Aside from Baylor’s weak non-conference schedule, the Big 12 Conference has shown it’s not afraid to schedule top opponents in the early part of the season. From West Virginia fighting toe-to-toe with Alabama to Oklahoma State battling top-ranked Florida State late into the fourth quarter, these teams have been battle-tested for conference play. Texas Tech on the other hand didn’t have so much luck with the Arkansas Razorbacks, as they were outrushed 438-101 and lost 49-28 at home. Despite being destroyed by Arkansas’ o-line, Tech still entered the final quarter down by one touchdown.
This week’s matchup between the ‘Pokes and Red Raiders may not have many high-profile draft prospects, but there’s a number of impressive, under-the-radar prospects worth watching.
By: Alex Brown
Oklahoma State
Desmond Roland, RB, #26
Roland is the top senior prospect for Oklahoma State, having a big back skill set to win between the tackles. You see flashes of one-cut and go decisiveness from Roland, along with a strong forward lean to gain yards after contact. His forward lean limits how much lower leg drive he can access at the end of runs, but it’s his aggressive running style that lends to positive yardage. His feet tend to slow down when the hole closes prematurely and he lacks the lateral agility to create for himself in those instances, but his physical running style could land a day three draft selection.
(JR) Tyreek Hill, RB, #24
Through just three games, Hill has totaled 432 all-purpose yards. And while 221 of those yards have come via special teams, his game-breaking speed stands out nonetheless. He looks every bit as dynamic as Tavon Austin was at West Virginia, but has a bigger frame and more pop behind his pads. He shows elite burst out after making a cut and can hit a big play from anywhere on the field. Hill is a matchup nightmare for linebackers and safeties as a receiver and is easily the most gifted player on Oklahoma State’s offense.
James Castleman, DT, #91
Castleman anchors the defensive line and shows the ability to occupy multiple blockers as a shade nose tackle. Against the run, he actively resets his hands, plays his gap responsibility and locates the football. Deficiencies can be seen on passing downs, where the senior really struggles to get off the line of scrimmage. Because of his inability to pressure the quarterback, he’s more of a rotational player and likely to earn priority free agent grades from scouts.
(JR) Ashton Lampkin, CB, #4
In the secondary, the Cowboys have a legit playmaker in junior Ashton Lampkin. He was very aggressive in the week one matchup versus Florida State’s Rashad Greene, peeking into the backfield and jumping routes throughout the contest. His tendency to guess on the route led to a handful of big plays for Greene and three pass interference calls, but he made his impact on the game with two pass breakups and an impressive sideline interception. So far this season, he is tied for second in the Big 12 in interceptions and one of two conference players with a pick-six.
Texas Tech
(JR) Le’Raven Clark, LT, #62
As a 2016 draft prospect, Le’Raven Clark reminds me of former SMU LT and current Pittsburgh Steelers starter Kelvin Beachum. Like Beachum, Clark wins with a wide base and quick feet. Two weeks ago, however, Arkansas’ Trey Flowers exposed Clark’s anchor and hand placement. Clark’s punches routinely landed outside of the opponent’s framework and gave the defender free access to initiate power moves off the edge. On a more positive note, Clark does flash a sudden punch to create movement on down blocks and the lateral quickness to execute reach blocks. In order to capitalize on his day two upside, it will be important to see if he improves his hand usage at the point of attack.
(JR) Jakeem Grant, WR, #11
Last season I went and scouted Texas Tech versus Baylor in person, and Jakeem Grant certainly fits the mold of an NFL “pocket-rocket” slot weapon. When I brought up Grant’s name to an NFL scout at the game, the scout’s eyes lit up when we talked about the electric open field skills Jakeem brings to the table. Although his diminutive frame is a concern, Grant can be a Jalen Saunders or Ace Saunders type of receiver/returner specialist in the NFL. As Texas Tech’s leading receiver (20 receptions through three games), look for him to get the ball early and often.
Other Notes:
-Oklahoma State’s redshirt sophomore DE Emmanuel Ogbah is a freak athlete that boasts a plus blend of length, strength and speed. In the opener versus Florida State, he broke out in a big way with 6 solo tackles, 2 sacks and 2 pass deflections (one dropped interception) to earn Big 12 Defensive Player of the Week honors. He doesn’t showcase a well-developed repertoire, but is ferocious with his hands and able to win with sheer force. Facing off against Le’Raven Clark, Ogbah is a name to circle for OSU.
-Texas Tech sophomore QB Davis Webb ranks second in the conference in passing yards per game, but has to be more careful with the football. While he already leads Big 12 quarterbacks in interceptions, Webb also had a handful of throws dropped by Arkansas defenders. He can’t continue to lock onto primary reads and must improve at working through his progression.
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