College football Week 10 has already seen one previously unbeaten team, Appalachian State, go down to defeat while another, Baylor, eked out a win. Except for a few important top-25 conference games later today, the rest of the weekend’s schedule is uninspiring. Regardless, our PFN college football gameday blog will have you covered from Noon until Midnight with analysis, opinion, and lots of breaking news- so let’s get started!
Keep up with stories and analysis from the PFN Draft crew daily here at PFN, and be sure to check out the latest edition of the PFN Draft Insiders Podcast with Andy Herman and me, where we provide the latest inside information from around the NFL and preview today’s action.
Updates throughout the day are followed by initials. TP is me (Tony Pauline), AJ is AJ Schulte, and NF is Nick Farabaugh.
12:00 AM
To end off the night, I want to shout out one of the guys who gets lost in the shuffle of this wide receiver class because I personally am a big fan of this guy. South Carolina WR Bryan Edwards just shows out every single week. He had 14 receptions for 139 receiving yards and a touchdown tonight and I could not ask for all that much more.
His growth in the release department is one of the best improvements to his game. He is a contested-catch extraordinaire and perhaps the biggest thing I love to see from his game is his added physicality. Edwards has added more elements to his game than he had last year and will be a show out in Mobile. He has the traits to be a really solid WR2 at the next level, and he should be a day two draft pick. He currently has a third-round grade from me.
11:55 PM
Believe it or not, we still have a football game that has not started this week out in Hawaii. Fresno State has a few guys that I have really liked when I watched them.
Mykal Walker has been someone that our own Tony Pauline has pointed out and I love the way he plays. His motor is fiery hot and he is always around the football. Walker is a guy who should rise up draft boards.
CB Jaron Bryant has turned my head. And so has DB JuJu Hughes. The Bulldogs have a nice secondary, and both Bryant and Hughes boast fourth-round grades from me while Walker boasts a third-round grade. And against Cole McDonald and this Hawaii offense, these guys should be tested tonight. NF
11:45 PM
One of my favorite sleepers of the season is Tennessee State WR Chris Rowland. Rowland is a field stretcher who is on an awful Tennesse State team, but he is the most productive player in the FCS right now. He leads the FCS in all-purpose yards with over 1300 all-purpose yards and has 1134 receiving yards with 5 touchdowns.
Rowland also returns punts and that adds to his value. He is only 5’8″, but Rowland is an absolute trailblazer of a receiver who can outrun just about anyone he will see on the field. He’s a precise route runner with a good release set as well. I advise people to not sleep on him, he’s got a lot of potential to be a standout guy at training camp and make a roster. NF
11:30 PM
This game for Jordan Love has been something to watch. Love has made some absolutely gorgeous throws. His ball placement is special to watch. He has some really fantastic throws and tonight a few of those great throws have been on the run out of the pocket.
However, once in the LSU game and two tonight Love has missed a lurking linebacker underneath in coverage. He gets too tunnel-visioned on a read and completely misses linebackers and safeties as well in the deep half of the field. That is a growing mental problem with Love, and he has to work on it to truly be viewed among the top quarterbacks of this class. NF
11:15 PM
I did not know who Antonio Gibson was before tonight, but now I sure do. The Memphis WR and former JUCO transfer as been unreal tonight against SMU. He has 227 yards of total offense today and if anything is truly certain from this game it is that Gibson has some serious wheels on him and he is a dynamic playmaker. Those two things bode well for the Senior wide receiver as he goes through the draft process. Just based on the preliminary viewing, he should test well and could test himself into being drafted, perhaps. NF
11:05 PM’
Justin Herbert has been something special since his lone interception. This is some of the best football he has played period. His physical talent is meshing with his mental reads and accuracy right now. The mobility and improvisation are just an added bonus to his arsenal. He is playing unconscious.
This is the type of ceiling that Herbert displays and it is why I still believe he is comfortably among the Top 3 QBs in this class still, and why I currently have a first-round grade on him. Some team will get a quarterback with all the talent in the world. NF
11:00 PM
One sleeper I have had my eye on since last season is Utah State RB Gerold Bright. He and Darwin Thompson created a dynamic backfield that caused matchup issues galore for opposing defenses, and Bright continues to still be used heavily in the Aggies offense with Jordan Love.
Love is averaging 5.3 yards per carry this season and Bright is used heavily in the receiving game where shows natural hands. He has some really nice speed and short-area burst to his name and it allows for him to be a big-play threat every time the ball gets into his hands. And even as a short 5’9″ guy, Bright has some surprising power and leg churn. Bright is a guy that fans need to keep their eye on as a Day 3 sleeper. NF
10:55 PM
Another week and another standout game for SMU WR James Proche. Just at the start of the 4th quarter and Proche has 11 catches for 140 yards and an acrobatic catch that was called back.
He had a great display of his ball skills and body control on that acrobatic catch, and Proche will not burn you with his speed, but technically as a route runner and release specialist, Proche excels on all accounts. Don’t sleep on Proche, who has the makings to be a potential day two draft pick. I am a fan of his with his past two seasons of tape being the hallmark of his potential to be a contributor in the NFL. NF
10:50 PM
Mississippi State RB Kylin Hill had a tremendous day today with 234 rushing yards and 2 touchdowns to his namesake today.
Hill has been one of my favorite running backs to watch this year just because of how well-rounded he is as a running back. The elusiveness, contact balance, receiving ability, athleticism, vision, and cutting ability are all great skills that Hill possesses in his arsenal. He looks like a potential feature back in the NFL. I have a Day Two draft grade on Hill for good reason, and that is where I expect him to go with his modern NFL skillset. NF
10:45 PM
People do not talk about USC WR Michael Pittman Jr. enough. His 6’4″, 220 lb frame is impressive for a wide receiver in his own right, but it is even more impressive with how he uses his size. He knows how to use his body to leverage himself into position and use his excellent ball skills to win in contested situations with ease.
Pittman lacks the elite athleticism that you would love to see in a wide receiver, that much is undeniable, but his type of wide receivers have a place in this league. His touchdown tonight was a great job of settling in an open zone and using his strong hands to secure the catch through contact.
I have a fourth-round grade on Pittman right now. He could be something in the NFL. NF
10:35 PM
What a game tonight by Virginia QB Bryce Perkins. He has amassed 105 yards rushing and a Touchdown in addition to 378 passing yards and 3 TDs. Perkins has been electric in a massive game for Virginia’s ACC Coastal Championship hopes.
Perkins might a ‘sleeper’ by a Power 5 standard, and that status should not stand for too long. Perkins has that great dual-threat ability, yes, but his touch and ability to make magic happen are two traits that not every Day 3 Quarterback will have. Perkins is a solid prospect who could be something.
I currently have a fifth-round grade on Perkins, and I believe he projects as a good backup in the NFL. NF
9:55 PM
Marlon Davidson, Auburn’s top pass rusher, has been sidelined tonight due to a lower back injury and you can see the difference he makes. The Tigers have not registered a single sack against Ole Miss and they are hanging on to a six-point lead with five minutes left in the game. –TP
9:50 PM
Though it’s been an underwhelming performance for Justin Herbert during the first half, it seems wide receiver Juwan Johnson, the Penn State transfer who’s struggled with injury all season, is back to prior form.
Johnson was a guy who really caught my eye in 2017 when he wore a Penn State uniform but his play dropped off last season and he decided to transfer to Oregon.
He has 4 receptions for just 43 yards in the first half against USC after 4 catches for 64 yards last week against Washington State. I don’t think Johnson will be selected in the draft but I firmly believe he’ll compete for a spot as a fifth receiver over the summer. –TP
9:40 PM
South Carolina wide receiver Bryan Edwards is having a Bryan Edwards type of game- steady pass catching production with moderate pass-catching yardage. At the start of the second half Edwards has 8 receptions for 57 yards as the Gamecocks are leading Vanderbilt 14 – 7. Edwards is going to be a solid third receiver at the next level though I believe he’ll be drafted later than many expect.
On the other hand Vanderbilt tight end Jared Pinkney continues to struggle and his draft stock is tumbling. Pinkney does not have a single catch tonight and has tallied just 15 for the season with no touchdowns.
Some scouts graded Pinkney as a first-round prospect coming into the season. –TP
9:10 PM
Last Saturday during our CFB game day blog I mentioned Temple junior cornerback Harrison Hand is presently leaning towards entering the draft and I received further confirmation about this last week from separate sources.
Now I’m hearing Hand’s teammate, defensive tackle Ifeanyi Maijeh, is also considering making the jump. The redshirt sophomore, who played in eight games a year ago, has 35 tackles, 9.5 TFL’s and 6 sacks this season. He’s a prototypical three technique tackle for the next level.
While I think it’s likely Hand enters the draft at this point I think Maijeh is probing to see what information comes back. – TP
9 PM
The defensive tackle position for the 2020 NFL Draft looks a little top-heavy at this point and it sounds like more talent will be added as I am hearing Jordan Elliott of Missouri is very likely to enter the draft.
Elliott, who I graded as a late-round pick before the season, has been a disruptive force this year as a play-maker and gap occupier. His numbers include 29 tackles, 7 TFL, 3 QBH’s and 2 pass defenses. Several scouts presently grade Elliott as a top 45 selection. – TP
8:50 PM
It’s still early in the game and the interception was not totally his fault but this is the maddening and concerning aspect about Justin Herbert and his game.
All too often he plays to the level of his competition rather than to the level of his ability.
Chris Tripodi and I highlighted the Oregon – USC game in our podcast last week and it was not because there were great prospect match-ups in the contest rather USC is a middle of the road pass defense in the PAC 12 and one Herbert should slice up. Thus far he looks indecisive, intimidated and rather ordinary- not something one wants in a potential franchise quarterback. – TP
8:10 PM
Oregon State receiver Isaiah Hodgins will be one of the most hotly debated players in the lead up to the draft. He turned in another monster game catching 11 passes for 150 yards and 2 TD’s as Oregon State stomped Arizona. I’ve been told Hodgins will consider entering the draft off a good season, and his numbers have been huge this season; 56 receptions, 745 yards, and 10 TD’s after eight games, with four contests left on the Beavers schedule.
But where will Hodgins be selected in the draft, and how fast will he run during pre-draft workouts? Right now, the answer is not as early as people think and much slower than people believe.
Hodgins’ lack of speed and quickness is evident on film and even more pronounced in person. A west coast scout who attended the OSU game against Cal last week told me, “#17 catches the ball well but can’t run a lick. Put 20 pounds on him and make him a tight end.”
Expect a lot of back and forth debate on Hodgins in the coming months. TP
7:55 PM
A few college football coaching notes.
I can’t imagine Willie Taggart keeping his Florida State job past Monday, and I wouldn’t be surprised if the decision to release him is announced tomorrow. I never would’ve imagined it could turn out this poorly for Taggart.
I also doubt Brian Kelly is Notre Dame’s head coach after this season. The team has faltered in big spots under Kelly, and after last week’s disastrous loss to Michigan, the Irish needed late-game heroics to beat a marginal Virginia Tech team.
Let the Urban Meyer talk commence! TP
7:40 PM
TCU wide receiver Jalen Reagor left the game against Oklahoma State but returned and finished with 7 receptions for 128 yards to lead all pass catchers. The Horned Frogs ended up losing the game 34 – 27 and are still two wins shy of bowl eligibility.
I’ve written on my affection for Reagor and his game-breaking skills as a wide receiver that can line up in the slot or on the flanks as well as return punts and kicks. We may see Reagor playing on Sundays sooner rather than later as people close to the TCU program and familiar with the team tell me they expect Reagor to enter the draft once the season is complete.
I presently grade the junior as a late second-round selection. TP
7:30 PM
What a difference a half makes- Jacob Eason looked like a world-beater in the first half then an egg beater in the second half when the Utah defense woke up. The numbers, though, were impressive, as is his arm strength. Eason finished with 29 of 52 passing for 316 yards with 4 TD’s but 2 INT’s, both returned for touchdowns by Utah.
Inquiring minds want to know- will Eason enter the draft? I’m told while he’s zeroing in on representation he’s made no definitive decision as to whether or not he’ll enter the draft. Though this seems contradictory, “I’ve picked an agent but haven’t decided on entering the draft just yet,” it’s often commonplace for highly rated juniors.
This is the feeling and word I’m getting on Eason. TP
7:00 PM
Coming up in a little bit is Oregon-USC. Obviously, all eyes will be on Oregon QB Justin Herbert, but USC LT Austin Jackson has been phenomenal this season. Looks like a top-tier player, but haven’t heard a lot of official NFL buzz. AJ
6:58 PM
I’m with Tony Pauline here on Jake Fromm. I’m just not a fan. He has wins on his resume, but his tape isn’t worth a top pick in the NFL Draft. I think he has to stay another season. AJ
6:50 PM
The loss of wide receiver Tylan Wallace has really limited the Oklahoma State passing game, leaving star running back Chuba Hubbard as the main focal point of their game against TCU. He’s responded with 208 yards, 2 touchdowns, and 12.2 yards per carry. I haven’t heard much about Hubbard at the next level, but he is the country’s leading rusher, and his explosiveness is elite. AJ
6:30 PM
The Utah team boasts several NFL-worthy players on both sides, but I am particularly enamored with the play of defensive tackle Leki Fotu and linebacker Francis Bernard. Leki Fotu had been more flash than consistency last season, but he’s figured out how to use his athleticism and power effectively as a pass rusher. I broke down Bernard earlier this week here.
Safety Julian Blackmon has made several plays this game as well, and I’ve heard his name thrown around in the talks for the top-100 selections in the NFL Draft. AJ
6:20 PM
I have several concerns with Jacob Eason as a franchise signal-caller, and I believe he would be better off coming back to Washington another season. However, I can’t deny that the NFL would love Eason’s strong arm and he would likely be drafted within the first two rounds. That seems to be his only asset at this point, as the rest of his game is in dire need of refinement, leading to my belief that he should stay in school for another season. AJ
6:00 PM
At the mid-season mark of the season, here are my top-10 prospects for this upcoming NFL Draft.
- Chase Young, EDGE, Ohio State
- Tristan Wirfs, OT, Iowa
- Jerry Jeudy, WR, Alabama
- Grant Delpit, S, LSU
- Andrew Thomas, OT, Georgia
- Derrick Brown, DT, Auburn
- Tua Tagovailoa, QB, Alabama
- Joe Burrow, QB, LSU
- Ceedee Lamb, WR, Oklahoma
- Jeffrey Okudah, CB, Ohio State
I gave Wirfs the slight edge over Andrew Thomas (1 point differential) because I think he’s a better athlete, and I’ve seen Wirfs play left and right tackle at a high level, giving him more versatility. I’m a huge, huge fan of Joe Burrow’s game this season after really digging into his tape this past week, and I’ll have an article up later this week explaining why. Derrick Brown is a dominant force up front, and I see some of Chris Jones of the Kansas City Chiefs in his game.
Also, don’t overthink Grant Delpit or Jerry Jeudy. Don’t. AJ
5:40 PM
UGA left tackle Andrew Thomas is having another stellar game tonight against Florida. Shutting down both Florida edge rushers Jonathan Greenard and Jabari Zuniga tonight and opening up rushing lanes for D’Andre Swift with ease. Looking the part of a top-10 draft selection in the upcoming NFL Draft. AJ
5:20 PM
The Troy Trojans are playing right now against conference opponent Coastal Carolina. Troy quarterback Kaleb Barker is viewed as a Day 3 sleeper by fellow PFN Draft writer Andrew DiCecco, and I’d suggest getting eyes on. AJ
5:14 PM
I have my concerns with Utah RB Zack Moss at the next level. He’s powerful and a smart runner, but doesn’t have the same athletic profile many other backs in this class possess. His physical style of running invites contact, but he’s had multiple injuries as a result, which makes me wonder about how the NFL will value him. AJ
4:55 PM
I gave junior tight end Hunter Bryant a fifth round grade entering the season mostly due to the fact he was second on the depth chart in 2018, behind Drew Sample, the second-round selection of the Cincinnati Bengals in April. I also mentioned Bryant has a ton of upside, which he’s meeting. He’s made several impressive catches during important moments of today’s game against Utah, including a 34- yard touchdown pass just moments ago to put Washington up 14-3.
Bryant is the antithesis of Sample as he’s a move tight end who will regularly split the seam and create mismatches in the secondary. TP
4:40 PM
I have to give credit where credit is due- despite struggling with injury, I listed Georgia wide receiver Lawrence Cager as a slider just a few weeks ago due to pedestrian production. Cager is healthier and has come away with several important receptions in the early going of the World’s Largest Cocktail Party, (sorry- I disdain political correctness). Cager is a big-bodied receiver who can dominant play when he’s on his game. TP
4:20 PM
Left tackle Trey Adams looked terrific during the first drive for Washington, as they marched down the field against one of the top defenses in the PAC 12 and scored on their initial possession against Utah. Adams handled Utes pass rusher Bradlee Anae with ease. I continue to hear what I first reported last month- Adams ultimate draft grade will almost solely be based on his combine exams.
Area scouts feel Adams play is worthy of a top 45 selection in the draft but his medical history, which includes a back injury that sidelined him most of last season and a knee injury which cut short his campaign in 2017, are MAJOR red flags. TP
4 PM
I’ve mentioned my concerns on Jake Fromm’s game several times throughout the season and they center around his inconsistent accuracy and missing open receivers which lead to a loss of opportunity for the Georgia offense. We saw a perfect example right there. It should be 7-0 UGA were it not for that horribly underthrown pass by Fromm. TP
3:55 PM
Miami travels to Tallahassee and takes on Florida State in what used to be a highly and hotly anticipated interstate battle with national title implications- not so much anymore.
The next level prospects on the field today leave a lot to be desired but I’ve heard from a number of people Janarius Robinson, the Seminoles defensive end, has people vetting agents and it’s looking more and more likely he will enter the draft. Robinson looks the part but his play is often underwhelming.
There’s been no word on the future plans of FSU defensive tackle Marvin Wilson, a week 9 riser and my highest-rated prospect in this game. TP
3:45 PM
Obviously, the big news surrounding the TCU – Oklahoma State game is the season-ending injuries to Horned Frog tackle Lucas Niang, a story broken here on Pro Football Network, and the same happening to Cowboy wide receiver Tylan Wallace. Yet there’s a terrific match-up to keep an eye on as OSU corner A.J. Green tries to slow down TCU wide receiver Jalen Reagor.
Reagor has received plenty of ink as he’s a big-play threat but Green has his supporters in the scouting community and there’s a feeling he will land on the second day of the draft. TP
3:40 PM
I stamped Damon Hazelton of Virginia Tech as a 6th round prospect entering the season and though the junior wide receiver has struggled with hamstring issues this year, he flashes dominance when healthy and on his game. He made a terrific reception for a touchdown by the pylon to briefly tie the game against Notre Dame.
It should be pointed out Hazelton beat Irish corner Troy Pride Jr on the throw, graded as a potential top 45 selection. TP
3:25 PM
I just spoke about Notre Dame TE Cole Kmet, but Purdue TE Brycen Hopkins is another player who continues to put out quality tape. He just made a phenomenal catch against Nebraska and is Purdue’s leading receiver in this game. He’s a great athlete who can go up and make the tough catches over the middle. Hopkins is a senior and could have a huge day in Mobile to raise his draft stock. AJ
3:20 PM
Boston College is currently taking Syracuse to the woodshed, and their running game has been a big reason why. AJ Dillon is a productive running back, but I don’t think he’s going to be a highly-coveted prospect. His athletic ability on tape doesn’t stand out in a deep running back group, and he’s an unproven receiver. If a team needed a rotational power back, then Dillon could appeal to them but he would more than likely be a late Day 3 selection like Bo Scarbrough was in the 2018 NFL Draft. AJ
3:10 PM
While we are waiting for Florida-Georgia to kick off in a few minutes, I’ve got eyes on Virginia Tech vs Notre Dame. TE Cole Kmet seems to make plays every time I watch the Fighting Irish, and he already has a touchdown in this game. He was Notre Dame’s best playmaker against Georgia with 9 catches, 108 yards, and a touchdown. In a lackluster tight end class, Kmet’s name could creep up draft boards as the season goes on. AJ
2:55 PM
It’s turning into another tough season for Carlos Davis, the Nebraska defensive lineman who flashed brilliance as a sophomore but has watched his play regress the past two years. To date, Davis has posted just 29 tackles, three TFL’s and 2.5 sacks during the Cornhuskers eight games. This afternoon against Purdue his totals include .5 tackles for loss and .5 sacks.
Davis struggled when Nebraska shifted to a 3-4 alignment two years ago as he’s a natural three-technique tackle in a four-man front. Expectations were higher coming into the season as first-year Husker Darrion Daniels was expected to draw double teams at nose tackle which would open things up for Davis. It’s not happened the first two months of the campaign and Davis is watching his draft stock drop.
2:40 PM
Wake Forest plays Clemson in two weeks and the winner controls their destiny in the Atlantic Division of the ACC. This, of course, assumes Wake beats Virginia Tech and Clemson defeats North Carolina State next Saturday- a safe assumption on both.
Watching Wake Forest play this season and seeing some of the athletes they have on both sides of the ball, as well as the way the team executes with smart, mistake-free football, I absolutely believe the Demon Deacons have the goods to beat the Tigers.
The game is in Death Valley which gives Clemson a decided advantage but it will be a lot closer than the wagering line starts at.
2:25 PM
Looking for a sleeper pass rusher? Keep Duquense’s Chris Favoroso on your radar. I’ve had the well-traveled Favoroso, who was never graded by scouts, on my radar since his days at Montana in 2017 when he posted 13 tackles for loss and six sacks as a sophomore. Six games into 2019 the senior has posted 5 TFL’s and 4.5 sacks. Today against St Francis, he’s added one of each to that tally.
Favoroso won’t be selected in the draft but will get a chance in camp next summer If he brings any of his pass-rushing skills with him, I could definitely see him making a Sunday roster.
2 PM
You can see the dynamic playmaking potential of Maryland running back Anthony McFarland. His burst of speed is incredible and McFarland has the ability to score from any point on the field. I’ve previously reported the feeling in the scouting community as well as in the Terps program is McFarland will likely enter the draft after the season. Expect Maryland coach Mike Locksley to make a big push to keep McFarland on campus.
1:55 PM
After a tough loss to Rutgers a week ago, Liberty needed a victory against UMass for bowl eligibility and they will get it. At halftime, they lead the Minutemen 49 – 14. Wide receiver Antonio Gandy-Golden, a week 1 riser, continues to impress and has already posted six receptions, 137 yards and one TD.
1:25 PM
A large part of Surratt’s rise to prominence has been a similar rise by Wake Forest quarterback Jamie Newman, a redshirt junior who has jumped on the scouting radar in a big way. Newman has played smart, productive football all season long. He’s accurate, always gives pass-catchers a chance to make the reception and does a great job leading the offense. You’ve got to love the way Newman uses all his targets and stays away from poor throws.
1:10 PM
Wake Forest wide receiver Sage Surratt is having a tremendous season and he’s turning a lot of heads in the scouting community. Coming into the NCSU contest, Surratt totaled 53 receptions, 8881 yards and nine TDs in seven games. Thus far, the wide receiver has two receptions for 15 yards in the first half.
The feeling at this point from numerous people I’ve spoken with is Surratt, a redshirt sophomore, is very likely to return for another season on the college field with Wake Forest.
1 PM
I’m really disappointed in Michigan tight end Nick Eubanks this season. He was ignored by scouts coming into the season yet I saw enough flashes of ability to give him a late-round grade. I expected him to put together a good season but Eubanks has shown little development in his game. He’s not improved as a pass-catcher or blocker.
12:45 PM
The play Darrion Daniels just made for Nebraska, intercepting a shovel pass then rumbling some 25 yards, will be replayed around the nation all weekend. Despite pedestrian stats he’s put up this season Daniels has played well this season.
Entering the 2018 season, Daniels was graded as a middle-round choice before choosing to sit out the season and transfer to Nebraska from Oklahoma State. He received similar grades coming into the 2019 season, which tells you what scouts think of his ability.
Daniels is a powerful wide body defender who occupies the gaps while making plays on occasion. He’s a terrific nose tackle prospect who could move into the early part of day three is he’s able to participate in the Senior Bowl and looks good during practice.
12:35 PM
That was a nice interception by Wake Forest cornerback Amari Henderson.
Henderson had a tremendous sophomore season in 2017, intercepting two passes and breaking up another 14. Last season, he broke up 10 passes yet somehow scouts ignored him coming into the season while giving high grades to his teammate Essang Bassey.
Henderson has a length and speed advantage over Bassey and I presently grade him as a last round prospect.
12:25 PM
Houston looks good in the early going against UCF and have taken the lead.
Last week Cougars offensive tackle Josh Jones was a slider during my Week 9 column. I’ve spoken with several people since who have told me Jones is a guy satisfied getting by on natural talent rather than doing the little things off the field necessary to improve his game.
In other words, they are alleging Jones is lazy and in my opinion, his play on the field justifies that criticism.
12:20 PM
One underrated match-up to keep an eye on during the North Carolina State – Wake Forest contest is Deamon Deacon left tackle Justin Herron versus Wolfpack pass rusher James Smith-Williams.
Herron was someone I graded as a potential 3rd round prospect after his junior season but he missed all of 2018 with a knee injury. Smith-Williams is a terrific athlete who runs 4.55 seconds in the forty at 255 pounds but has yet to pull it all together. He’s struggled with injuries this season and has missed four games.
11:30 AM -TP
North Carolina State takes on #23 Wake Forest in a noon kickoff, which we highlighted during this week’s edition of The Draft Insiders podcast. The Wolfpack offers several solid underclassmen receiver prospects while the Demon Deacons have three NFL players in their defensive back seven.
Houston travels to Orlando for a meeting against Central Florida, which should be an easy win for the Golden Knights. I’ve reported multiple times since September that receiver Gabe Davis will enter the draft.
I’m also told his teammate Otis Anderson is also leaning towards making the jump as well. Anderson is an undersized utility player who can line-up in the backfield, slot, as well as return punts and kicks.