Richardson vs Levis
Florida vs Kentucky was the headliner on Saturday, especially considered both teams touting top potential QB prospects. However, this game was a downtick for both Anthony Richardson and Will Levis. Kentucky won the game 26-16, but neither team could find a rhythm on offense. Levis completed just 13 of his 24 attempts for 202 yards with 1 TD and 1 INT, but did make several eye opening throws. Richardson was even less impressive, completing just 14 of his 35 attempts for 143 yards and 2 INTs and was also bottled up for 4 yards on the ground. This was a prime opportunity for both QBs to put out great tape but neither rose to the occasion. Perhaps the early Richardson hype was a bit too premature. Either way, one game is not enough to knock either QB out of our top 5 for the 2023 draft class.
Georgia’s RBs
It’s like clockwork; every year UGA finds a way to reload Kirby’s run-heavy scheme with NFL prospects that can both run and catch the ball. This year, Kendall Milton and Kenny McIntosh have taken over for James Cook and Zamir White…both also look like they could be joining their predecessors in the NFL very soon. Keep your eyes on this pair as we venture through the draft process.
CJ Stroud looking like CJ Stroud
There’s a reason why this kid is our QB1 of the 2023 class. The velocity, the pocket presence, the timing, the release…everything Stroud has put on film is reminiscent of a top tier QB prospect. There will always be haters that say Ohio State QBs are destined to fail in the NFL, but that is an illogical excuse for someone talking out of the side of their mouth. Stroud is the real deal…period.
BYU LT for Real?
BYU’s LT Blake Freeland was a prospect to watch on last week’s article and did not disappoint. On 80 snaps, he allowed just 3 pressures to an extremely talented Baylor front 7, filled with potential NFL talent. This was Freeland’s biggest test on the season and passed with flying colors and now enters week 3 without allowing a sack yet. Jaren Hall continues to gain hype, but I am not ready to jump onto that train. The sophomore QB will turn 25 two months before draft night, which is a big number for a guy still surrounded by question marks with his technique and abilities.
Addison IS THAT GUY!
The reigning Biletnikoff winner, Jordan Addison, might as well be a Heisman favorite following his first two games with the USC Trojans. On the season, Addison now has 12 receptions for 226 yards and 4 TDs, two of which came against a stingy Stanford secondary led by prospect Kyu Blu Kelly. The highlight of the game was when Addison ripped off a massive 75 yard TD to give USC a 21-7 lead. Addison remains our WR1 in the class and #8 on our Big Board.
Rogers Continues to Cook on the Sleepers
When I think about QB Sleepers, the first guy that comes to mind is Mississippi State’s Will Rogers. Yes, he is in a dumbed down, Mike Leach offense, but it is reckless to ignore the abilities that Will Roger’s possesses. Through 2 games he has thrown for 763 yards and 9 TDs while completing 78.6% of his passes. I keep hearing, “That’s nothing! That is easy in a Mike Leach air-raid!”….If it is so easy, then why is he one of the only guys doing it? The arm is good but the processing and decision making is phenomenal. His tape is clean and certainly worthy of a prospect that can make a team at the next level. In no way am I suggesting that he is up to par with CJ Stroud, but it’s time to put some respect on his name.
Last Call for the Rattlesnake
Spencer Rattler has been in the limelight since he was featured in the Netflix series QB1. Whether you like him or not, his stock has surely plummeted since the days of opening the 2021 season as a QB favorite. Now at South Carolina, he has been as disappointing as ever and continues to put out spotty tape littered with QB discrepancies. However, the tools are still there and Rattler very much has the arm it takes to make NFL throws…but does he have the discipline, processing, leadership, etc. It’s always been about the intangibles that Rattler has lacked rather than the tools. The good news is that Rattler has another year of eligibility left following this season, but now is his chance to either breakout or become the next Bo Nix. Rattler has a great stage set in front of him with many scouts tuned in this week against the Georgia Bulldogs.
All Aboard the Cameron Ward Hype Train
If you don’t know Cameron Ward, the Washington State QB is a RS SO transfer from the Division II powerhouse Incarnate Word. Ward had a storied 2 year career before making the transition to Power 5 football and has not disappointed. In his second start, he put together a solid game to beat the #17 ranked Wisconsin Badgers. Ward has flashed some awesome abilities through the small sample size, but more than enough to keep him on our radar. Did I mention that he is only 20 years old?!
Bijan Passed the Test
Texas RB Bijan Robinson played a crucial role in Texas’s near upset against the #1 ranked Alabama Crimson Tide. He accounted for 130 yards and a score against one of the best defenses in the country and looked like a legit 1st round RB. We live in an era where RBs have to be elite in every category to be worthy of a Day 1 draft pick and Robinson is looking like he fits into that mold.
My New Favorite WR
Every time I try to ignore Tennessee, one name keeps popping up with huge performances. WR Cedric Tillman continues to amaze me with his combination of size, speed, and smooth route running ability. He has the makes of a true do-it-all WR in the NFL.
Not Sure Where I Stand with Van Dyke
Miami QB Tyler Van Dyke has gained a lot of attention as one of the breakout QB candidates, but I still haven’t seen enough to garner that ranking. The Sophomore QB has put up adequate numbers, but at times makes bonehead plays that have costed his team. This week will be a HUGE test for Van Dyke against Texas A&M and should give me a good read on his potential.
Do It All, Evan Hull!
I can’t spend much time on the Northwestern Wildcats, but shoutout to RB Evan Hull for a HUGE day against Duke. Hull took 17 carries for 65 yards and a TD, but also added 14 receptions for 213 yards and a receiving TD. Talk about numbies…
Drake Maye is the Future
It took less than a month to make the realization, but Drake Maye brings much more to the table than Sam Howell did. Sam Howell is a QB2 in the NFL and was a mid round draft pick. Drake Maye is a 19 year old sophomore. The future is very bright for this emerging prospect and he is a locked in as a top QB contender for 2024.
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