FanHouse GregCarr

Each week, FanHouse's Rollercoaster Report will take a look at several NFL Draft prospects to find out which players' stocks are on the rise, and who's stuck in freefall.

More than 300 prospects begin workouts at the NFL scouting combine on Saturday in hopes of improving their draft stock. But what about the guys that didn't get the invitation to Indianapolis? The event features the best of the best, of course, but that does not mean there's no value to be found in the players staying home this weekend.

After the jump, a breakdown of five college stars that could hear their names called in April, despite being left off the Indianapolis invite list, and another handful who missed out on the combine for a reason.

Each week, FanHouse's Rollercoaster Report will take a look at several NFL Draft prospects to find out which players' stocks are on the rise, and who's stuck in freefall.

More than 300 prospects begin workouts at the NFL scouting combine on Saturday in hopes of improving their draft stock. But what about the guys that didn't get the invitation to Indianapolis? The event features the best of the best, of course, but that does not mean there's no value to be found in the players staying home this weekend.

After the jump, a breakdown of five college stars that could hear their names called in April, despite being left off the Indianapolis invite list, and another handful who missed out on the combine for a reason.

FSU lost yet another conference game this week against Maryland's football - not basketball - team 27-24. Even though the loss is very disappointing to see, there were a lot of positive things to take from it.

Former 5-star QB Xavier Lee found out he was going to make his first collegiate start about an hour before game time because Drew Weatherford had tendinitis in his ankle (or so they say). The sophomore made the most of his opportunity as he looked great all night. Lee threw for 286 yards with 2 TDs and no interceptions. He made all the throws and played well enough to win, but numerous drops by his receivers hurt the Seminoles again. Lee also contributed 50 yards on the ground and used his mobility to move around until a teammate would break open somewhere. His performance was very encouraging and definitely has opened up a true QB controversy. I would like to see him start again next week against Virginia.

This is very rare, but I really liked the play-calling by whoever that was in the booth. ESPN kept saying that it was Jeff Bowden when they showed FSU's box, but honest to God I didn't see him in there. And from seeing the plays we were running throughout the night, especially in the ground game, I really do question who was calling the shots. In the past, we would abandon the running game as soon as we fell behind. And when I say abandon, I mean absolutely zero running. However, last night we fell behind very early and still ran the ball the entire game and with success. As a team, we had 34 carries for 172 yards. That is over 5 yards a carry. The type of running plays we ran is also what surprised me. There was a lot more misdirection and plays that allow the line time to move guys out of the way. This balance allowed us to rack up 458 yards of total offense. Let's see more of this in the future.

It wasn't easy, but last night, Maryland got it's second win against Florida State ever and made it two in a row at home against them. Of course it wasn't as meaningful as 2004 when FSU was ranked #5. However, this year, the win put the Terps at six wins total and bowl eligible. Plus it was on national TV, making up for their humiliation earlier this year at West Virginia. So how was it done?

Maryland's defense was still better this week than it had been in the first few weeks. It wasn't as good as last week, but it was good. Their corners couldn't cover 6'6" Greg Carr, but their run game was effective when needed to be. When Bobby Bowden elected to go for it on a fourth and one, defensive end Jeremy Navarre busted through the line and made the tackle behind the line. It resulted in good Maryland field position and the next drive lead to a TD. That play was so big that defensive coordinator Chris Cosh flipped on the sideline.

The defense did cave at some points. However, one FSU drive for a TD happened was a result of their incompetence. When driving in Maryland territory on third down, Maryland stopped them close to the line of scrimmage and the play was over. But then the refs called FSU on a false start and the Seminoles got the play over. The defense didn't recover that drive and the Seminoles scored. It was followed by an offensive three and out. I know the o-lineman jumped, but the play was run when false starts are called before the snap. That touchdown made the game 27-21.

Saturday's 51-24 thumping of Duke was not anything shocking. FSU's offense will rarely be confused for potent but Duke is, well, Duke and even Mom knows, that's not very good. Even with the handicap, here are some thoughts on what took place on Tobacco Road this past weekend.

Drew Weatherford was money. Simple as that. He only played in the 1st and 3rd quarters and threw for 231 yards with 4 TDs and 0 INTs. Those numbers could have been even more gaudy had it not been for a case of the dropsies by his receivers. . . again.

On the other side of the spectrum, Xavier Lee struggled mightily. Trying to state a case for more playing time, Lee led 4 drives in the 2nd quarter. These drives resulted in 3 INTs and a 3-and-out. His first INT was returned for 6. Considering this lack of production was coming against such inferior competition, this was not a very promising performance. He did have one bright moment in the game, throwing a 14-yard TD to Damon McDaniel in the 4th quarter.

Antone Smith showed the type of explosion we all know he possesses, but rarely is able to display. He only carried the ball 4 times, but his 80-yard TD run to open the 2nd half was the offensive play of the game.

Greg Carr once again showed up big against the Dookies. After a 6 catch, 95 yard, 3 TD day last year, the 6'6" sophomore grabbed 4 passes for 100 yards and 3 more TDs on Saturday. Now who thinks he'll even get 50 yards with 1 score this upcoming weekend against BC? As much as I hope I'm wrong, my money is with no.

FSU sophomore WR Greg Carr had big time expectations going into this season. His ACC leading 9 TD receptions as a rookie garnered him 2nd team All-Conference recognition. An offseason to improve his game and further his understanding of the offense seemed sure to boost Carr into the upper-echelon of the nation's receivers.

Unfortunately, that has not proved to be the case thus far. Through 4 games, the 6'6" Carr has 145 yards and 3 TDs. Those numbers are not going to lose a scholarship by any means, but they surely are not what everyone expected to see a month into the season. Now consider this: 134 of his 145 yards and all 3 of his TDs came against Troy and Rice. He had a combined 1 catch for 11 yards against Miami and Clemson. He hardly even saw the field against the Tigers. That was a coaching decision to have better blocking WRs out there to boost the running game. To me, this is still at the fault of Carr. Blocking is about desire. We shouldn't have to take out an All-ACC wideout for almost an entire close game just to be able to block better. I believe it was also due to Carr occasionally running plays at half speed.

At 6'6", with good speed and excellent jumping ability, Carr should be able to dominate any opposing secondary. Only showing up against cupcakes is not going to cut it very long. 5 of his 9 TDs last year came against The Citadel and Duke. He needs to be able to provide more for this offense than winning a jump ball every now and then. He did show some improvement in his shorter routes against Virginia Tech in the ACC Championship Game. Not much, but enough to know that the potential is there to compliment his go route.

Carr finding the intensity to go out and block and play at full speed for whole games could be the key to the rest of the season for the Seminoles. They desperately need another dimension on offense and Carr is definitely a player that can improve his play to be that spark. Now, if only WRs coach Jeff Bowden can get him ready to be that player.