While there weren't many high-profile games on the Week 4 slate, it didn't mean there weren't impressive and disappointing performances by some top tier 2014 NFL Draft prospects. As some fresh faces are rising up the charts, there are a pair of disappointing quarterbacks and an injured senior wide-out slipping down some boards.
Who Impressed This Weekend
Derek Carr, QB, Fresno State
Fresno State's offense may not be a great fit for the gunslinger, but Carr's doing the most with what he's got. Every time the Bulldogs needed to go vertical against Boise State, they were able to, at will, under the arm of the senior, who now has totaled 164 passing attempts in only three 2013 games. After leading the Bulldogs to a dramatic win over Boise State for the first time since 2005, his university launched a Heisman campaign to assist him in the race, and he was named CBS's national player of the week.
Morgan Breslin, OLB, USC
After converting from defensive end to outside linebacker, Morgan Breslin ran into another difficulty heading into his senior season: Injury. Missing the opener against Hawaii, Breslin's taking the rest of the season in stride, currently ranked in the top ten nationally in sacks and tackles for losses, despite being out a game. His presence on the field kept Chuckie Keeton and Utah State, a trendy upset pick, from beating USC, whose defense is ranked top four in red-zone defense, rushing defense, and total defense.
Jaelen Strong ,WR, Arizona State (SO)
Coming out of high school, Jaelen Strong had offers from some lower-level colleges. Instead, he chose to go the JuCo route before being swarmed with offers after one year of play. Turning down Miami, Nebraska, and many SEC schools, the 6'4” 205 pound pass-catcher signed on with the Sun Devils. Off to a great start his first two games at ASU, he flashed even more potential against Stanford, catching 12 balls for 168 yards and a score, putting his season line at 24 catches, 330 receiving yards, and two touchdowns.
James Hurst, OT, North Carolina
A big, smart tackle, Hurst opened up the season against superstar defensive end Jadeveon Clowney, and hasn't really been talked about since. Our own Dan Claycomb had some positive notes on Hurst's tape against Georgia Tech.
“Other than giving up one sack to Attaochu, Hurst played a good game. He looked great in the running game especially in his ability to get to the 2nd level.”
Who Struggled This Weekend
Noel Grigsby, WR, San Jose State
With San Jose State's offense already sputtering with the lack of 2012 retention, the last thing the Spartans wanted was a major injury to either Noel Grigsby or David Fales. Unfortunately for them, Grigsby left practice with a knee injury and would be ruled out indefinitely. Wearing a brace on his knee and using crutches all week, Grigby's likely done with his college football career.
Bryn Renner, QB, North Carolina
Receiving a lot of hype coming out of the Manning Passing Academy, Bryn Renner's Tar Heel offense opened up the college football season against South Carolina, who kept him under 5 yards-per-attempt. Since then, the hype's cooled down, and after Georgia Tech held him to under a 50% completion-percentage, it's lower than ever.
Logan Thomas, QB, Virginia Tech
After starting the year with a lackluster, 5-of-26 performance against Alabama, Logan Thomas's has only continued to slide. Currently, he has a 48.5% completion percentage and has more thrown interceptions than touchdowns in 2013. Thomas did manage to run the ball 23 times for two scores in a triple-overtime game against Marshall, though. The quarterback supposedly in the Cam Newton mold seems more likely to change positions as the season goes on.
Add The Sports Daily to your Google News Feed!
