2019 ACC CFB Week 10: “Draft Stars”
AJ Dillon, Running Back, Boston College
The Syracuse defense could not stop AJ Dillon in Week 10 of the college football season. Dillon rushed for an mind-blowing 242 yards and three touchdowns, while averaging 6.9 yards per carry. Dillon, a true workhorse, ran through Syracuse, exhibiting his power and vision.
In the video below, watch Dillon’s vision identify the hole and he quickly explodes for a long touchdown run.
AJ Dillon continues to break records, becoming @BCFootball‘s all-time rushing TD leader! ?#WeAreBC #MustSeeACC | @ajdillon7 pic.twitter.com/5Bsi4aWll3
— ACC Digital Network (@theACCDN) November 2, 2019
Did I mention that Dillon runs with power? Below, watch Dillon take on tacklers, driving his legs and taking the pile into the endzone with him for a touchdown.
Can’t stop the Whaler. New London’s finest AJ Dillon ?
— College Football Magic (@DaDeano860) November 2, 2019
Dillon continues to be very productive. Despite this, there are concerns about how his game translates to the NFL. Dillon lacks the type of speed that NFL scouts are seeking, yet he should have a future as a goal-line back. In Tony Pauline’s NCAA College Football Week 10 Live Blog with Tony Pauline, he mentions that he has a day three grade on Dillon and I tend to agree.
Amari Henderson, Cornerback, Wake Forest
While his teammate Essang Bassey receives more attention than him, Amari Henderson is a talented player as well. Henderson was brilliant in Week 10, as he wracked up six tackles, four passes defended and two interceptions. Henderson is a smart, instinctive football player that possesses plus ball skills.
The video below will show a sample of Henderson’s ability to track the ball and make a play. This was one of his interceptions against North Carolina State last weekend.
Another NC State turnover: Devin Leary gets picked off by Amari Henderson…pic.twitter.com/AvIhKQ0ADl
— I’M SEEING GHOSTS (@FTBeard11) November 2, 2019
Henderson, who has a knack for making big plays, won’t be an early pick in the 2020 NFL draft. He should hear his name called in the round 5-6 range.
Bryce Perkins, Quarterback, Virginia
Bryce Perkins was named ACC Player of the Week for his performance in week 10 and with good reason. Perkins put up video games numbers as he passed for 378 yards and three touchdowns. In addition to his sensational day as a passer, Perkins also attributed 112 rushing yards and two rushing touchdowns. For those who are keeping the score at home, Perkins contributed 490 yards and 5 touchdowns in last weeks’ victory over North Carolina.
In last weeks’ matchup against North Carolina, Perkins showcased his athletic ability and talents as a dual-threat quarterback. Below, watch Perkins value as a runner, as he navigates his way through the Tar Heels defense for a 65-yard touchdown.
Bryce Perkins couldn’t find an open teammate so he decided to just run the 65 yards himself. pic.twitter.com/KO2aXk0TpY
— Stadium (@Stadium) November 3, 2019
Perkins should have value when it comes to the quarterback class of the 2020 NFL draft. He may not have a future as a starting quarterback, but he has the tools to be a solid backup. I currently have a fifth-round grade on Perkins, and it wouldn’t surprise me in the least if he ends up getting selected even higher.