Week 8: ACC Draft Stars
AJ Dillon, Running back, Boston College
A.J. Dillon was the best player on the field during Boston College’s victory over North Carolina State. The stat line was impressive, as Dillon racked up 223 rushing yards on 34 carries and scored 3 touchdowns. He averaged an impressive 6.6 yards per carry, highlighted by his ability to run with power between the tackles.
N.C. State had allowed 400 rushing yards all season entering this weekend.
BC has rushed for 420 yards today.
AJ Dillon: 34 carries, 223 yds, 3 TDs
David Bailey: 16 carries, 181 yds, 2 TDs
*BC leads, 45-17, with 5:28 to go in Q4. pic.twitter.com/PNjcpvIeUm
— Andy Backstrom (@AndyHeights) October 19, 2019
Dillon is a very productive player who runs with great vision. However, one major concern when it comes to Dillon’s stock as a 2020 NFL draft prospect is his speed. Some have even suggested that Dillon might be best suited to play fullback at the next level. Right now, draft guru Tony Pauline has a 5th-round grade on Dillon, but performances, like we saw against North Carolina State, will help move him up draft boards. He certainly has a future in the NFL as a goal-line back with the ability to find the end-zone.
Isaiah Simmons, Linebacker, Clemson
Simmons makes the list for the third time this season and rightfully so. Last Saturday, Simmons notched another brilliant performance, with 8 tackles, 2 sacks, and a pass defended. Simmons is a unicorn: a uniquely talented prospect possessing the speed and athleticism to be a fit for any defensive scheme.
The video below highlights Simmons’ ability to diagnose the play and the closing speed to bring down the Louisville quarterback for a sack.
I love our defense. Another sack by Isaiah Simmons. #Clemson #ALLIN pic.twitter.com/W7c1ywSqdN
— Dabo Swanny (@daboswanny) October 21, 2019
Simmons has been one of the best players in college football in 2019. He is the dynamic type of player that NFL defenses are seeking in today’s game. If he continues to play at his current level, there is a strong chance that Simmons could end up being a surefire top-10 selection in the 2020 NFL draft. I would not rule out top-five potential either.
Chazz Surratt, Linebacker, North Carolina
Like his brother Sage at Wake Forest, Chazz Surratt has enjoyed a strong 2019 campaign and this week was no different. Surratt had 17 tackles, a sack, and 2 tackles for a loss against Virginia Tech last weekend. Surratt displayed his elite physical tools, making plays all over the field. In this game, his ability to diagnose plays and finish was exceptional.
Last season, Surratt played quarterback for the Tar Heels and just one season later, he is the teams leading tackler. As good as he has been, Surratt is still very raw, only playing linebacker for six games. Today he only weighs 215 pounds, so he will need to add some weight to his frame to be an impact player at the next level. As Tony Pauline mentioned in his NFL Draft Risers & Sliders: Jalen Hurts & Chazz Surratt lead Week 5 list, Surratt is developing into an intriguing three-down linebacker. It will be very interesting to see how he develops and where his draft prospectus ends up should he declare for the 2020 NFL draft.
Let’s look into the “Key ACC Matchup” for Week 9.