Week 7 on the college football schedule saw a pair of previously undefeated top-10 teams, Alabama and USC, go down in defeat. NFL draft prospects stood out in both those games, as did several players who are finally coming of age. Here are the Risers & Sliders for Week 7.
2023 Big Board Risers
Jalin Hyatt, WR, Tennessee
It was a game for the ages in the SEC, as Tennessee beat Alabama, 52-49, on a last-second field goal. There were multiple stars for both the winners and losers, though none shone as brightly as Jalin Hyatt.
The junior receiver finished with six receptions, 207 yards, and an amazing five touchdowns, including one scoring grab of 78 yards. He was reliable, came up big in important spots, and continued to show big-play ability.
Hyatt has been seamless taking over the reigns as the Volunteers’ top wideout after Cedric Tillman went down with an injury three games into the season. He is in the midst of a breakout season, and after recording a combined 41 receptions the prior two years, Hyatt already has 33 catches in seven games. As a result, his draft stock has taken a meteoric rise.
Charlie Jones, WR, Purdue
Jones is finally coming of age, and NFL scouts are taking notice. Arriving at Purdue by way of Buffalo and Iowa with a two-year break in between, Jones has 50 receptions and seven TDs in seven games this season. Against Nebraska on Saturday, he added 12 more receptions and another touchdown as well as 132 receiving yards.
Jones’ play this season is even more impressive when you consider he had 39 career receptions coming into the year. Jones has become the most reliable target for Aidan O’Connell and consistently comes away with the difficult catch during the game’s critical moments.
Entering the season graded as a UDFA, Jones is drawing comparisons to Las Vegas Raiders receiver Hunter Renfrow. Yet, unlike Renfrow, who was a fifth-round pick, Jones could end up a Day 2 selection.
Xavier Hutchinson, WR, Iowa State
The Cyclones lost a close game to conference rival Texas, though Hutchinson did all he could to drag his team over the finish line. In fact, Saturday was no different than the past three seasons for Hutchinson, one of the most underrated next-level receiver prospects in the nation.
The senior finished the game with 10 receptions for 154 yards, bringing his seven-game total this season to 67 receptions, 754 yards, and five touchdowns.
MORE: Week 7 College Football Players of the Week
Hutchinson made an immediate impact at ISU after transferring from Blinn JC, catching 64 passes his first season in 2020 and 83 receptions a year ago. Hutchinson measures 6-foot-2 and just under 210 pounds.
He should time under 4.5 seconds prior to next year’s draft. I had Hutchinson graded as a mid-fifth-round pick entering the season, and I may be underestimating his value.
Matthew Bergeron, OT, Syracuse
The Orange are 6-0 and, along with Clemson, sit atop the Atlantic Division in the ACC. Both the offense and defense have contributed to the team’s success, and left tackle Matthew Bergeron has been playing to expectation this season.
He helped keep the pocket clean during SU’s 24-9 victory over North Carolina State, a game in which the Wolfpack did not record a single sack.
Bergeron is a mobile left tackle with terrific footwork in pass protection and the ability to block in motion. While he must get stronger and finish run blocks, his athleticism and agility will be coveted come Day 2 of the draft next April.
Dalton Kincaid, TE, Utah
Many were concerned when the Utes lost Brant Kuithe to a season-ending injury, but fear not — as I posted — as Dalton Kincaid was the better tight end. Kincaid was the star of the show during Utah’s stunning victory over previously unbeaten USC, as he caught 16 passes for 234 yards with one TD. His receptions and receiving yards accounted for more than 50% of Utah’s passing output.
NFL scouts had been waiting for Kincaid to break out, and that’s seemingly what’s taking place. The prior week, he had four receptions for 67 yards in the loss to UCLA. Kincaid has next-level size at 6-foot-5.5 and 245 pounds.
He should run the 40 no slower than 4.75 seconds before the 2023 NFL Draft. If he continues to prove he has the ability to be the No. 1 tight end at Utah, Kincaid’s draft stock will continue to rise.
Bralen Trahan, S, Louisiana
The Ragin’ Cajuns won an important conference battle against Marshall last week, holding the Thundering Herd to just 13 points and under 280 yards of total offense. Trahan played a large part in shutting down Marshall. He tallied 12 tackles and intercepted a pass as the Thundering Herd moved into plus territory, driving for the game-leading score.
MORE: 2023 NFL Draft Big Board
It was the second time the super senior has registered more than 10 tackles in a game. Trahan has solid size and instincts. I doubt he gets drafted, but he could easily make an NFL roster as a fourth safety/special-teams player.
Sleeper Prospect: Olusegun Oluwatimi, C, Michigan
The Wolverines’ offensive line had its way with Penn State’s defense on Saturday, pushing the Nittany Lions around the field for an amazing 418 rushing yards. Several Michigan blockers could be handed bouquets for their performances, but it’s our Team of the Week Center Olusegun Oluwatimi who makes the risers list.
A fifth-year senior and transfer from Virginia, Oluwatimi was really impressive all game long. One of the highlights was a massive block that opened the middle of the defensive line and allowed running back Blake Corum to dash 61 yards for a score that put the game out of reach.
Oluwatimi possesses average size and athleticism, yet he’s a thinking man’s center with enough ability to sign as a UDFA then make an active roster as an inexpensive backup.
Small-School Prospect: Caleb Murphy, EDGE, Ferris State
Caleb Murphy is one of the few D-II prospects to make our list as a small-school riser, yet he deserves the accolades. The undersized small-school defensive end is off to a terrific start, amassing 48 tackles, 20.5 TFLs, and 13 sacks in six games this season.
Murphy is a terrific athlete who makes plays in every direction and fights through the whistle. He’s feisty, tough, and impossible to stop.
The question is, where will Murphy play at the next level? Some scouts have Murphy on their DE boards, but at 230 pounds, the senior is listed as an outside linebacker for me. Expect to see Murphy in a postseason all-star game, and he could get an invitation to the Combine and slide into the late rounds of next April’s draft.
2023 Big Board Sliders
Gerry Bohanon, QB, USF
After showing a lot of next-level promise at Baylor last year, Gerry Bohanon hoped a change of scenery in South Florida would further develop his game. It hasn’t, and in fact, Bohanon is playing worse this season.
Bohanon’s passing has been inconsistent, and he’s been more effective running the ball than throwing it at times this season. He has five passing touchdowns to six interceptions, which will be a major red flag heading toward the draft.