Week 4 saw a few teams that stumbled but might be rounding into form. Clemson survived a close call from Wake Forest. Texas A&M looks to be back on track after beating ranked teams in back-to-back weeks. Only Oklahoma stumbled out of the top ten after a loss to Kansas State. Week 5 presents some interesting questions. Can Michigan defeat a tough Iowa defense on the road? How will Alabama fare against a familiar SEC opponent in Arkansas? Will Clemson survive another matchup against a ranked ACC team in NC State?
Below is a list of players that stood out to me with their performances in Week 4. Let me know what you think and feel free to add players that you think could help the Commanders.
Jalon Daniels, QB – Kansas
It’s hard to believe that Kansas is undefeated…in football. The main reason is the play of their dual-threat quarterback Jalon Daniels. In a battle of surprisingly unbeaten teams, Daniels’ Jayhawks defeated Duke. The junior went 19 of 23 for 324 yards and four touchdowns and added 89 yards and a touchdown on the ground.
Jalon Daniels WENT OFF against Duke
— ESPN College Football (@ESPNCFB) September 25, 2022
407 Total Yds
5 Total TD pic.twitter.com/a9WClpyxkf
Blake Corum, RB – Michigan
If you want speed at running back, Blake Corum is one of the best college prospects. What impresses me most about him is how quickly he accelerates. He has very quick feet, great burst through the hole, and can be hard to bring down. He had a career day, beating Maryland while putting up 243 yards and finding the endzone twice.
Blake Corum: the “little big man” pic.twitter.com/Wt1M7uoIif
— Sidelines - Michigan 〽️ (@SSN_Michigan) September 26, 2022
De’Corian Clark, WR – UTSA
At 6’3”, 210lbs, De’Corian Clark has good size at wide receiver. At his size, he is a great target for 50-50 balls, but he also has enough speed to get behind defenders and make plays in the deep passing game. Against Texas Southern, the senior had nine catches for 217 yards, the most receiving yards in the FBS so far this year, and three touchdowns.
Have a game, J.T.
— UTSA Football (@UTSAFTBL) October 10, 2021
De'Corian Clark with his school-record third TD grab of the game.
He's got seven grabs for 160 yards.
A four-play, 75-yard drive.
UTSA 52, WKU 43 - 4th (6:39). #BirdsUp pic.twitter.com/m4kF20hSm9
Michael Mayer, TE – Notre Dame
Notre Dame had a tough start to their season, but might be hitting their stride after two straight wins. They found their offense in a win against UNC, largely because of Michael Mayer’s play. Arguably the best tight end in the country, Mayer pulled in seven catches for 88 yards and a touchdown. Mayer is a do-it-all tight end who can play inline or flex out, he can block on the line and in space, has reliable hands, and more athleticism than a 265lbs tight end should have.
Might wanna cover Michael Mayer next time
— PFF College (@PFF_College) September 24, 2022
pic.twitter.com/HGVzkTK8uz
Paris Johnson, Jr., OT – Ohio State
Last year, Paris Johnson, Jr. played right guard for a high-flying Buckeyes offense. This year, he’s moved to left tackle and is playing at a high level. He and the rest of the Ohio State offensive line were a big reason why they soundly beat a Wisconsin defense that is annually one of the best in the nation. Johnson has good movement skills, mirrors rushers well, and has a excellent anchor that he uses to stone rushers. His versatility means he could come in and contribute immediately wherever the Commanders need help the most.
Got a look at Paris Johnson....he definitely looks like he's living up to the hype at LT.
— EJHolt_NFLDraft (@EJunkie215) September 26, 2022
Gets into his pass set
Takes on the speed/power
Drops his anchor pic.twitter.com/83KDznN5LF
D’Anthony Jones, EDGE – Houston
The nickname for Houston’s defensive line: Sack Avenue. D’Anthony Jones did his best to make sure they lived up to that nickname against Rice, recording three tackles and two strip sacks. Jones displays good get off and, at 270lbs, has enough power to bull rush tackles or hold the edge in the run game.
.@UHCougarFB DL Nelson Ceaser said the defense “needed to step up” late in the game against Rice.
— Pawd Slama Jama (@PawdSlamaJama) September 25, 2022
Sack Ave came alive against the Owls. D’Anthony Jones had back-to-back sacks & Ceaser got the scoop n’ score ‼️
Ceaser on Jones: “he brings a lot of juice.”pic.twitter.com/yJoWi9aFrI
Xavier Cullens, LB – Memphis
He might be a little undersized at 5’11”, 225lbs, but Xavier Cullens is productive. The fifth-year senior had eight tackles, one for a loss, a fumble recovery and a pick six in the Tigers win over North Texas. While Cullens appears to have good coverage skills and instincts, I worry about his size if he is matched up against a tight end.
the view from the other side - Xavier Cullen's 37 yard pick 6 (UNT radio) pic.twitter.com/q8oYqNjoyc
— Jeb Hill (@memphistigerjeb) September 25, 2022
Garrett Williams, CB - Syracuse
Many people would like the Commanders to prioritize cornerback in the offseason. Garrett Williams should be one of the better cornerback prospects in the upcoming NFL Draft. What I like most about him is his ability to break on the ball and get his hands on it. Against Virginia, the redshirt sophomore had three tackles, a forced fumble and fumble recovery, an interception, and a PBU.
Garrett Williams with the 4th down PBU
— PFF College (@PFF_College) September 24, 2022
pic.twitter.com/V8SRslJWFs
Antonio Johnson, S - Texas A&M
Antonio Johnson does a little bit of everything for the Aggies. He plays safety, slot, boundary, and even some linebacker. He was incredibly productive against Arkansas, posting 13 total tackles on the way to a win. He is a great prospect for the Commanders because he may be able to fill whatever role they need in the secondary.
#P6SProspectWatch
— إليزار✭ (@ohmyword88) September 28, 2022
Antonio Johnson DB, TA&M a versatile athlete, with length, speed, fluid movements, & a solid tklr. I love his physicality, & aggression, quick to get downhill, can blitz. Showing nice instincts/recognition & change of direction ability.@Pick6Sports1 #NFLDraft pic.twitter.com/CVLnY4AQhz