Mel Kiper - Sleeper of the Week: Alex Bannister

Mel Kiper's archive: Sleepers of the Week

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Friday, November 3

Sleeper of the Week: Alex Bannister

Editor's Note: Each week Mel Kiper Jr. will highlight one of the intriguing "sleeper" prospects available for the 2001 NFL Draft.

ALEX BANNISTER -- WR -- EASTERN KENTUCKY

At 6-foot-5, 210 pounds and blessed with legit sprinter speed, Bannister has the exact package of physical skills that NFL offensive coordinators are looking for.

In addition, he's also working to become a complete performer, paying the necessary attention to detail in terms of route running and downfield blocking. Through two games this season against Glenville State and Indiana State, Bannister has hauled in 14 receptions (seven in each game) for a whopping 21.2 yard average and five TDs.

And folks, he's not just becoming a one-year wonder. In '99, the angular wide-out hauled in 44 receptions, eight of which went for TDs, including an impressive six-catch performance versus Appalachian State.

Since last season, he's added roughly 10 pounds to his frame, while increasing his 40-yard speed to the point where he could end up being the fastest WR in the draft.

His participation in track this past year for the Colonel's was evidently a key to the improvement. Bannister competed in the 110-meter hurdles and also the 200-meter dash. In the spring, he clocked an eye-catching 4.22 in the 40.

The concern with Bannister is how effective he will be when it comes to dealing with skilled cover men at the pro level. He's currently doing his damage in the Ohio Valley Conference, against Division I-AA competition. That's why Bannister will be viewed as more of a developmental, long-range prospect who may need a year or two before he can be expected to compete for significant playing time at the pro level.

However, with his work ethic, along with the fact that he's working in an "I" formation pro set attack, you never know if the timetable can be accelerated. One thing is for sure, with Bannister's computer numbers, along with his productivity thus far, he definitely qualifies as a very intriguing pro prospect who will be watched very closely in the coming weeks and months.

By the way, EKU also has three other prospects who are currently being evaluated by the NFL. That group includes QB Waylon Chapman, RB Corey Croom and WR/return man Tyrone Browning.