Ten NFL prospects to keep an eye on in bowl season

	BYU's John Beck has thrown for at least 240 yards in every game this season. AP

By Tony Pauline

College football's second season is about to begin. Night after night of bowl games will soon be upon us. It's an opportunity for prospects to stand out, especially those who play for teams that rarely receive national exposure. Here are 10 sleeper-prospects to keep an eye on while you watch the bowls.

Tommy Blake/DE/TCU: Terrorizing passers in the Mountain West Conference the past two years, Blake led the league with 13.5 tackles for loss while adding five sacks this season. The Poinsettia Bowl against Northern Illinois affords Blake his stiffest challenge yet as he'll face off against offensive tackle Doug Free, a highly rated pass protector struggling with an injured foot. Just a junior, Blake already projects as a first day draft pick as either a conventional pass rushing end or 3-4 outside linebacker.

John Beck/QB/BYU: The unanimous choice as Mountain West Offensive Player of the Year, Beck has watched his draft stock surge in 2006. He completed more than 70% of his passes last season for 3,500 yards and 30 touchdowns and will likely receive an invitation to the Senior Bowl. Originally considered late-round material, he has jumped into the middle frames. In the Las Vegas Bowl against Oregon, Beck squares off against the top-rated pass defense in the Pac-10.

Aundrae Allison/WR/East Carolina: A gifted pass catcher with enough natural talent to be a third receiver at the next level, Allison has teased scouts the past two years. After amassing a career high of 83 receptions and 1,024 receiving yards as a junior, he missed three games this season and registered just 59 catches for 684 yards. He has an opportunity to redeem himself against a tough South Florida pass defense in the Papajohns.com Bowl.

Dwight Lowery/CB/San Jose State: Little was known about Lowery upon his arrival at San Jose State from Cabrillo College. Yet the shutdown cornerback quickly made a name for himself. Lowery led the nation with nine interceptions this season and also had another six passes defended. His play was critical to San Jose State receiving an invitation to the New Mexico Bowl, the school's first postseason appearance since 1990.