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 NCAA Scouting – Player Profile:
Andre Caldwell, WR
by Paul Hopkins
24/3/2008
Andre Caldwell offers good value to many teams in this year’s draft. Unlikely to be featured in the top round, Caldwell is currently expected to drop to the second, if not the third round of the 2008 Draft. However, there is a good upside to this receiver out of Florida, who throughout his college career was consistently productive and integral to his team’s offensive game plan.
 It was in his sophomore year 2005, when his season was cut short, that Caldwell was at his lowest point. Returning a kickoff against the Tennessee Volunteeers, Andre suffered a broken leg, an injury which could have knocked back his development and progress permanently. However, his determination to come back was proven as he returned to the Gators’ line-up without seeing any drop off in his production to that seen before the injury. This injury aside Caldwell has been one of the most productive and consistent receivers in the history of the Gators.
In 53 games, Caldwell started 35, finishing his career eighth in SEC history for receptions and 20th for receiving yards. These figures indicate what type of receiver Caldwell can realistically become in the NFL. Averaging 12.7 yards per catch (on a school record185 pass receptions) Caldwell is not a receiver who will stretch defences down the field, but he is someone who quarterbacks can consistently rely upon to be alert, be in the game, and more often than not, make the important catch.
But after watching Caldwell perform for the Gators, he clearly offers more than just his numbers. A former high school quarterback, as well as one of the more cerebral players on the Gators roster, he can be a legitimate threat for the option pass, and is more than able of taking plays onto the field for the offence. He is also a very strong blocker, who is prepared to put his body on the line to help his team, and he can contribute on special teams returns.
 What we like about Caldwell
Apart from his flexibility and his ability to make plays happen no matter where he is on the field and what he is asked to do, Caldwell possesses good speed. Whilst not blessed with electric pace, he is quick enough to build up as he progresses, and when he does he can break through coverage and get behind corners.
As the preamble above about Caldwell suggests, he is someone that team-mates can rely on. In pressure situations he does not go away and hide. Indeed, he may even become even better in the pressure moments.
He is smart, not just intellectually, but also football smarts. He has 360 degree vision, and knows where he is on the field at all times. Always thinking, he can keep his feet in bounds when making grabs down the sidelines, and is able to read opposition defences to be able to exploit the gaps in their coverage.
For the receivers in this year’s draft, Caldwell may be the best blocker of the lot.
Question marks over Caldwell
Despite his lead by example and pressure cooker performances, Caldwell has never particularly been seen as a leader on the field, in particular through his willingness to be vocal on the field and in the huddle.
Occasional lapses in concentration do prevent his stepping up to the next level, but this should not detract from what he does do. As already mentioned, he has good strength, but there are occasions when he doesn’t make use of this, and is often bumped out of plays when going for balls, particularly in traffic.
Finally, he first made his name as a kick returner in the college ranks. However, it is not clear whether he can transfer that to the professional level, as he lacks the moves and ability to make blockers miss down the field.
Highlight of his college career
 Caldwell was part of the Gators National Championship victory over the Ohio State Buckeyes in January 2007. On a personal level, Caldwell shares his school’s second highest single-game receptions, with his 13 grabs in the 2006 victory over Florida Atlantic.
Other snippets
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Andre completed his bachelor’s degree in sociology in the fall of 2007.
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Andre is the brother of former Gator and current NFL receiver Reche Caldwell.
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An NFL player who Caldwell is similar to, is Hines Ward of the Pittsburgh Steelers.
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