For all the young talent on this University of Miami football team, it's critical the senior class makes a big impact. NFL evaluators will be watching.

Among 20 seniors, a wild card is defensive end Eric Moncur, whose September status is uncertain because of a groin injury. Seven other seniors to watch closely:

• Darryl Sharpton. ESPN's Todd McShay calls him UM's best senior prospect -- a potential ``third- or fourth-rounder'' -- but defensive coordinator John Lovett said in March Sharpton has ``some limitations.'' Coaches want Sharpton to make quicker reads. If he doesn't play well at middle linebacker, UM could move junior Colin McCarthy inside. ``Sharpton plays with an edge, is an energetic pass rusher,'' McShay said. But ``he takes far too long to locate the ball and appears lost at times.''

Sharpton studied his own tape all summer - he "dragged" ex-Cane Jonathan Vilma to watch with him - and found much to improve, especially in pass coverage.

• Jason Fox. The most accomplished of three senior starters on the offensive line (with A.J. Trump and Matt Pipho), Fox graded out best of all UM linemen in 2008, and UM expects the left tackle to dominate often.

McShay calls Fox a potential third- or fourth-rounder but said ``Sharpton has more potential. Fox flashes a mean streak, but the effort is inconsistent, and he's too much of a finesse player.''

• Javarris James. Faster after losing 16 pounds, James said he has never been more motivated. ``This is my last year, and I'm kind of forgotten about. I needed that. I'm humbled. You'll see.'' But he has been overshadowed this month by younger backs, especially Lee Chambers, and must produce early to hold off the competition. ``I have James as a potential sixth- or seventh-rounder,'' McShay said. ``[Junior] Graig Cooper is obviously more talented.''

• Randy Phillips. Limited to two games in 2008 by injury, Phillips -- the secondary's most experienced starter -- has become the defense's best off-field leader and has improved a lot at safety after switching from cornerback in 2007. ``If you ask 95 percent of the guys on the team, they will listen to Randy Phillips,'' coach Randy Shannon said. Draft analyst John Murphy said Phillips could emerge as a late-round pick: ``Good size, speed and proven versatility.''

• Tight ends Dedrick Epps and Jimmy Graham. Coordinator Mark Whipple wants to throw more to the tight ends, and UM believes Epps (at full strength after knee surgery in January) is well-suited to its NFL-style offense. UM's legacy of NFL tight ends is ``the reason why I'm here, especially Kellen Winslow Jr.,'' he said. McShay's take: ``Could get drafted late if he returns to form as a senior, though I do not expect it.''

Graham, 6-8 with a 7-1 wing span, will be factor this season, and one UM official said he already looks like an NFL prospect and could have been a high pick if he played football the past three years. ``I've been told I have great hands, wide receiver hands,'' said Graham, who has practiced catching jump ball-type throws.

• Sam Shields. Players and coaches rave about his transition from receiver to cornerback. He even had some first-team snaps, though Brandon Harris and DeMarcus Van Dyke are projected starters. Among UM's second-tier senior prospects, ``Shields is the most intriguing because of his reported speed (4.3),'' McShay said.

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