CFB Week 5 Prospect Watch
A trio of prospects that could help the Chiefs in 2022 have major tests this CFB weekend!
Boy oh boy! We have a wonderful weekend of College Football ahead of us this weekend. Two games between two top ten ranked teams with Arkansas vs Georgia and Cincinnati vs Notre Dame, another game with Alabama (1) taking on Ole Miss (13), and a Big Twelve battle between two ranked teams to wrap up the evening.
Add in some fun matchups - how about that Iowa-Maryland game from last night - coming throughout the day, this would be an excellent week to just take a “me time” Saturday and plop in front of the T.V. all day long. Let’s highlight some personal favorite prospects with fun matchups this week that could really take a big leap after this weekend!
Week 5 Prospect Watchlist
Day 1 Stud
Myjai Sanders | EDGE
6’5” 255lbs | Cincinnati | #21
Myjai Sanders made a somewhat surprising decision this past offseason by opting to return to the Cincinnati Bearcats rather than enter the NFL Draft. Frequently considered a fringe first round prospect in a weaker EDGE class, he bet on himself to compete for that first round mark in a much stronger EDGE group. While not recording a sack yet in 2021, it’s not been for being a fantastic player as he’s coming off a dominant game vs the Indiana Hoosiers.
Sanders has a great combination of length, explosive ability, and lateral agility making him extremely hard to block. Over the years he’s continued to add mass and worked on improving his hand technique which has pushed him towards the top of the draft class. So far in 2021, he looks significantly improved with his hands which is allowing him to win on a larger variety of moves and he’s just looking to continue that trend vs better competition.
What they do well and are showing.
How to watch: Cincinnati vs Notre Dame, 1:30 PM CST, NBC
Really, really sad - for the second time now - that Blake Fisher (LT at ND) won’t be able to play in this game but it’s still a step up in competition for Sanders. This ND OL hasn’t been great this season presenting a good matchup for Sanders to put together a resume’ game against a highly ranked opponent.
Potential Riser
Roger McCreary | CB
6” 190lbs | Auburn| #23
Roger McCreary is one of the more underrated cornerbacks in the entire country currently. He had more buzz in NFL circles than media circles during this past offseason, even catching a handful of “NFL executives” off guard by his decision to return. The early returns on his decision have played out well for him as he’s already recorded two more INTs this season and gotten to show some more instinctual play in zone coverage this year.
McCreary has a prototypical build of a scheme-versatile CB that has shown the ability to play press-man, off-man, or zone coverage. The versatility continues as he has the speed to run vertically, change of direction ability to carry horizontal routes, and plays through contact at the LoS or down the field. It’s his patience and calm footwork that catches the eye the most as he seems to never panic or over-react allowing him to always be in the play.
What they do well and are showing.
How to watch: Auburn vs LSU, 8 PM CST, ESPN
LSU may not be the same team that was dubbed “The Best Team of CFB” a couple years ago, but their passing offense has been more than adequate this season. Throwing for nearly 300 yards per game and challenging defenses at all levels, this should be a fun matchup between McCreary and Sophomore phenom WR, Kayshon Boutte.
Local Flavor
Treylon Burks| WR
6’3” 225lbs | Arkansas | #16
Back to back weeks sliding down South to Arkansas for our Local Flavor and this week we jump over to the offensive side of the ball. Anyone watching Arkansas last week came away amazed by Treylon Burks and it’s hard to not be. Already nearing 400 yards and averaging over 19 YPC this season, Burks is off to a dynamic start looking to push his name into WR 1 territory.
It’s easy to see what Burks does well, he’s huge, he’s fast, and he’s physical. It’s very similar to the DK Metcalf scenario of a few seasons ago, Burks is simply too physically talented for a lot of college CBs and probably a handful of NFL CBs. Add on the improvement to his route releases from the LoS and really good ball tracking and catching skills, it’s easy to see how any team that passed on Metcalf could be very interested in Burks.
How to watch: Arkansas vs Georgia, 11:00 AM CST, ESPN
There isn’t a more talented defense in CFB than Georgia. They may not have the top 10 lock at CB like some other teams but it’s a deep stable of names that should see playing time in the NFL. If Burks can continue to showcase his physical dominance and his technical growth, there may be a reason to adjust the “#1 WR” on the board for the 2022 NFL Draft.