2019 ACC CFB Week 12: “Draft Stars”
Tee Higgins, Wide receiver, Clemson
Tee Higgins had a dominating performance in week-12. He hauled in 4 passes for 64 receiving yards and 3 receiving touchdown. His opposition for most of the day was Wake Forest cornerback Essang Bassey, who is highly regarded by scouts. Higgins’ size and ability to high point the football were just too much for Bassey to handle.
The video below highlights Higgins’s strong hands and concentration, as he out jumps two Wake Forest defenders for a 14-yard touchdown reception.
Tee Higgins is about to make a lot of money in the NFL 💰
pic.twitter.com/sRUmZPfPUC— Elite College Football (@EliteCollege_FB) November 16, 2019
Here is another video that highlights Higgins’ completeness as a receiver. Here, Higgins uses his size and route-running ability to overwhelm Essang Bassey for a score.
Trevor Lawrence to Tee Higgins for the TOUCHDOWN pic.twitter.com/zI2K3VsjTA
— NCAAF Nation (@NCAAFNation247) November 16, 2019
In a deep 2020 NFL draft wide receiver group, Higgins finds himself as a firm round-one prospect. There will be teams that fall in love with his size and ability to present a red-zone threat. Teams like the New Orleans Saints and Green Bay packers selecting towards the end of round-one would be ideal landing spots for Higgins.
Tanner Muse, Safety, Clemson
Tanner Muse continued a strong 2019 campaign in week-12 by wracking up a sack and his conference-leading 4th interception of the season.
The video below will show Muse exploding like a rocket on a blitz which gives him an easy sack on Wake Forest quarterback Jamie Newman.
Slow-Mo Sunday || Tanner Muse#ALLIN pic.twitter.com/hijVkau0Ky
— Clemson Football (@ClemsonFB) November 17, 2019
It is doubtful that Tanner Muse will ever be an every-down player in the NFL but there is definitely a spot on NFL rosters for a player like him. He is smart, instinctive and makes plays when giving the opportunity. His game reminds me of former Wisconsin Badger Jim Leonard. When the dust settles, I think we will hear his name called in the 5th-6th round of the 2020 NFL draft.
Hamsah Nasirildeen, Safety, Florida State
While it wasn’t exactly a world-class competition, Florida State safety Hamsah Nasirildeen was the best player on the field during the Seminoles 49-12 victory over Alabama State. Nasirildeen thrives, accounting for 11 tackles and an interception, which he took 84 yards for a touchdown. Nasirildeen is the leading tackler in the ACC and has elevated into one of the best 3 safeties in the 2020 NFL draft.
Nasirildeen showcases his rare athleticism in the video below, as he intercepts a pass, then dances his way 84 yards for a score.
Hamsah Nasirildeen shows off the moves for the pick 6! 😂🏈#OneTribe #MustSeeACC | @FSUFootball pic.twitter.com/7tTx9IyKME
— ACC Digital Network (@theACCDN) November 16, 2019
It is likely that he will declare for the 2020 NFL Draft and if so, he will be a top-40 selection. While Nasirildeen is not a finished product, the combination of size, athleticism, and range is too rare to fall any further.
Let’s take a look at the updated 2020 NFL Draft ACC Big Board.