NFL
Top NFL Prospect Performers from CFB Week 10
Which prospects impressed the most this week?
Devin Lawrence Wilber / Tulsa World
Both the NFL and college football seasons are in full swing, but an unfortunate few NFL teams have already punted on 2019 (or are close to it). While most fans have the playoff race and all that follow it to look forward to, draft season is heating up early for those who can’t bear to watch their favorite team anymore. For those unfortunate fans, as well as NFL draft enthusiasts and college football fans alike, here are the Top Prospect Performers from this week of College Football.
Bryce Perkins is a spark for the Hoos
pic.twitter.com/okUS16AUWa
— ESPN College Football (@ESPNCFB) November 3, 2019
After narrowly escaping the Tar Heels 38-31, Bryce Perkins and his Cavaliers sit in first place in the ACC Coastal division. Best known for his dual-threat abilities, Perkins put them on full display, accumulating nearly 500 total yards and 5 total touchdowns. Virginia’s offense doesn’t provide many downfield passing opportunities, and he isn’t the most fundamentally-sound thrower, but his incredible athleticism will raise intrigue come draft season as a potential “project pick.”
Projection: 2020 5th-7th round
Chuba Hubbard is #VeryFast pic.twitter.com/tX7WMxIBAW
— Elite College Football (@EliteCollege_FB) November 2, 2019
After today’s 223-yard outing against TCU (his fourth outing of 200+ yards in 2019), Hubbard continues to lead all of FBS in rushing yards (1,604) by a wide margin, and sits in 2nd with 18 rushing touchdowns. In addition to great vision and agility, he also possesses the breakaway speed to pop off monster runs, evidenced by his 92-yard and 62-yard touchdowns. Despite his top-tier production, the 2020 running back class is loaded, so it would not come as a surprise to see Hubbard return for his redshirt junior season.
Projection: 2020 1st/2nd round or 2021 1st round
Although East Carolina came up barely short in knocking off a ranked opponent for the first time since 2014 and delivering new coach Mike Houston’s first signature win, WR CJ Johnson and QB Holton Ahlers had a night to remember. Of Ahlers’ school-record 535 yards, 283 were picked up by Johnson, shattering Justin Hardy’s receiving record set in 2013 (230).
Johnson has been somewhat inconsistent to begin his collegiate career, but his performances over the last 3 games provide a lot of reason for optimism (25 receptions, 474 yards). He won’t be draft-eligible until 2022, so he has plenty of time to further develop his game for the NFL.
Projection: 2022 2nd round
Josh Uche remains top of the SAM backer list. Such good hand usage. pic.twitter.com/rsDTQNVGej
— Jared Stanger (@JaredStanger) November 2, 2019
Overlooked in Michigan’s 38-7 drubbing of Maryland was Josh Uche’s performance off the edge. He has always been a quick-twitch speed rusher with great flexibility to bend around larger tackles, but he has begun showcasing an ability to bull rush with strong and effective hand-fighting technique. With his continual pass-rush improvement, the senior EDGE should be considered a “riser” come draft season, depending on his performance at the NFL Scouting Combine.
Projection: 2020 2nd/3rd round
PICK SIX LETS GOOOOOOO! @NBAxJay1 x @Utah_Football
FOX pic.twitter.com/BI3xJCmFVY
— Pac-12 Network (@Pac12Network) November 2, 2019
Utah’s elite defense features plenty of talent at premium positions (LB Francis Bernard, EDGE Bradlee Anae, DL Leki Fotu), and CB Jaylon Johnson is no exception. They tortured top QB draft prospect Jacob Eason all day, forcing a 55.8 completion percentage and 2 interceptions, one of which Johnson returned for a 39-yard touchdown.
Johnson does have his flaws (lacking in run support, undisciplined in press coverage) but for the most part, his issues are coachable. Flexible hips, length, ball skills, and the speed to run stride-for-stride downfield in man coverage are not, however. He will definitely be susceptible to “rookie mistakes” in the NFL as he refines his technique, but Johnson is a very promising prospect to keep an eye on.
Projection: 2020 2nd-4th round
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