Last week, I focused on tight end Harrison Bryant of Florida Atlantic as my prospect of the week. Today, I return to Conference USA to highlight Rico Bussey Jr., another pass-cathcer who is rarely mentioned outside scouting circles, but is well-liked by NFL decision-makers.
North Texas receiver Rico Bussey Jr. has been graded as a top-75 choice by several scouts around the league. He’s a lean pass catcher with the size, speed, and hands to play on Sunday. Against Cal on Saturday, Bussey will be facing his toughest test of the season.
Bussey measures in just over 6-feet tall, tips the scales around 200 pounds, and plays to his timed speed of 4.45 seconds. He’s a smart, instinctive receiver who separates from defenders with crisp routes while also doing a great job locating the soft spot on the field.
The senior shows an immediate burst of speed, which allows him to separate from opponents and though not a true vertical threat, Bussey effectively makes the deep reception when called on.
A season ago he displayed himself as a touchdown machine, recording 12 scoring receptions. The prior year Bussey hauled in 7 touchdown catches as a sophomore. Bussey does a bit of body-catching on occasion and must be more mindful of consistently snatching the ball away from his frame.
Bussey best be on his game against the Cal Bears. Cal has three next-level prospects in their secondary and a defense that shut down Jacob Eason and the Washington passing offense last week.
Safety Ashtyn Davis is a track hurdler who packs a wallop at the point of attack and intimidates receiver who dare challenge him. Despite being more of a straight-line safety, some scouts grade Davis as a potential top 60 selection.
Jaylinn Hawkins is not the athlete of his teammate but in my opinion, a better football player. His ball skills are more refined, and Hawkins is more capable covering receivers on crossing patterns or across the middle of the field.
Finally, junior Camryn Bynum is a feisty corner with an underrated game and someone always making positive plays on the field.
Bussey has a huge opportunity to prove he deserves the early-round NFL Draft grades assigned to him by scouts and that he can measure up to next-level competition.
Tony Pauline is the lead NFL Draft analyst for PFN. You can follow him on Twitter @TonyPauline