Jimmy Graham

The word "upside" was made for athletic players like Graham, who has gone from solid basketball big man to big-time NFL prospect in the span of a few months. Comparisons to former Cal basketball star and future Hall-of-Fame tight end Tony Gonzalez are natural - and becoming more realistic every day. A top 100 national recruit, Graham signed on to play hoops for the 'Canes in 2005. He started between nine and 11 contests in each of his four seasons, blocking 104 shots in 120 games. He joined the football team last August, and scored a touchdown on his first reception against Georgia Tech. He had a rough game the next week against Virginia Tech, with two important drops, but bounced back to finish the season strong. His 17 catches for 213 yards included five touchdowns, making him the sort of red-zone threat NFL teams covet at the tight end position. Graham told scouts that football was his first love, even though he hadn't played since the ninth grade, and that he turned down six figures to play basketball overseas. He should earn a lot more than that if he continues to learn the game and improve as a blocker at such a fast rate. His ridiculous Combine testing (4.50 40, 38.5" vertical at 6-6) and nice week in Mobile at the Senior Bowl only heightened the interest from scouts - you can't coach his height and athleticism.

after the catch

Extremely fluid and agile runner after the catch; can run away from smaller defenders with his long strides. Strong enough to run through arm tackles, hold off would-be tacklers with his long arms and fall forward for an extra couple of yards due to his height. Lacks vision, and typically is best catching the ball on the run. Can become more elusive with more time at the position.

route running

Excellent feet for routes; can sink and cut inside or outside quickly. Sells and sets up routes extremely well for an inexperienced player; safeties have no clue where he is going to go. Major threat down the seam because of his height and agility. Uses his solid frame to box out defenders over the middle.

intangibles

Has worked hard to improve his strength training and football knowledge since joining the team last summer. Suffered through a rough childhood to mature. Earned his degree in May 2008.

hands

Hands improved throughout the season, concentrating more on the ball as the season went on and body-catching balls less and less. Has the hand-eye coordination to snatch balls out of the air from any direction and track over either shoulder. Hears footsteps over the middle and short-arms high passes that he has the ability to go up and get. His height and vertical are useful on jump balls in the end zone and on the hands team for onside kicks.

release

Uses his phenomenal athleticism to get out of the three-point stance and to top speed quickly. Able to sidestep and shimmy past safeties and linebackers at the line. Separates well downfield with long strides; no real second gear, however.

blocking

Very inexperienced blocker who needs to be more consistently physical on the edge. Has the length and build to extend and gets into position to wall off inside lane for defender, but doesn't have much pop or ability to sustain. Will help strong side tackle take the defensive end down the field on doubles. His size makes it tough for defenders to avoid his cut block but he is not technically sound. Misses targets on the run, and doesn't adjust well to oncoming defenders.

Averaged 20.7 points, 13.8 rebounds and 4.6 blocks per game as a senior at Charis Prep

Street & Smith Honorable-Mention All-American

Rated the No. 60 overall prospect in the nation and the No. 16 power forward by Rivals.com

Rated 93rd in the nation by Scout.com

Averaged 18 points, 15 rebounds and eight blocks per game as a junior en route to team MVP, conference MVP and all-state honors

Also played tennis, baseball and football in high school

Coached in basketball by Carlos Peralta.