This week’s independent prospect of the week comes from the Liberty Flames, a new FBS-promoted program led by former Ole Miss head coach Hugh Freeze.
A Week 2 riser, Liberty receiver Antonio Gandy-Golden is exceeding expectations of scouts who stamped him with a late-round grade before the season began. He hopes to keep the momentum going this weekend against New Mexico.
Much was expected of Gandy-Golden this year after the 2018 season when he posted 71 receptions for 1,037 receiving yards and 10 TDs. This campaign came on the heels of a breakout campaign as a sophomore when his numbers were nearly identical (69/1066/10).
He is a bigger, possession receiver who measures 6-feet-3.5 and 215 pounds. Though not a vertical threat, Gandy-Golden runs and plays in the mid-4.5-second area. He has long arms and big hands which he uses to pluck the ball away from his frame.
Gandy-Golden runs solid routes for a big man, uses his large frame as an advantage, and consistently comes away with the contested grab. He is the go-to guy opponents really cannot stop despite the fact that they know the pass will be directed to his area of the field. He displays focus and concentration as well as next-level hand-eye coordination.
I would expect Gandy-Golden to receive an invitation to the Senior Bowl, or at least the Shrine Game, as well as the NFL Combine.
The Senior Bowl would be a big deal for the receiver. Coming out of a small school, the ability to showcase his skills in Mobile against many of the highest-rated cornerbacks from the senior class is an undoubtedly huge opportunity.
Another opportunity awaits Gandy-Golden before the end of the year.
Liberty takes on Virginia on November 23, where the match-up between Gandy-Golden and UVA cornerback Bryce Hall will be closely watched by NFL scouts.
Tony Pauline is PFN’s lead NFL Draft analyst. You can follow him on Twitter @TonyPauline.