2019 Week 13 ACC Football: “Draft Stars”
Carlos Basham Jr., Edge, Wake Forest
In 2019, Carlos Basham Jr. has emerged as the best pass-rushing prospect in the ACC. In week-13 ACC football, he showcased utter dominance as he accounted for 4 tackles, 2.5 sacks, and a forced fumble. Basham has a great initial step and plays with a non-stop motor. One of the best things about Basham’s game is that he isn’t just a one-dimensional pass-rusher, he is also stout against the run.
The video below will show you the relentless motor that Basham possesses.
One thing that is undeniable in all of his tape: Basham has a nonstop motor. Chase Young had a similar play to this earlier this year and he visibly gives up in pursuit in the flat. Not Carlos…he plays to the whistle. pic.twitter.com/gP6gxdgfce
— Jared Stanger (@JaredStanger) September 14, 2019
Carlos Basham’s play in 2019 has solidified him as a top-60 selection in the 2020 NFL draft. NFL teams will fall in love with Basham’s approach to the game, the arsenal of skills and production.
Jamie Newman, Quarterback, Wake Forest
There is a buzz in the scouting community surrounding Wake Forest quarterback Jamie Newman, and if he were to declare for the 2020 NFL draft, he’d likely be a 4th round selection. With that said, it would make a ton of sense for Newman to return for his senior season to further develop and enter the draft in 2021, which should have a weaker quarterback class.
Newman was brilliant in Wake Forest’s Week 13 victory over the Duke Blue Devils. He threw for 284 yards and 2 touchdowns while adding another 144 rushing yards and a rushing touchdown. Even more impressive, he put up these numbers without the teams’ top receiving targets (Sage Surratt and Scotty Washington).
In the video below, you will see that Jamie Newman doesn’t even blink when Duke sends the house on an all-out blitz. Newman delivers a strike for a touchdown.
Duke brings the house. @WakeFB‘s Jamie Newman says check mate. pic.twitter.com/WEJe4Q0elQ
— FOX Sports South (@FOXSportsSouth) November 24, 2018
As I mentioned before, it would be wise for Newman to return to Wake Forest in 2020; however, let’s see what underclassmen such as Jake Fromm (Georgia) and Jacob Eason (Washington) decide first. There is a lot to like when it comes to Jamie Newman and he offers plus tools, which will have NFL teams very intrigued.
Javian Hawkins, Running Back, Louisville
Want a mind-lowing stat line? In week-13, Louisville running back Javian Hawkins had 23 carries for 233 yards and a touchdown in Louisville’s 56-34 victory over the Syracuse Orangemen. Yes, you read that right, he averages a first-down per carry. Currently, Hawkins is the 3rd leading rusher in the ACC, only behind Boston College’ AJ Dillon and Clemson’ Travis Etienne.
One of Hawkins’ strength is getting yards after first contact. The video below highlights this and shows that at times, Hawkins just will not be denied.
Javian Hawkins! SHOWTIME! 🌪️🤩#GoCards #MustSeeACC | @JavianHawkins @UofLFootball pic.twitter.com/5mAV4uieD4
— ACC Digital Network (@theACCDN) November 24, 2019
The good news for Hawkins is that he is having a great year. The bad news for Hawkins is that the 2020 NFL draft is absolutely loaded at the running back position. Hawkins’s best decision would be returning to Louisville for 2020, if not, I fear he will be selected no earlier than round-five.