5 questions for...
Jonathan Vilma
ESPN analyst and former Jets and Miami Hurricanes linebacker Jonathan Vilma talks bowl season, Lane Kiffin and a big draft question mark with The Post’s Justin Terranova.
Q: Which game outside of the playoffs are you most looking forward to?
A: USC-Penn State because they were two emerging teams late in the season — really good on both sides of the ball and the talent was really showing up. Particularly USC, who we thought would make a run earlier in the season, but started out sluggish. They made the switch to Sam Darnold and he’s been amazing for them. That’s a really good quarterback matchup with him and Trace McSorley.
Q: Could Lane Kiffin getting the Florida Atlantic job hurt Alabama’s performance?
A: He did such a great job catering the offense to the players he had there. It’s not necessarily the game plan, but when he’s in the game: Does he adjust? Is his mind focused? I expect Alabama to win the game, but Washington is no pushover. If you are not adjusting to what Washington is giving you within the game, you can see that game being a lot closer than it should be. Q: Ohio State or Clemson? A: It’s so close, but if you go talent for talent by each position then you have to give a slight edge to Clemson. It’s really based on the skill positions offensively. You would take Deshaun Watson over J.T. Barrett, Mike Williams over Curtis Samuel, Wayne Gallman over Mike Weber at running back.
Q: There’s a lot of hype surrounding North Carolina QB Mitch Trubisky. Does he deserve to be a top-5 pick?
A: Athletically, yes. But I always get concerned with these open spread offenses where the quarterbacks never have to learn defenses, necessarily. Everything is right there in the face with the easy reads. I get concerned with how quickly he’s going to be able to pick up an NFL offense. Q: Who is one player you’ll be rooting for to improve his draft stock in bowl season? A: (Cornerback/returner) Adoree’ Jackson. He’s been under the radar because USC has been under the radar. He’s been a phenomenal player since he stepped onto the field at USC, and got some notoriety last year. I’d love to see him cap off his career with another great game and build that hype going to draft.