is an outstanding route runner,
which is why he has a chance to contribute as a sub-package receiver
in the NFL. However, Ball is essentially a possession receiver
prospect with marginal speed and a lean frame. He will struggle to
make the transition to the NFL, where he won't be able to consistently
separate like he did at the DI-AA level in college. As such, Ball
projects as a late-round pick in 2007.

On 5/2/07, mactbone <mactbone0 at yahoo.com> wrote:
> Apparently Dave Ball broke a bunch of Jerry Rice's college records. We all know how that goes - there's always a UDFA or two who "should've been drafted" and people try to convince everyone that they'll be stars if they just get the chance - but those guys are almost always undrafted for a reason.
> -Chris
>
>
> ----- Original Message ----
> From: Kenny Claxton <kenny.claxton at gmail.com>
> To: post at chicagobearsfanforum.com
> Sent: Wednesday, May 2, 2007 4:41:35 PM
> Subject: Re: [CBFF] Dave Ball?
>
>
> Nice '80's New Wave reference!
>
> On 5/2/07, aaron s <adsti3 at yahoo.com> wrote:
> >
> > My coworker's trying to sell me on his undrafted FA signing.
> >
> > Could he be any good?
> >
> > I'd hope they'd play "Tainted Love" when catches a first down.
> >