A pair of quarterbacks making a late-season splash

	The 6-foot-6 JaMarcus Russell has been compared to Byron Leftwich because of his size. Bob Rosato/SI

By Tony Pauline, Special to SI.com

With the final chapter of the 2006 college football season just about written, several NFL prospects are imagining the benefits of productive campaigns, while others are wondering if they can make up ground at the combine and elsewhere.

Risers

JaMarcus Russell/QB/LSU: He capped a terrific junior campaign with an efficient win over Arkansas. His productivity has been outstanding and his decision-making has been even better. By staying away from bad choices and errant passes, Russell has significantly improved his defensive reads this year. He's the most gifted passer in the nation, according to several in the scouting community, and could be the first quarterback chosen if he enters the draft.

Justin Rascati/QB/James Madison: One of the nation's top small school quarterback prospects, Rascati has improved steadily the past three seasons. He has a solid arm, uncanny downfield accuracy and makes good decisions from the pocket. With a career completion percentage hovering near 68%, Rascati tossed 20 touchdown passes this season with just six interceptions. Presently sitting as a late-round selection, he is poised to move into the middle frames with good showings at pre-draft workouts.

Ben Grubbs/G/Auburn: He's had an outstanding season and is moving up draft boards. He dominated defenders at the point of attack and displayed a lot of skill blocking in motion. With more NFL teams using a variety of zone blocking schemes, Grubbs' versatility is enticing. Many scouts feel he has first-round potential, but that he's a better fit early in round two.

Dwayne Bowe/WR/LSU: He's one of the top three senior receiver prospects in the nation and is finishing his college career in grand style. Bowe set career marks with 60 receptions, 912 receiving yards and 11 touchdowns this season. He's been more consistent this year, reducing the number of catchable passes he's dropped compared to last season. If he has some fast times prior to the draft, he could move into the top 45 selections.

Paul Soliai/DT/Utah: He was considered a low-priority free agent at season's start, but has drawn high praise from scouts. Facing double-teams in the middle of the line every game, Soliai has helped lead one of the toughest run defenses in the Mountain West. He is getting first-day consideration based on his play this year and is expected to receive invitations to several post-season All Star games.