Most folks will be keying in on the Power Five conference title games this weekend, but scouts and enthusiasts don’t want to miss Saturday afternoon’s bout between the Boise State Broncos and UNLV Rebels. The Mountain West Conference Championship features a few potential 2024 NFL Draft prospects.
Mountain West Championship Prospect Preview
Neither Boise State nor UNLV have an obvious top-100 player on the PFN Consensus Board, but that doesn’t mean this game isn’t an opportunity for their stock to rise. Let’s dive into the top draft-eligible players worth eyeing in this showdown.
Boise State Broncos NFL Draft Prospects
George Holani, RB
One of the most productive rushers in the nation in 2019 and again in 2022, George Holani looked to be in line for a massive 2023 campaign. Unfortunately, a lower-body injury cost him six games, and he watched sophomore Ashton Jeanty step into the role and star.
Holani has picked up where he left off since returning, producing 5.5 yards per carry, 10.1 yards per reception, and averaging almost 20 touches a game.
The 5’11”, 205-pounder isn’t the biggest or fastest player, but he could carve out an NFL role if he can stay healthy. Holani is quick and decisive, allowing him to maximize quality blocking before hitting the third level of the defense. Though his explosiveness is questionable, he can earn late-round consideration and be a nice depth player in the NFL.
Andrew Simpson, LB
While he’s only a third-year sophomore, linebacker Andrew Simpson may declare early for the NFL. After seeing 15 of his 60 tackles go for a loss, 6.5 sacks, one interception, and one forced fumble, Simpson had an incredible breakout campaign. It’s rare to find a stat sheet reflecting such impactful play.
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Simpson’s future position might be too scheme-dependent to be drafted in the later rounds, making declaring this early tricky. Listed at only 6’0″ and 218 pounds, his best fit is as an overhang defender who is a quasi-linebacker and safety. Returning to school and bulking up or playing more in coverage could significantly boost his 2025 stock.
Ahmed Hassanein, DL
Another young underclassman with incredible production for Boise State is Ahmed Hassanein. The 6’3″, 270-pound defensive lineman led the team with 15.5 tackles for loss and 12 sacks in his first year as a starter. He has NFL size as a defensive end.
Just a third-year sophomore, Hassanein came out of nowhere to be one of the best sack producers in the nation. He’s still a raw tactician, and his body could use more development before facing men with significantly more strength and polish. But he’s one to watch as he was a star all season.
UNLV Rebels NFL Draft Prospects
Ricky White, WR
The most explosive player on the field Saturday is UNLV WR Ricky White. The fourth-year junior had a monstrous season, producing 1,308 yards and seven touchdowns on 76 receptions. The former Michigan State playmaker was among the nation’s leaders, averaging 17.2 yards per catch.
Standing 6’1″ and 185 pounds, White wins with pure speed. He forces defenders to give him space off the line of scrimmage, opening up short and intermediate routes. If defenders get into his body and press, he has the burst to explode past them on vertical routes.
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Because he can maintain his speed through cuts, White requires a safety or linebacker to shade his direction as a help defender. He doesn’t have elite NFL speed, but he has enough to create explosive plays at any moment. He should settle in as a Day 3 prospect if he declares early.
Jackson Woodard, LB
In his first season at UNLV after spending three years at Arkansas, Jackson Woodard hit the field for the first time as a starter in 2023 with a bang. He led the Rebels with 105 tackles and added an interception, 1.5 sacks, and two pass breakups. Most intriguing is his finishing ability for a 6’3″, 235-pounder.
Woodard is a bit of a throwback player with elite size. He doesn’t create explosive plays for the defense, and he’s not a blitzing threat right now. Still, the fourth-year sophomore is rock solid in run defense, giving him a strong base to build off.
He should return to school and continue to expand his game as a playmaker. Being more fluid in coverage and flexible as a pass-rusher would help his value by leaps and bounds.
Jaxen Turner, S
The most impressive secondary player in this game is safety Jaxen Turner. The 6’1″, 209-pounder transferred from an impressive Arizona secondary last offseason. He has 213 tackles, 9.5 tackles for loss, six interceptions, four forced fumbles, and seven pass breakups in his career.
Turner is a versatile safety who can fill two-high coverages, rotate as a free roamer, or be comfortable in the box. He has NFL size as well. Evaluators want to see his fluidity and consistent tackling angles, but Turner will be in the mix to be drafted on Day 3.
