Weekend college football games were filled with excitement as two previously undefeated Pac-12 teams suffered defeats, including a thrilling showdown between Oregon and Washington that came down to the wire. But it wasn’t just the outcomes that caught attention; several players showcased their skills and solidified their positions as potential Day 2 selections in the upcoming NFL Draft. Explore the standout performances of players like Jase McClellan, T.J. Tampa, Charles Turner III, Cedric Gray, Sam Pinckney, Donovan Smith, Ja’Quan Sheppard, Brandon Porter, and Kedon Slovis in 2024 NFL Draft Risers & Sliders after CFB Week 7: Alabama RB McClellan, LSU’s Charles Turner give hope while BYU QB Kedon Slovis disappoints.
Weekend College Games Recap
The weekend of college games was filled with excitement and surprises, particularly in the Pac-12 conference.
Pac-12 Upsets
Two previously unbeaten Pac-12 teams suffered losses, creating a thrilling atmosphere for fans and spectators. One of the most memorable games was the intense showdown between Oregon and Washington, which came down to the final seconds.
Next-Level Prospects
Amidst the college games, several players showcased their skills and solidified their positions as potential Day 2 selections in the upcoming NFL Draft.
Jase McClellan – Alabama Running Back
Jase McClellan, a running back for the Alabama Crimson Tide, played a crucial role in their victory against Arkansas. Despite a late shift away from the running game by coach Nick Saban, McClellan’s performance in the first half helped the team build a significant lead. With his strong build and ability to gain yardage even after contact, McClellan is projected to be a solid middle-round pick for teams in need of a rotational running back.
T.J. Tampa – Iowa State Cornerback
T.J. Tampa has been a consistent force for the Iowa State Cyclones’ defense throughout the season. He has lived up to expectations and improved his game, making him a potential third-round pick. Tampa’s standout performance against Cincinnati included an interception, a pass breakup, and three tackles. His ability to excel in coverage and contribute on special teams makes him a valuable prospect.
Charles Turner III – LSU Center
Charles Turner III has emerged as a top contender among centers in the 2024 NFL Draft. Despite the absence of a dominant player in this position, Turner’s outstanding performance against Auburn showcased his rock-solid skills and ability to hold his ground against highly rated defensive tackles. With great fundamentals, football intelligence, and a fierce attitude, Turner has elevated his draft stock from a fifth-round grade to a potential third-round prospect.
Cedric Gray – North Carolina Linebacker
Cedric Gray has been a standout linebacker for the unbeaten North Carolina Tar Heels. His performance against the Miami Hurricanes included 10 tackles, a tackle for loss, a pass breakup, and an interception that led to a two-score lead for his team. Gray’s athleticism, versatility, and ability to pressure quarterbacks make him a strong candidate for a second-round selection in the upcoming draft.
Sam Pinckney – Coastal Carolina Wide Receiver
Sam Pinckney, a fifth-year senior, opted to return for an extra year of eligibility and has made the most of it. With impressive statistics, including 35 receptions for 545 yards in five games, Pinckney has proven himself as a reliable and well-built receiver. His long arms and reliable hands make him comparable to Jason Brownlee, a receiver currently on the active roster of the New York Jets.
Donovan Smith – Houston Quarterback
After transferring from Texas Tech to Houston, Donovan Smith has found his stride and is playing exceptional football. With a completion rate of 75% in the last three games and impressive pass placement, Smith has shown great poise and athleticism. His pocket-passer size combined with the ability to be used as an RPO quarterback makes him an intriguing prospect to watch.
Ja’Quan Sheppard – Maryland Cornerback (Sleeper Prospect)
Ja’Quan Sheppard, a transfer from Cincinnati, has been making waves in the scouting community with his improving game. Standing at a legitimate 6-foot-2, Sheppard plays tough and physical football. Despite needing some polishing, scouts believe he has the potential to be selected on Day 2 of the draft, which is impressive considering the lack of attention he received at the beginning of the season.
Brandon Porter – Incarnate Word Wide Receiver (Small-school Prospect)
Brandon Porter has been on the radar of scouts for several years, showcasing his electrifying speed and playmaking ability. Despite struggling with injuries in the past, Porter has proven himself as a reliable receiver and return specialist. His versatility and potential as a slot receiver and punt returner make him an intriguing prospect from a small school.
Kedon Slovis – BYU Quarterback (Slider)
Kedon Slovis, a talented athlete who has had stints at USC and Pittsburgh before transferring to BYU, has struggled with inconsistency throughout his college career. Despite flashes of brilliance, Slovis has yet to demonstrate a complete game.
Player Highlights
Jase McClellan – Running Back, Alabama
Jase McClellan, a talented running back from Alabama, has been making waves with his impressive performances on the field. With his strong build and ability to gain yardage even after contact, McClellan has become a key player for the Crimson Tide. His contributions in the running game have helped Alabama secure victories, and his skills make him a valuable asset for any team in need of a rotational running back.
T.J. Tampa – Cornerback, Iowa State
T.J. Tampa has established himself as a standout cornerback for Iowa State. With his consistent performance and ability to excel in coverage, Tampa has caught the attention of scouts and analysts. His interception and pass breakup in a game against Cincinnati showcased his playmaking abilities. Tampa’s skills and contributions on special teams make him a promising prospect for the upcoming NFL Draft.
Charles Turner III – Center, LSU
Charles Turner III has emerged as a top contender among centers in the 2024 NFL Draft. His outstanding performance against Auburn demonstrated his rock-solid skills and ability to hold his ground against highly rated defensive tackles. Turner’s great fundamentals, football intelligence, and fierce attitude have elevated his draft stock, making him a potential third-round prospect.
Cedric Gray – Linebacker, North Carolina
Cedric Gray has been a standout linebacker for the unbeaten North Carolina Tar Heels. His impressive performance against the Miami Hurricanes, including 10 tackles, a tackle for loss, a pass breakup, and an interception, showcased his athleticism and versatility. Gray’s ability to pressure quarterbacks and contribute in pass defense make him a strong candidate for a second-round selection in the upcoming draft.
Sam Pinckney – Wide Receiver, Coastal Carolina
Sam Pinckney, a fifth-year senior, has been a reliable and productive wide receiver for Coastal Carolina. With his impressive statistics, including 35 receptions for 545 yards in five games, Pinckney has proven himself as a playmaker. His well-built physique, long arms, and reliable hands make him a valuable asset in the passing game. Pinckney’s ability to make big plays and contribute as a possession receiver make him an intriguing prospect for NFL teams.
Donovan Smith – Quarterback, Houston
Donovan Smith, a talented quarterback from Houston, has been making a name for himself with his exceptional performances on the field. With a high completion rate and impressive pass placement, Smith has shown great poise and athleticism. His ability to be used as an RPO (Run-Pass Option) quarterback adds versatility to his game. Smith’s development and upside make him a quarterback to watch in the upcoming draft.
Ja’Quan Sheppard – Cornerback, Maryland
Ja’Quan Sheppard, a transfer from Cincinnati, has been gaining attention in the scouting community with his improving game. Standing at a legitimate 6-foot-2, Sheppard plays tough and physical football. Despite needing some polishing, scouts believe he has the potential to be selected on Day 2 of the draft. Sheppard’s size, toughness, and improving skills make him an intriguing sleeper prospect.
Brandon Porter – Wide Receiver, Incarnate Word
Brandon Porter, a dynamic wide receiver from Incarnate Word, has been on the radar of scouts for several years. With his electrifying speed and playmaking ability, Porter has consistently impressed on the field. His versatility as a slot receiver and punt returner adds value to his profile. Despite some injury concerns, Porter’s potential to make big plays and contribute on special teams make him an intriguing prospect from a small school.
Kedon Slovis – Quarterback, BYU
Kedon Slovis, a talented quarterback who has had stints at USC and Pittsburgh before transferring to BYU, has shown flashes of brilliance throughout his college career. However, inconsistency has been a challenge for Slovis. Despite his ups and downs, Slovis possesses great talent and athleticism. His ability to make magnificent passes and remain composed under pressure makes him an intriguing prospect to keep an eye on.
The college football weekend was filled with thrilling games and standout performances from NFL draft prospects. Alabama’s Jase McClellan showcased his skills as a running back, while T.J. Tampa of Iowa State proved himself as a top cornerback prospect. Charles Turner III of LSU impressed as a center, and Cedric Gray of North Carolina stood out as a linebacker. Sam Pinckney of Coastal Carolina shined as a wide receiver, and Donovan Smith of Houston showed promise as a quarterback. Ja’Quan Sheppard of Maryland and Brandon Porter of Incarnate Word also caught the attention of scouts. However, Kedon Slovis of BYU struggled to meet expectations. Stay tuned for more updates on these rising prospects!
Frequently Asked Questions
Which college football teams suffered their first loss in the Pac-12?
Two previously unbeaten Pac-12 teams, including Oregon and Washington, suffered their first loss in thrilling games.
Which players stood out as potential Day 2 selections in the recent college games?
Several players, including Jase McClellan from Alabama, T.J. Tampa from Iowa State, Charles Turner III from LSU, Cedric Gray from North Carolina, and Sam Pinckney from Coastal Carolina, cemented themselves as potential Day 2 selections.
What are the notable qualities of Jase McClellan from Alabama?
Jase McClellan is a well-built running back who excels in picking up yardage off contact. He also possesses foot quickness and the ability to improvise when plays break down. While not a significant pass catcher, he is a solid middle-round pick for teams in need of a rotational running back.
Who is considered a top prospect at the center position for the 2024 NFL Draft?
Charles Turner III from LSU is making a case to be the first player drafted at the center position. He showcased outstanding play during LSU’s win over Auburn, demonstrating great fundamentals, football intelligence, and a nasty attitude.
Which sleeper prospects have caught the attention of scouts?
Ja’Quan Sheppard from Maryland, a Cincinnati transfer, has built a buzz around himself with his physical style of play and improvement. Brandon Porter from Incarnate Word, a small-school prospect, is an electrifying wide receiver with home-run-hitting speed. Both players have the potential to be drafted on Day 2.
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