Over a half of the way through the 2014 college football season, the landscape of the country is vastly different than any could have expected. In what was an upset-filled weekend, you can thank the performances of two Mississippi quarterbacks who have had their marquee game to date in their career en route to a current top-five ranking.
Bo Wallace and junior Dak Prescott weren’t the only ones who appealed to NFL evaluators this weekend. Those two, along with MAC prospects and multiple defenders, along with the game-saving receiver, lead the list of prospects moving up in the minds of NFL evaluators.
MOVING UP
Bo Wallace, QB, Ole Miss
After an upset victory over Alabama in large part thanks to his second half play. While his performances aren’t always pretty and it’s clear his mechanics, footwork and decision making post-snap needs work, his arm talent and vertical ability are clear. Against Alabama, he tested vertically and in the middle of the field with great success in the second half. With Bryce Petty on the downslope and few seniors having the measurables and arm talent Wallace does, he’s clearly in the top-100 discussion as a quarterback.
Dak Prescott, QB, Mississippi State (JR)
Just a junior, but the Heisman leader played phenomenally well in a blowout victory over then-6th ranked Texas A&M. Thanks to his size, athleticism as a runner and playing with Dan Mullen, he’s bound to draw Tebow comparisons, but Prescott’s throwing ability, both in his footwork to make adjustments and placement across the field, were on display vs. A&M. He can’t take the foot off the pedal and celebrate too much: he’ll have to win a likely shootout against Auburn next week.
Jaelen Strong, WR, Arizona State (JR)
Strong proved to be the hero in the Hail Mary win over USC, but he was dominating the USC defense all game long. Not including the 46-yard Hail Mary bomb, Strong had 9 catches for 148 yards and two touchdowns. In the mold of Mike Evans (except with better lateral quickness), Strong has built upon a strong sophomore season to become a legitimate top-10 contender if he chooses to declare early.
Titus Davis, WR, Central Michigan
After missing three of the first four games of the season, the 6’2, highly productive MAC receiver. After a 6 catch, 128 yard return game two weeks ago, Davis scored twice in the win over Ohio. With vertical speed and the quickness to separate and attack down the field, Davis possesses NFL speed and soft hands to be an NFL slot receiving presence. Davis is draftable right now, and likely is hopeful he reminds scouts of another Chippawa receiver that’s been one of the NFL’s best in Pittsburgh.
Randall Gregory, DE, Nebraska
Entering the year as one of my favorite non-senior pass-rushers, Gregory has showcased his athleticism, length this season, including last week against Michigan State, though he was slowed and contained by the Spartans for most of the game. As of now, he’s really an edge-rushing athlete who is able to generate pressure by being active with his blocker laterally than a polished and consistent rushing presence, but he’s not far from being an every-down starter in the NFL.
Alani Fua, LB, BYU
One of the senior leaders for BYU’s defense, Fua has displayed great range and activeness as a linebacker, including being hugely important in keeping the Utah State running game at bay (longest run was 12 yards), as well as showing the quickness to attack as a rusher and behind the line of scrimmage. He’s firmly in the draftable range, and his next match-up, against the athletic Cody Fajardo, could be the biggest game of the year for his draft value.
Xzavier Dickson, LB, Alabama
Despite it coming in a loss, Xzavier Dickson once again was arguably Alabama’s best run defender, playing consistently in his run fits thanks to proper positioning on the perimeter. Reminding of CJ Mosely in multiple ways of CJ Mosley, Dickson’s performance week-to-week (including 3.5 tackles for a loss this past weekend) has been key, and likely pushed him over Trey DePreist as the best linebacking talent on the Crimson Tide.
Junior Sylvestre, LB, Toledo
After a strong performance against Missouri in early September, Sylvestre has continued to turn strong performances week after week. He finished with 14 tackles, a tackle for a loss and numerous big hits against West Michigan in an overtime victory. With plus speed, lateral agility to evade blockers at the second-level and the vertical coverage ability to play effectively in zone, teams may be able to overlook his 6’0 height and consider him draftable.
SLIDING DOWN
Bryce Petty, QB, Baylor
After a good, not great, start to the year, Bryce Petty laid an egg against Texas, struggling mightily against a Texas. While the Texas defense has been solid this year at every level, a hopeful first-round quarterback can’t struggle the way he did. Petty exaggerated his weaknesses in this game, relying too much on his pre-snap looks, not adjusting to his second read quickly enough. He’s even made it known that he felt lost against the Texas defense. Petty has never been considered a first-round pick by us, and he’s quickly working his way closer to out of the top-100 picks.
Frank Clark, DE, Michigan
Once viewed as a possible top-two round defensive end, Frank Clark has yet make his impact felt in a way expected by Michigan. With great force in the run game, plus strength in his upper and lower half and the first-step punch to get initial push-back, Clark has struggled to adjust laterally and with any speed rushes, including in the game against Rutgers this past Saturday. His adequacies other than his shear strength will limit his upside and value for NFL teams, as he’ll likely be only a two-down (if not less) player at the next level.
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