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Offense
Will Grier, QB
School: West Virginia | Conference: BIG 12
College Experience: rJr | Age: 22
Height / Weight: 6-2 / 204 lbs
Will Grier is having a break out year and midway through the college season has already thrown for 2000+ yards and has 21 TDs to 5 INTs. Grier is a mobile QB that can sling it down the field and plays well within the pocket. Grier has come a very long way. A couple years ago he was the starting QB at Florida as a true freshman and was off to a decent start before he was suspended for failing a drug test for performance-enhancing substances. Grier decided to transfer from Florida but before he could play a down for West Virginia he has to sit out an entire season. Grier is one of the top QBs in the nation and if he decided to enter the draft this year could be a solid day 2 selection in my opinion. There is some chatter about how Grier should be in the Heisman conversation just like his BIG 12 counterpart Baker Mayfield. I agree somewhat but also realize that the Mountaineers have not won against top competition like Oklahoma has this year (they had chances against Virginia Tech and TCU but couldn't finish). Regardless Grier is sure to be on scouts radars and it will be interesting to see his development and where he lands at the next level.
I can't even imagine being a Gators fan and seeing how great Will Grier is doing at West Virginia. Has to make you sick knowing you had him
— NCAAF Nation (@NCAAFNation247) October 14, 2017
There is a 6'2 version of Baker: Will Grier. https://t.co/kijmSZKweq
— Kyle Crabbs (@NDTScouting) October 14, 2017
Watch "Texas Tech at West Virginia Football Highlights" on YouTube - https://t.co/3KwoSoQYUH
— Ced Tha Great 10-13♎ (@CTG850) October 15, 2017
My Qb Will Grier
On standard, non-play action passes on Saturday - WVU QB Will Grier torched the Texas Tech defense for 5 TDs and a 127.8 passer rating. pic.twitter.com/mtWMnL7A3G
— PFF College Football (@PFF_College) October 15, 2017
How does Will Grier stack up with the rest of the top draft-eligible QBs after 6 weeks of football?https://t.co/pw5DoJGl8f pic.twitter.com/jyLK23SccF
— PFF College Football (@PFF_College) October 12, 2017
Sam Darnold, QB
School: USC | Conference: PAC 12
College Experience: Junior | Age: 20
Height / Weight: 6-4 / 220 lbs
Sam Darnold deserves to be mentioned this week because despite his horrendous start against Utah where he fumbled three times and lost all of them he was able to regain his focus and composure and led USC to the win. Darnold had several impressive drives in the second half and was really efficient in his targetting of Deontay Burnett and Tyler Vaughns. Darnold’s accuracy and his ability to extend plays are his most endearing attributes. The darkhorse receiver was definitely the TE Tyler Petite who Darnold hooked up with for two scores. There is a lot of criticism that has been lumped on Sam this year. He isn’t as crisp as some expected and his up and down play is due to several factors. However, this is the game I was looking for out of Darnold. Three turnovers from a QB in the first half will kill confidence but Sam hung tough and played some of his best football of the season in the second half. Let’s see if he can take some of this momentum into next week.
Impressive scramble by Sam Darnold to keep this play alive & find TE Tyler Petite in endzone for the TD. #USC cuts deficit to 7, now 21-14. pic.twitter.com/s2E8XXbWh0
— McKenna Keil (@mckenna_keil) October 15, 2017
Y'all gonna jump off the Sam Darnold train all you want. Im staying seated for the long haul. Plays like that are the reason
— John Middlekauff (@JohnMiddlekauff) October 15, 2017
Steve Ishmael, WR
School: Syracuse | Conference: ACC
College Experience: Senior | Age: 21?
Height / Weight: 6-2 / 209 lbs
Ishmael has been having a stellar season and could have been featured in these articles since week 1. He has 802 yards receiving in 7 games and 4 TDs. I wanted to wait until Syracuse played a tougher opponent before I hyped him up and the Orange played arguably the best team in the country and won. Ishmael caught 6 passes for 73 yards and a touchdown against Clemson. In a stunning upset, Ishmael hardly lost a step. I’m not sure what scouts think of him but I know he’s a pretty good receiver that takes advantage of matchups out of the spread offense he plays in. Ishmael has good athleticism and great body control to go along with his hands and it allows him to make a ton of plays. One knock on him though is that he can get too physical at times as he will draw the occasional offensive pass interference call.
Steve Ishmael entered Friday as the nation's top receiver.
— ACC Digital Network (@theACCDN) October 14, 2017
Tonight, he led @CuseFootball to an upset win over the #2 team in the country. pic.twitter.com/L6v13KVN9R
Steve Ishmael folks.. pic.twitter.com/Zu8Ty0lEUQ
— Russell Brown (@RussNFLDraft) October 5, 2017
Steve (call me) Ishmael with a big catch to open things up for @CuseFootball. pic.twitter.com/T0OArJ4ImE
— FOX Sports South (@FOXSportsSouth) October 7, 2017
Mark Andrews, TE
School: Oklahoma | Conference: BIG 12
College Experience: rJr | Age: 22?
Height / Weight: 6-5 / 254 lbs
Andrews is the prototypical TE in today’s NFL. With good size and great athleticism, he is effective at blocking and even better catching the ball. Andrews has been the security blanket for Baker Mayfield and is a highly consistent player. This past week he hauled in 4 catches for over 100 yards and the game-winning touchdown in Oklahoma’s win over Texas. Andrews is primed to surpass career highs in yards receiving and touchdowns this season. What stands out about Andrews’ production so far is just how many chunk plays he’s pulling off. He’s a big play threat for sure and is averaging 20 yards per reception this year now halfway through the season. He’s definitely in the running to be considered one of the top tight ends in this draft class if he decides to declare.
Mark Andrews Highlights vs Texas // 4 Catches for 104 Yards, 1 TD // 10.14.17: https://t.co/gsQMsFzjaM via @YouTube
— SkyDesigns (@SkyDesignsgfx) October 15, 2017
Defense
Levi Wallace, CB
School: Alabama | Conference: SEC
College Experience: Senior | Age: 21?
Height / Weight: 6-0 / 183 lbs
Levi Wallace might be the best corner in the SEC at the moment in addition to his 3 interceptions on the season he has already racked up 9 passes defended which is a testament to his coverage abilities. He has an unreal passer rating when targeted this year and coaches game plan around him. Wallace is physical at the point of attack and is a pest in coverage. I have to do the research but I would be shocked if he didn't get called for a few penalties this year. His technique can be cleaned up but its the instincts and aggression you have to like out of a top CB. Wallace currently plays the boundary but could probably be moved inside at the next level if need be.
Levi Wallace is my favorite Alabama CB in a good while pic.twitter.com/KPvDaohYPd
— Michael Felder (@InTheBleachers) October 5, 2017
CB Levi Wallace has REALLY nice technique. Little bit slight at 6'0"/183lbs, but could be the next slot hybrid CB. This is dope. pic.twitter.com/dNWggZ6hD8
— Jared Stanger (@JaredStanger) October 10, 2017
#Sec Defensive Player of the week #Alabama CB Levi Wallace #Pick6 pic.twitter.com/Aul2zPQoSM
— InsideBamaRecruiting (@RTRnews) October 4, 2017
Alabama's Levi Wallace establishing himself as one of SEC's top cornerbacks https://t.co/yfka8k7Th0
— Matt Zenitz (@mzenitz) October 3, 2017
— PFF College Football (@PFF_College) October 12, 2017
Levi Wallace's reign atop the lowest passer rating when targeted among SEC CBs continues. pic.twitter.com/jrbdUKQax3
Rashaan Evans, LB
School: Alabama | Conference: SEC
College Experience: Senior | Age: 21?
Height / Weight: 6-3 / 234 lbs
Both Alabama linebackers Rashaan Evans and Shaun Dion Hamilton are playing well this year but I wanted to focus on Evans this week after his performance against Arkansas. Evans put up 3.5 TFLs, 2 sacks, and 1 FF against the Razorbacks which helped result in a blowout win for the Crimson Tide. There is sure to be a lot of debate about which senior linebacker is better between Hamilton and Evans but I like Evans a bit more to this point. I think Evans is the better athlete of the two (and that's saying a lot because Hamilton is no slouch), he plays nasty with reckless abandon, and he is a better pass rusher on the interior. Evans is sure to be in the conversation when discussing top inside linebackers this year and the Skins could use a young, athletic, passing rushing inside backer on defense.
Rashaan Evans! Ran Through the Arkansas RB pic.twitter.com/DNE9vRzCtS
— InsideBamaRecruiting (@RTRnews) October 15, 2017
Rashaan Evans sacked Cole Kelley by his neck last night. pic.twitter.com/OsPJr6oymM
— Chandler Rome (@Chandler_Rome) October 15, 2017
Alabama LB @616evans4 (6-3 234) VS Vanderbilt OL #75 (6-6 320) pic.twitter.com/idkEuXF3RW
— InsideBamaRecruiting (@RTRnews) September 24, 2017
Three of my favorite LBs: Rashaan Evans #32 (Alabama), Roquan Smith #3 (Georgia), Tremaine Edmunds #49 (Virginia Tech) https://t.co/VrY2VyAUtg
— Dane Brugler (@dpbrugler) October 11, 2017
Ben Banogu, EDGE
School: TCU | Conference: BIG 12
College Experience: rJr | Age: 22?
Height / Weight: 6-4 / 240 lbs
I first noticed Banogu this year when TCU played Oklahoma State. That game was supposed to be a test for Mason Rudolph going up against a legit defense. It was. Banogu was all over the field and that has continued this season. Banogu has 4 sacks on the season so far along with 8 for loss and is leading the BIG 12 in pressures off the edge. I’d be interested in official measurements. He looks solidly built at 240 but I wouldn't be surprised if he actually weighed more. He can be a flash off the edge and can also overpower linemen with a bullrush. I haven't seen him in coverage so I’ll be interested to see if TCU drops him back at all. He could use help in his technique and hand placement when engaged in a block. Banogu is a transfer from Lousiana Monroe and may elect to stay and play his senior season to put together more tape for himself. If he keeps up his effectiveness off the edge he’s going to a solid prospect.
That's some good defense by @TCUFootball!
— FOX Sports Southwest (@FOXSportsSW) October 7, 2017
Ben Banogu with an absolutely MENACING sack! #GoFrogs @FS1 pic.twitter.com/vhMI5iHg3X
Here's another example of Ben Banogu's speed off the edge at Left DE. SMU tried to run Counter, but the backside G couldn't kick out Ben. pic.twitter.com/bhvudSOUsz
— Robert Olson (@RobertOlson92) September 18, 2017
Watch Left DE Ben Banogu attack the mesh point here. He is FAST off the edge. #TCU #Defense @CoachZTCU @TCUCoachP pic.twitter.com/TGsj9sk1lZ
— Robert Olson (@RobertOlson92) September 18, 2017
Good rep here from Ben Banogu. Throws a chop. Can't win w/ speed rush but spins off block and gets the strip sack off backside pursuit. pic.twitter.com/5YFP24LHzg
— Jonathan Valencia (@JonValencia_WiB) September 24, 2017
Ben Banogu leads all Big 12 edge defenders this season - with his 22 total QB pressures so far. pic.twitter.com/OfB3lErLpa
— PFF College Football (@PFF_College) October 13, 2017
Maurice Hurst, DL
School: Michigan | Conference: BIG 10
College Experience: Senior | Age: 22
Height / Weight: 6-2 / 280 lbs
He’s only 280 but there is no question Maurice Hurst is one of the best defensive line prospects in the country. Hurst plays with a stunning display of power, strength, quickness, and leverage to consistently make plays in the backfield. His effectiveness as an interior lineman is unreal. If you haven't watched a Michigan game this year watch one to check out Hurst. There is some chatter of him going in the first round I’m not sure if that’ll stick but one thing I do agree with is the comparison to Grady Jarrett (now of the Falcons formerly of Clemson). These stout and powerful defensive lineman that can play the run, rush the passer, and stay on the field all three downs are becoming more and more valuable in the NFL. Hurst is probably going to help his draft stock a lot if he can string together an impressive performance against Penn State this week.
DT1 Maurice Hurst with a swim move on third down to get a piece of a sack. Belly rub to finish it off pic.twitter.com/krzUQ9RwDq
— Justis Mosqueda (@JuMosq) October 14, 2017
Indiana has no answer for #Michigan DT Maurice Hurst today.
— Dane Brugler (@dpbrugler) October 14, 2017
Fast get-off + explosive power + instincts to find the football = domination.
Pro Football Focus' Steve Palazzolo compared Michigan redshirt senior DT Maurice Hurst to Atlanta Falcons DT Grady Jarrett.
Hurst has Jarrett to thank for helping to overthrow the NFL's deep bias against undersized defensive tackles. Jarrett was one of the nation's best defenders in 2014, his last season at Clemson, but he fell to the fifth round in the 2015 draft. The Falcons have been richly rewarded for their investment. The 6-foot-2, 280-pound Hurst is similar in size to the 6-foot, 290-pound Jarrett. He's also had comparable production in college. "When [Hurst is] on the field, he's as disruptive as any interior defensive lineman in the nation," Palazzolo wrote. "Hurst's 85.4 pass-rush grade is right there with Jarrett's 84.7 mark in 2014, and given the success of Jarrett, the Los Angeles Rams' Aaron Donald, the Green Bay Packers' Mike Daniels and other undersized defensive tackles, Hurst's skill set hopefully will not go overlooked come draft time next April. - Rotoworld
Maurice Hurst was also impressive on that defensive front for Michigan.
— PFF College Football (@PFF_College) October 15, 2017
Registering 8 total pressures to push his season total to 26. pic.twitter.com/EKijdNM72r
Maurice Hurst just wreckin fools.
— Due# (@JDue51) October 15, 2017
All-American. If it ain't unanimous, launch an investigation. pic.twitter.com/ycJJ1slPZr
Week 7 Risers & Sliders: Maurice Hurst/DT/Michigan receiving 1st round grades https://t.co/d23YMu2tMY pic.twitter.com/1yleSNtx7t
— Draft Analyst (@DraftAnalyst1) October 16, 2017