Taking a spin on a possible new feature this season, with Kevin spinning around college football to tell you who to watch out for each week:
NO. 12 OREGON AT OHIO STATE, Noon on Fox
Both of these teams faced a challenge in game 1, one expected (OSU in a night game against a solid Big Ten opponent) and one unexpected (Oregon in a tight game against Fresno State).
I’d feel a lot better about Oregon’s chances in this game if Kayvon Thibodeaux was fully healthy. Matter of fact, and despite their close game last week, I would have picked them to win in an upset. Unclear if Thibodeaux is expected to play very much but he won’t be fully healthy either way – which is a HUGE disappointment given his matchup with Pierre.
That said, plenty of NFL talent on the field, for this draft class and future classes. So let’s get to who I am watching.
Oregon
Kayvon Thibodeaux (DL) #5: Top 3 player in the country. Unfortunately, he had an ankle injury last week and will likely be limited (if he plays). This kid will be a Pro-Bowler on Sundays.
Noah Sewell (LB) #1 & Justin Flowe (LB) #10: Both sophomores but both will have good seasons. Great opportunity to watch them against top talent. Both will play on Sundays. Sewell is the younger brother of Lions top pick, Penei Sewell.
Alex Forsyth (C) #78: Has played all over the line of scrimmage (a favorite trait for scouts). More of a technician than size or athletic freak. Super interested in how he plays against Haskell today but right now he’s an underrated player but you can see he has those sneaky traits that turn into solid pros.
CJ Verdell (RB) #7: Small back but good patience. Will be interested to see how he deals with the Ohio State defensive line, who struggled last week against Minnesota but has plenty of talent. Good pass catcher. 3rd down back at the next level and likely day 3 pick.
Mykael Wright (CB) #2: He is a top 100 player right now, if he sticks around he’ll go even higher in next year’s draft. Has great athleticism and his match-up against Olave, Wilson, etc. is super compelling.
Brandon Dorlus (DL) #3: Another rising sophomore who has breakout potential (not draft eligible).
Ohio State
Chris Olave (WR) #2: Best route runner in the country. Olave is savvy and gets open. Smooth player that might slip to round 2 depending on what teams are looking for (he’s not an NFL WR1) but he’s an 8-10 year pro. Last week: 4 catches for almost 120 yds and two TDs. Great player.
Zach Harrison (DE) #9 - You’ll notice him. He’s the first kid that steps off the bus. To this point his been more style than substance but the back half of last year he started to really pop. The expectation is that he’ll start to put it all together this year. It should also help that OSU’s defensive line is deep and it will be difficult to isolate / game plan for any single player (ie. Chase Young). Last week: Had a sack and forced fumble, along with 3 tackles.
Garrett Wilson (WR) #5: I think he may be a better future pro than Olave. His talent is off the charts and expect him to make some highlight plays this year. Last week: Led the team with 5 catches for 80 yds and TD.
Sevyn Banks (CB) #7: Played much better than Shaun Wade last year. He’s a big corner and depending on how Kerry Combs schemes his defense, he could follow top wideouts. Next week against Oregon will be a good test for him. Last week: Out, returning this week
Jeremy Ruckert (TE) #88: Not going to get the publicity given the WR talent at Ohio State and he might not put up great stats. But those that watch the tape know what he can do. Day 2 or Day 3 pick who will be a solid pro (strong hands, solid routes, and good blocker). There’s still a market for these guys! Last week: one catch for 15 yds.
Thayer Munford (G) #75: Munford has great experience and talent. If he plays a full season, he’ll have started over 45 games for the Buckeyes. Pretty impressive. He’s big, consistent on tape, and projects as a really solid draft pick. Last week: officially moved to guard, which speaks to Petit’s ability. Had a good game and versatility will be good for his college tape. But may speak to him being drafted as a guard (lower draft ceiling) than a tackle.
Nicholas Petit-Frere (T) #78: The next great Ohio State lineman. Publicly Munford gets the credit as the long-time left tackle but that should change. I may be on an island but I expect Petit to be the better pro prospect. Petit has first-round potential. Last week: Officially took over the LT role which means the OSU coaches are seeing the same thing as me. He had a good game, but far from perfect. Needed to show better awareness that should come with more experience. I really wish KT from Oregon was fully healthy - popcorn type match-up.
Tyreke Smith (DE) #11: Good player and will make some plays. He’s getting some extra press because of a strong performance against Clemson. I expect him to have a good season but not a gamebreaker. Last week: Underwhelming game.
Haskell Garrett (DT) #92: Will get a lot of shine this season, especially after the strong playoff performance against Clemson. He’s a very good college player that is quick. His game is based on penetration. He’s definitely a draftable player but how he transitions to the NFL is a bigger question. Last week: typical Garrett, boom or bust. Scored a TD on fumble recovery, otherwise underwhelming game against Minnesota (very very good OL) who did a good job moving around the Ohio State defensive front seven.
WASHINGTON AT MICHIGAN, 8 p.m. ABC
Washington suffered a massive upset last week against Montana which takes some squeeze out of this game. Big game for both programs – in many ways Washington’s season will feel like abject failure (absent of going on to win the PAC-12) if they lose to an FCS team and then fall to their biggest non-conference opponent of the year. And we all know the Jim Harbaugh, Michigan Man, returning for glory storyline that needs a new chapter.
Michigan is NOT as talented as years past, a lot of younger players, but Michigan/Harbaugh’s problem has been consistent QB play. Last week Cade McNamara looked good. My expectation with Michigan is they have good QB play this year and surprise some people because they are flying under the radar (relatively speaking). OR they have another underwhelming season that feels rudderless. This is a relatively big game (let's be fair, Ohio State, Michigan St, Penn St are the ones that really matter) for the moxie of the program this season.
Washington does have some players to watch – it would be foolish to judge them on last week alone and think this team isn’t capable of being very good. What they didn’t have last week was QB play and WR weapons on the outside. If they don’t make some plays there, they won’t beat Michigan.
Either way, take the under.
Also, note Michigan has a number of local New England players on their roster given former DC Don Brown’s connections to the area (and ability to out recruit BC / Steve Addazio).
Mike Sainristil (WR) #5 - Everertt (CT)
Andrew Stueber (RT) #71 – Darien (CT)
Cornelius Johnson (WR) #6 - Greenwich (CT)
Kalel Mullings (LB) #20 - Milton Academy, West Roxbury (MA)
Jake Thaw (WR) #26 - Westport (CT)
Will Rolapp (WR) #30 - Darien (CT)
Emon Dennis (DB) #37 - St John’s Shrewsbury (MA)
Peyton O’Leary (WR) #38 - Governor’s Academy (MA)
TJ Guy (DE) #42 - Mansfield (MA)
Louis Hansen (TE) #81 - St. Sebastians (MA)
Luke Schoonmaker (TE) #86 - Hamden (CT)
Elijah Pierre (DL) #72 - Xaverian (MA)
Jack Stewart (DL) #70 - New Canaan (CT)
Zak Zinter (OL) #65 - North Andover/BBN (MA)
Michigan
Aiden Hutchinson (DL) #97: This kid is a beast and likely a top 20 pick. Has great size, long arms. He’s very physical but also very athletic. His upside is Ryan Kerrigan, although I am not sure I see the 10+ sacks a year guy (at the next level) - I do expect him to be a solid, consistent pro that plays for a long time. I can’t wait to see his match-up with Washington LT Kirkland.
Dax Hill (S) #30: Not a household name but the scouts certainly know who he is. He has gamebreaking talent. Very strong in coverage, especially for a safety. The best safety Michigan has had since Jabari Peppers. With a good season he will cement himself as a top 60 player.
Andrew Stueber (RT) #71: Should be one of the better lineman in the Big Ten this season. He has great size (6-7, 335)
The Michigan defensive line rotates pretty heavily and has talent. No surefire pro’s but these guys that have potential and will be trying to play themselves into the draft conversation: Julius Welscof (DE) #96, Chris Hinton (DT) #15, Mazi Smith (DT) #58.
Washington
Edefuan Ulofoshio (LB) #48: One of the more underrated linebackers in the country. Kid makes plays and watching a game you’ll notice him because he’ll get to the ball. Great football IQ, does a great job moving through the garbage - both laterally and going forward to fill holes. While he’s not a very big player, I do think the production of another good season gets him into the top 100 (with upside).
Trent McDuffie (CB) #22: Really good player, not the biggest cat but compensates with his compete. Would have liked to see him against Ronnie Bell. The book on him is varied – some say first round, some day beginning of day 3. Needs to be a bit more consistent this year and his tape against bigger wideouts (vs. would be great in a slot role). Two things to call out that are attractive - may not be scheme-dependent; seems to be effective in both zone & man. Lastly, while he has average size he does show a strong willingness to tackle. Not a liability in the run game.
Kyler Gordon (CB) #2: He hasn’t started a ton to this point in his career because of the deep depth chart of the Huskies. However, he’s on scouts radar because of his work in the slot. As is key in that role, very good in tight areas, fluid, and while he can be physical (good size) not overly “handsy” - which is a critical trait in the slot at the next level. This season will determine if he can be an outside corner prospect or remain in the slot. His traits, slot work should get him drafted.
Cade Otton (TE) #87: He was a bright spot last week for the Huskies and the best player in the passing game. Otton is trying to cement himself as a Day 2 player this year. His tape against Dax Hill (and even Brad Hawkins) will be crucial for Otton and great for scouts.
Jaxson Kirkland (T) #51: Best lineman for the Huskies and future pro. Question is where he goes in the draft. Has good height, good bend, pretty athletic. Really prototypical NFL size for a tackle. Does a good job mirroring with his feet, hands. His matchup against Hutchinson is one of the highlights of the weekend.
NO. 10 IOWA AT NO. 9 IOWA STATE, 4:30 PM ABC
Underrated rivalry, the Cy-Hawk game. Really strong under the radar match-up for NFL scouts. Both these programs develop players well and ISU Head Coach Matt Campbell has the full attention of NFL execs, owners as the next Matt Rhule type hire. ISU had a tough game last week against FCS Northern Iowa. Iowa smushed a ranked Indiana team last week – so Iowa should roll right? Ahh, not sure about that. I do love this to be a tight game.
Here’s who I am watching:
Iowa State
Breece Hall (RB) #28: One of the best running backs in the country. Good balance, good size, decisive runner. He’s best moving forward and wears on a college defense. Traditionally needs carries to get going but can wear on a college defense. Although not a gamebreaker, he does have speed at the second level. Day 2 pick – maybe mid second round.
Brock Purdy (QB) #15: The long-time Cyclone QB is a really really good college QB. Ceiling is a solid backup in the NFL. ate day 2, more likely day 3 pick.
Charlie Kolar (TE) #88: One of the better tight ends in the country. He’s Purdy’s favorite target, gets a good job getting open and using his size. Not in the gamebreaker, mismatch tight end mold that some NFL teams like (ie. Billingsley this year) but he’s absolutely a red zone threat. Does have some focus drops. Round 3 pick. Also, watch his backup Chase Allen who is also pretty good and I expect him to get a chance in the NFL as well
Mike Rose (LB) #23: Great college player, returning Big 12 DPOY. Makes plays all over the field and he’s really the backbone of Campbell’s strong defense. Has good size for a SAM role in an NFL defense. Best against the run and I think he’s better off the ball, coming downhill versus on the line. Really interested in the match-up with Iowa TE, LaPorta. Always active, good teammate, solid NFL pick that can contribute on special teams early.
Will McDonald (DE) #9: Best (re: high-level) prospect on the Cyclone defense. Strong first length, will need to add bulk for the next level but has the frame to do so. Shows suddenness on top - interested in how he tests.
Greg Eisworth (S) #12: Day 3 pick who has spent his entire career on the field for the Cyclones. He’s very good coming forward and a very strong tracker. Consistent, top performer in college that likely won’t test as well and will need to make his bones on special teams.
Eyioma Uwazurikae (DL) #58: e has NFL size, either as a 3-4 end or traditional 4-3 DT (with some additional heft). Not a great athlete but he’s tough to move and is somewhat relentless.
Colin Newell (C) #57: He was 1st team All-Big 12 last year at Center. Rimington candidate (along with Linderbaum). Enjoy watching both of these guys today. Him getting into the 2nd-level against the Hawkeye backers will be key to getting Breece Hall going. Day 3 draft pick.
Trevor Downing (LG) #52: Missed last season due to injury. Potential bounce-back candidate.
Xavier Hutchinson (WR) #8: Also note, the other WR Tarique Milton (WR) #1 was a good player in 2019 but missed last season.
Isheem Young (LB) #1: DROY in the Big 12 last year. Isheem is a playmaker for the Cyclones and has the ability to make plays that shift the field. Not very big but pops on tape because of his activity.
Iowa
Tyler Linderbaum (C) #65: Best center in college football. Not going to be for every team at the next level because he’s not small for the next level. But great with leverage, good on the move, tough player (as are most from this program). Safe pick and I expect him to go in the back third of the first round or very early second round.
Kyler Schott (G) #64: Really good college guard. Strong in the run game, good hands. Question his size for the next level. Late draft pick.
Jack Campbell (LB) #31: Big kid, who has a frame that can add solid NFL weight. Plays weakside now but I would prefer to see him add weight and play strongside. He has the size for scheme versatility, a 3-4 OLB. How much athleticism he shows covering tight ends will be key to his evaluation.
Jack Koerner (S) #28: Leader of a strong defensive secondary for the Hawkeyes. Riley Moss, Matt Hankins, Xavier Williams are other players to watch. Great football IQ, needs to play himself into the draft.
Zach VanValkenburg (DL) #97: Best defensive lineman for the Hawkeyes. Consistent player, had a good season last year with a few sacks and fumble recoveries (led the nation). Good against the run. Fringe NFL player at this point, but likely end of the draft player.
Tyler Goodson (RB) #15: Good shifty RB that is a big play threat. Great straight line speed (as evidenced in the Indiana game). Can catch the ball a bit. More of a role player in the NFL.
Sam LaPorta (TE) #84: ad a good game against Iowa and don’t be surprised this is the beginning of his breakout. Hasn’t put up stats that other TE’s have in the Big Ten but I expect him to be the focal point of the offense. Very good size and he’s going to be the next good Hawkeye TE to enter the league (likely not this year).