Tracking top draft prospects: Another wild weekend, big upsets and more
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09/12/22 - By Frank Cooney, NFL Draft Scout/The Sports Xchange -
Results are mixed in week 2 college football, with AP and Coaches split on whether Alabama or Georgia is No. 1 after some great performances and growing mysteries about players rated in NFL Draft Scout's Top 50.
In a hard-fought game, Texas punched Alabama in the mouth, but Heisman Trophy quarterback Bryce Young, No. 4 overall here, avoided an upset by counterpunching on two late drives to win, 20-19, on a field goal with ten seconds left. Still, Bama was moved to No. 2 in the AP poll while staying No. 1 in the coaches list.
Linebacker Will Anderson, our top-rated player, made a few mistakes, but redeemed himself with a key sack to hold his spot. Second-rated Ohio State quarterback CJ Stroud bloated his stats by passing for 351 yards and four touchdowns in a 45-12 win over Arkansas State.
There were plenty of shocking upsets, including three among top 10 teams and the performances of some of those, and other players will be reflected in Draft Scout's new ratings later this week.
Injuries and mysteries will be part of the evaluation process.
Biggest mystery continues to be with LSU's talented wide receiver Kayshon Boutte, who seems to be out of sorts in new head coach Brian Kelly's offense. He added four catches in a 65-17 blowout over Southern, totaling only six after two games, well under expectations. Based only on week one, he already slid out of the top 10, from No. 8 to No. 19.
Meanwhile, USC wide receiver Jordan Addison, the defending Biletnikoff winner who stirred controversy with his transfer from Pitt, is lighting it up. He looked like a man among boys against what was thought to be a sturdy Stanford defense, catching seven passes for 172 yards and two touchdowns in an easy, 41-28 win. He had already moved from No. 10 to No. 8. Let's watch this week and see if he continues that ascent.
Here are updated comments after week 2 games on Draft Scout's 50 top rated players (as of last week) The list shows 50 to 100 without comments:
Overall, player, class, pos, college, Ht, Wt, Proj. Rd.
1. Will Anderson Jr., Jr, OLB, Alabama, 6-3, 243, 1
Anderson had good and bad moments in a 20-19 win over Texas with two tackles, three assists and key sack in the fourth quarter that forced the Longhorns to settle for a field goal. He also committed a couple of senseless penalties, including a late hit that opened the way for a field goal that put Texas ahead, 13-10.
Previous week, No.1: In Alabama's resounding 55-0 season-opening win over Utah State Saturday, was a factor. His personal stats weren't huge - five total tackles, three solo - but his play was, including a tackle that blew up Utah running back Logan Bonner that validated the linebacker's moniker "The Terminator."
2. C.J. Stroud, rSo, QB, Ohio State, 6-3, 218, 1
Stroud was masterful in a 45-12 thrashing of Arkansas State, hitting 16 of 24 passes for 351 yards and four touchdowns.
Previous week, No. 2: Stroud threw two touchdown passes and Ohio State shut out No. 5 Notre Dame over the final 42 minutes in a gritty 21-10 victory. Stroud finished 24 of 34 for 223 yards, two touchdowns and rushed three for net one yard.
3. Jalen Carter, Jr, DT, Georgia, 6-3, 310, 1
Carter was part of a dominant defense that shut out Samford, 33-0. He was credited with one tackle, but the Samford offense used extra blockers to keep him at bay.
Previous week, No. 3: Georgia dominated Oregon in a 49-3 blowout and Carter looked like a man among boys despite the Ducks trying various combinations to block him. Carter's stats, one tackle, no assists, no sacks, don't reflect the mayhem he caused.
4. Bryce Young, Jr, QB, Alabama, 6-0, 194, 1
Under pressure by a tough Texas defense for three quarters, Young finally looked like a Heisman Trophy winner with two scoring drives in the fourth quarter. On one he scrambled to his left and threw a touchdown into the end zone. On the other, he scrambled 20 yards to help set up the winning field goal with ten seconds left.
Previous week, No. 4: Bryce Young did Bryce Young things in the first half of No. 1 Alabama's 55-0 trouncing of Utah State, throwing five touchdowns in the first half and running 96 yards on four carries.
5. Kelee Ringo, rSo, CB, Georgia, 6-2, 205, 1
In a 33-0 blanking of Samford, Ringo continued to be a defensive leader and somebody the opposing offense avoided. Samford had 128 total yards, 109 passing.
Previous week, No. 5: Ringo did his part frustrating Oregon transfer quarterback Bo Nix (Auburn) as the Ducks were held without a touchdown (49-3). Stats show only three tackles for Ringo. Bulldog teammates, freshman safety Makail Starks and five-star freshman Mykel Williams, each had an interception on a defense that featured six new starters.
6. Jaxon Smith-Njigba, Jr, WR, Ohio State, 6-1, 200, 1
Smith-Njigba was held out due to his leg injury in the season opener.
Previous week, No. 6: Jaxon Smith-Njigba, a potential Heisman Trophy contender, returned for a series in the second quarter but by the third quarter he was out of the game and finished with two catches for three years.
7. Michael Mayer, Jr, TE, Notre Dame, 6-5, 265, 1
Notre Dame's shocking 26-21 loss to Marshall is pushing the Irish down the ratings, but Mayer continues to do his part. Against the Thundering Herd, Mayer led Notre Dame with eight catches for 103 yards and a touchdown.
Previous week, No. 7: While ND fans griped about the Irish offense being boring in 21-10 loss at second-ranked Ohio State, they should have no complaints about tight end Michael Mayer. He blocked well and led Notre Dame with five catches for 32 yards.
8. Jordan Addison, Jr, WR, Southern California, 5-11, 175, 1
Addison embarrassed Stanford's defense, seeming to get open at will as he caught seven passes for 172 yards with two touchdowns in a 41-28 win that boosted the Trojans from No. 10 to No. 7 in the polls.
Previous week, No. 10: Defending Biletnikoff Award winner and the center of mucho attention when he transferred from Pitt, Addison picked up where he left off last season as USC pummeled the Rice Owls, 66-14. Addison led the Trojans with five catches for 54 yards and two touchdowns.
9. Paris Johnson Jr., Jr, OT, Ohio State, 6-6, 310, 1
Johnson performed as expected against so-so competition in a 45-12 win over Arkansas State. The Buckeyes totaled 538 yards, 370 passing.
Previous week, No. 12: Green Bay Packers scouts said aloud going into the ND-OSU game that they were focused on battle between Johnson and ND defensive end Isaiah Foskey and the scouts left impressed.
10. Noah Sewell, rSo, ILB, Oregon, 6-2, 253, 1
Sewell showed up on stats sheet with only one tackle in a 70-14 win over the Eastern Washington Eagles. The Ducks were recovering from their 49-3 thrashing of Oregon and everybody looked better against the Eagles.
Previous week, No.9: Considered the best inside linebacker in the nation and a wrecking ball on defense, Sewell collected only two tackles with one assist in Oregon's embarrassing, 49-3, loss to Georgia. The Ducks seemed to be totally manhandled and it may take some film study to see if Sewell salvaged any self-respect in this one.
11. Jaelyn Duncan, rSr, OT, Maryland, 6-5, 320, 1
Maryland amassed 617 total yards - 424 in the air, 193 rushing - in a 56-21 romp over the Charlotte 49ers. It was Duncan's 27th college game and he did not add to the seven sacks he gave up in his career. It was a mismatch that won't be at the top of his resume.
Previous week, No. 13: Terp quarterback Taulia Tagovailo and a dynamic receiving crew got all the attention as Maryland mauled the Buffalo Bulls, 31-10. But somebody assisted in gathering 445 total yards, with 297 passing and that somebody was massive offensive tackle Jaelyn Duncan, who was second team All-Big Ten last year and is on the ascent.
12. Tanner McKee, Jr, QB, Stanford, 6-5, 230, 1
Faced with an athletic and aggressive USC defense, Tanner McKee actually looked better than the numbers on the stats sheet -- 20 of 35 for 220 yards, one touchdown and two interceptions. His first interception was tipped at the line and on the second his receiver lost a jump-ball in the end zone. McKee ran eight times, not always by choice, for minus 15 yards.
Previous week, No. 14: McKee threw two touchdown passes to Michael Wilson and Stanford routed FCS Colgate 41-10 in a season opener. McKee completed 22 of 27 for 308 yards, the two touchdowns and one interception.
13. Jordan Battle, Sr, SS, Alabama, 6-0, 206, 1
In a 20-19 win over Texas, Battle had three tackles, an assist and helped keep running back Bijan Robinson from getting loose. But Battle was conflicted against early play-action which sometimes helped the Texas passing game.
Previous week, No. 15: Despite being a strong safety, Battle looked as good or better in coverage as he did tackling in Bama's 55-0 dismantling of Utah State. He had four tackles and held Utah State to 136 total yards, only 57 in the air.
14. Isaiah Foskey, rJr, DE, Notre Dame, 6-5, 265, 1
Despite a second straight loss - this time 26-21 to Marshall - Foskey's game improved with three tackles, an assist and a sack.
Previous week, No. 11: Foskey, considered a key on the Irish defense, didn't really stand out in their 21-10 loss at Ohio State. He finished with four tackles but didn't generate much pressure. Much of the reason was he was against excellent OSU tackle Paris Johnson..
15. Emmanuel Forbes, Jr, CB, Mississippi State, 6-0, 180, 1
Forbes looked excellent, getting a tackle, an assist and a third-quarter interception in a 39-17 win at Arizona.
Previous week, No. 16: Sometimes when a cornerback has no stats it is because the opponent feared him. That seemed to be the case, and justifiably so, in Mississippi State's 49-23 win over Memphis. He had one Kodak Moment knocking away a pass intended for Memphis wide receiver Javon Ivory in the end zone. Great play. Forbes is the FBS active career leader in interceptions returned for touchdowns with three.
16. Bryan Bresee, rSo, DT, Clemson, 6-5, 305, 1
Bresee was a rock on Clemson's talented rotation of defensive linemen in a 35-12 win over Furman. He was credited with one tackle, one assist and was a constant pest despite Furman rolling up 384 yards, with 128 on the ground.
Previous week, No. 17: Former No. 1 recruit in the country burst onto the scene as a Freshman All-American in 2020 when he became the second ACC Defensive Rookie of the Year in school history. Injuries limited him to only four games last year and with senior DE Xavier Thomas out, Bresee is expected to lead the charge on a talented defensive line. Bresee looked strong while often facing double-team blocking in a 41-10 win over Georgia Tech. Bresee was in on 1.5 sacks and had a notable tackle for a loss.
17. Joey Porter Jr., rJr, CB, Penn State, 6-2, 198, 1
Following a tremendous show in his season opener, Porter was merely good in a 46-10 win over the Ohio Bobcats. His stat line includes one tackle, but he helped limit Ohio to only 164 yards passing.
Previous week, No. 19: Porter was all over the field in a barn-burner of a season-opening, 35-31, win at Purdue. Although Purdue quarterback Aidan O'Connell threw for 356 yards, it took him 58 passes to do so (29 complete). Porter forced six incompletions and led the team with eight tackles.
18. Nolan Smith, Sr, OLB, Georgia, 6-2, 235, 1
Smith did his part in blanking Samford, 33-0, while allowing 128 total yards. He was credited with one tackle.
Previous week, No. 18: Smith's length, strength, quickness and field smarts were obvious, especially against Oregon's running game in the Dawgs' 49-3 season-opening win. The Ducks seems to run away from him but the big guy took it as a challenge and tracked players all over the field. Only two tackles and no sacks, but Oregon game-planned to avoid him.
19. Kayshon Boutte, Jr, WR, LSU, 6-0, 205, 1
After a controversial season opener, Boutte got into a little more action in a 65-17 win over the Southern Jaguars with four catches for 42 yards. That's still less that we expect from this explosive receiver, although it was his 18th straight game with a catch. .
Previous week, No. 8: Whacked game ended with no time on clock as blocked PAT preserved Florida State's 24-23 victory. OK, this is about Boutte, whose contribution to this game was also whacked. At 3:58 left in third quarter his first contribution was to draw a pass interference that kept LSU's TD drive alive. He finished with only two catches for 20 yards, had a couple of drops and seemed out of sync. He also spent an inordinate amount of time on the sidelines. Remember, flamboyant coach Brian Kelly called out Boutte a few weeks back, questioning his commitment. Last week Kelly said the receiver, ranked eighth overall at the time by NFL Draft Scout, "recommitted." Boutte was awarded LSU's coveted No. 7 jersey, ostensibly for the team's top player. In 16 career games through 2021 season, Boutte scored 14 touchdowns and had at least one reception in each, a streak that barely survived the opener.
20. Bijan Robinson, Jr, RB, Texas, 6-0, 222, 1
Robinson was held to 57 yards rushing with one touchdown (21 carries) in a hard-fought, 20-19, loss to Alabama.
Previous week, No.20: With a lot of attention on coach Steve Sarkisian seeking success after a 5-7 season in 2021 and Texas' new starting quarterback Quinn Evans (225 yards passing, two TDs), running back Bijan Robinson may have been a bit overlooked in that 52-10 win against overmatched Louisiana-Monroe. But he did his job. Robinson finished with 111 total yards on 13 touches, and two third-quarter touchdowns on a 16-yard catch and a 9-yard run. The third-year running back has a touchdown in 12 of his last 13 games.
21. Jermaine Burton, Jr, WR, Alabama, 6-0, 200, 1
Against a rugged Texas defense, Burton did OK with two catches for 10 yards; far under expectations.
Previous week, No. 23: Burton caught five passes for 35 yards and two scores in a 55-0 win over Utah State. Coach Nick Saban failed in an attempt to recruit Burton out of high school but jumped at the chance to get him out of the transfer portal. Burton hopes to become the latest in a list of Alabama's seven first round receivers since 2011.
22. Tyler Van Dyke, rSo, QB, Miami, 6-3, 224, 1
Van Dyke continued his prolific season in a 30-7 win over Southern Miss. He completed 20 of 29 passes for 252 yards, one touchdown and one interception.
Previous week, No. 21: After stealing the job from injured D'Eriq King and then Jake Garcia last year, Van Dyke staked his claim with six straight games passing for at least 300 yards and three TDs. He began coach Mario Cristobal's era with another great performance in a resounding, 70-13, beat-down of obviously overmatched Bethune-Cookman. Van Dyke, a third-year sophomore, showed why he is probably headed to the NFL next season by completing 13 of 16 passes for 193 yards and two touchdowns before yielding the field to Garcia midway through the third quarter.
23. JL Skinner, rSr, SS, Boise State, 6-3, 220, 1
We are still seeking clarification on why Skinner was inactive in Boise State's, 31-14, rebound win over New Mexico. It is a bit of a mystery that local media hasn't solved. FWIW, Kaonohi Kaniho and Alexander Teubner stepped up to fill the void.
Previous week, No. 24: Skinner looked 100 percent after a spring car accident as he led Boise State with six tackles and an interception in a 34-17 loss at Oregon State.
24. OCyrus Torrence, Sr, OG, Florida, 6-5, 347, 1
After a great season opener, Florida and quarterback Anthony Richardson struggled in a 26-16 loss to Kentucky. Richardson rushed for 106 yards and three scores in week one but against Kentucky he was held to four yards on the ground and completed only 14 of 35 for 143 yards and two interceptions. He was under duress most the game and the whole offensive line seemed porous. We must take a closer look at big Torrence in the game vids.
Previous week, No. 24: Torrence is a transfer from Louisiana who joined the Florida Gators in the spring. Hard to get stats on a guard and we haven't seen vids on the game, but in their 29-26 win over Utah, the Gators gained 451 total yards, including 283 on the ground. Somebody must have been blocking and Torrence, a massive 6-5, 347-pounder, is probably, ah, somebody in that equation.
25. Josh Downs, Jr, WR, North Carolina, 5-10, 175, 1
North Carolina went to 3-0 with a 35-28 win over Georgia State but Downs was still not available because of a knee injury in the Tar Heels' opener.
Previous week, No. 22: Downs did not play in North Carolina's epic, 63- 61 win over feisty Appalachian State. Downs was injured in the season-opening, 56-24, win over the Florida A&M Rattlers (FAMU). In that game he caught nine passes for 78 yards and two touchdowns. He limped off the field after his second score and wore ice on his left knee during a post-game. No word on if or when he will return.
26. Colby Wooden, rJr, DE, Auburn, 6-4, 284, 1
In a 24-16 win against visiting San Jose, Wooden was in on two tackles but no sacks against the feisty Spartans, who totaled 329 yards, but only 57 running.
Previous week, No. 26: Wooden could have entered the 2022 draft after an excellent 2021 season with 37 stops, second among interior defensive linemen in college football. But he returned because "I don't want to be a loser," referencing a 6-7 season that spiraled down with five straight losses. The Tigers are 1-0 after a 42-16 win against overmatched Mercer, which managed only 271 total yards, 74 on the ground. Auburn and Wooden should face more of a test in the next two weeks against San Jose State and Penn St.
27. Ryan Hayes, rSr, OT, Michigan, 6-6, 307, 1
Michigan's entire line was dominant in a 56-10 win over Hawaii, now 0-3. The Wolverines rolled to 588 yards in total offense, 320 in the air and 268 on the ground.
Previous week, No. 28: Michigan gained 440 total yards, with 234 of that on the ground, but left tackle Ryan Hayes had nothing to do with it. In a surprise, he was in street clothes on the sideline. The Wolverines also lost Karson Barnhart in the first quarter and shifted their line, moving guard Trevor Keegan to tackle and inserting freshman Giovanni El-Hadi at guard. No problem. Michigan scored four touchdowns rushing, surrendered just one sack and allowed two hurries. Coach Jim Harbaugh pointed out that the unit accounted for just one penalty, a hold, and "No false starts, no delay of games." He stopped short of saying it was due to good coaching.
28. Peter Skoronski, Jr, OG, Northwestern, 6-4, 315, 1
Previous week, No. 29: The Wildcats rallied to beat Nebraska, 31-28, on August. 27, amassing 528 yards in the process (314 passing, 214 rushing). Skoronski was dominant, giving up zero sacks or hurries in 39 pass-block snaps. In fact, Northwestern's O-Line controlled Nebraska almost the entire game and didn't give up a sack. After a week off, Northwestern plays Duke Saturday (Sept. 10).
29. Jack Campbell, rJr, ILB, Iowa, 6-4, 246, 1
Campbell won the weekly Lott Impact Award as he led the Hawkeyes with five tackles, seven assists and a safety as SDS was held to a mere 120 total yards (87 passing, 33 rushing). But Iowa fans were more focused on their own team's anemic offense, with 166 total yards including only 109 passing. They booed lustily. Campbell hit back in his post-game interview: "I hate to break it to you guys, but they're more than football players. They're brothers, sons, grandsons and I feel a lot of people lose sight of that. I just view them as a person, as a relationship, as a friend...No matter what, I'm always going to have their backs." Mmm. Sounds like Lott himself.
Previous week, No.33: Campbell was strong on and off the field in Iowa's 7-3 win over South Dakota State. During the game he led the Hawkeyes with five tackles, seven assists as SDS was held to a mere 120 total yards (87 passing, 33 rushing). But Iowa fans were more focused on their own team's anemic offense, with 166 total yards including only 109 passing. They booed lustily. Campbell hit back in his post-game interview: "I hate to break it to you guys, but they're more than football players. They're brothers, sons, grandsons and I feel a lot of people lose sight of that. I just view them as a person, as a relationship, as a friend' No matter what, I'm always going to have their backs. I'm never going to point fingers and I'm never going to complain because I have the greatest opportunity in the world because I love football' As a 3-phase team, we went out there and gave it our all today."
30. Will McDonald IV, rSr, DE, Iowa State, 6-3, 245, 1
McDonald was active and effective while finishing with one tackle and one assist in a dramatic, 10-7, won over Iowa in the annual Cy-Hawk game.
Previous week, No. 31: McDonald, who had 11.5 sacks last season and 10.5 in 2020, failed to add another in Iowa State's 42-10 romp over Southeastern Missouri State. He did have one tackle as the Cyclones held the Redhawks to 320 total yards, including 98 rushing. Fresh off the big win over SEMO, Iowa State will travel to Iowa City next week for the annual Cy-Hawk matchup against Iowa.
31. Cam Hart, rJr, CB, Notre Dame, 6-2, 198, 1
Hart had an uneven game in ND's 26-21 loss to Marshall and was credited with only one tackle.
Previous week, No. 30: Former wide receiver in 2019, Hart became one of Notre Dame's best defensive backs, with his experience as a receiver translating to ball skill ability at corner. He also showed good physicality last season. In Notre Dame's 21-10 loss at Ohio State he had two total tackles. He was burned by wide receiver Emeka Egbuka on a 31-yard touchdown with 5:32 left in the third quarter, which gave Ohio State a 7-3 lead.
32. Christopher Smith, rSr, FS, Georgia, 5-11, 190, 1
One of three Smiths on this brutal team defense, Christopher had a tackle and a near interception as Georgia shut out Samford, 33-0.
Previous week, No. 32: Smith collected three tackles and an interception in Georgia's dominant, 49-3, win over Oregon. Smith was knocked out of the game after making a great pass breakup, but after the game said is was "only a stinger."
33. Myles Murphy, Jr, DE, Clemson, 6-5, 275, 1-2
Previous week, No. 36: Murphy is a former Top 5 national recruit who made an instant impact as a freshman All-American in 2020. He had 14 tackles for a loss, seven sacks last season. In Monday's 41-10 win over Georgia Tech, Murphy was effective as part of Clemson's talented group of defensive linemen and was in on one sack.
34. Siaki Ika, rJr, DT, Baylor, 6-3, 350, 1-2
Ika had one tackle and one assist in a 26-10 loss at BYU. The Cougars managed 366 total yards, but only 83 on the ground.
Previous week, No. 34: Defensive tackle Siaki Ika had two assists in Baylor's 69-10 romp over Albany as the Bears outgained the Great Danes in total yardage, 573-237. Albany had only 87 yards rushing. He is a fourth-year junior who transferred from LSU before the 2021 season. Ika played as a freshman in 2019 under LSU assistant Dave Aranda, who became Baylor's head coach in 2020. Coaches selected Ikaw a Big 12 Defensive Newcomer of the Year in 2021.
35. Clark Phillips III, rSo, CB, Utah, 5-09, 183, 1-2
Phillips had a tackle and an assist in a 73-7 win over obviously overmatched Southern Utah, which struggled to gain 85 total yards, almost evenly split between 42 passing and 43 rushing. Not the kind of balanced attack a team wants.
Previous week, No. 35: Phillips was among those unable to stop Florida quarterback Anthony Richardson who threw for 168 yards and ran for 106 yards and three touchdowns in a 29-26 upset over No. 7 ranked Utah. Phillips was credited with only one tackle in the game, although he seemed to be in on more, including one when he avoided a blocker to make a stop on a screen. Florida was conscious of Phillips and put his man in motion or seemed to stay away from him.
36. Derick Hall, Sr, OLB, Auburn, 6-2, 256, 1-2
Hall was a rude host to the visiting San Jose Spartans, harassing them with a team-leading five tackles and three assists in Auburn's 24-16 win.
Previous week, No. 37: Hall contributed two official tackles with one sack in Auburn's 42-16 thrashing of the Mercer Bears. Auburn and Hall should face more of a test in the next two weeks against San Jose State and Penn St.
37. Cameron Brown, rSr, CB, Ohio State, 6-0, 192, 1-2
Brown made four tackles and an assist in the Buckeyes 45-12 win over Arkansas State.
Previous week, No. 38: Brown, in his fifth season with Buckeyes, graduated in May with a degree in human development and family sciences and still has another season of eligibility. In OSU's 21-10 win over Notre Dame, Brown started at cornerback and although the stats sheet didn't show it, he made at least one key play to stop Notre Dame on a third down attempt.
38. Tyler Harrell, rSr, WR, Alabama, 6-0, 194, 1-2
Harrell miss second straight game with foot injury.
Previous week, No. 27: Sat out Alabama's 55-0 win over Utah State with a foot injury. Before the game he was seen with a walking boot on his right foot. Harrell had 18 catches for 523 yards and six touchdowns a year ago at Louisville.
39. Kenny McIntosh, Sr, RB, Georgia, 6-0, 210, 1-2
McIntosh again showed his versatility, rushing seven times for 15 yards and a touchdown and led the Bulldogs with five catches for 61 yards.
Previous week, No. 39: McIntosh is clearly the focal point of this offense. In Georgia's 49-3 trouncing of Oregon, he rushed five times for 18 yards and a touchdown, but tore up the Ducks defense with nine catches for 117 yards. That was the most receiving yards by a Georgia running back since 2000.
40. Keeanu Benton, rJr, DT, Wisconsin, 6-3, 317, 1-2
Looking pretty good again by holding up well against guard Christian Hilborn, among others, on the inside, Benton finished with one official tackle in a 17-14 loss to Washington State, which was held to only 200 yards passing and 53 rushing.
Previous week, No. 40: Nose tackle Keeanu Benton was one of the Wisconsin team captains in the season-opening, 38-0, victory over Illinois State. The Badgers held the Redbirds to only 243 total yards, and a mere 57 on the ground. Benton was credited with only two assists but his presence ate up multiple blockers while inside linebacker Maema Njogmeta was free to lead the team with seven tackles, one assist.
41. A.T. Perry, rJr, WR, Wake Forest, 6-4, 206, 2
Perry led Wake Forest with five catches for 142 yards and a touchdown to spearhead a 45-25 win over Vanderbilt that wasn't even as close as that score indicates.
Previous week, No. 41: Perry was one of the ACC's breakout stars of 2021, finished No. 3 in the conference with 1,293 receiving yards at 18.2 yards per catch and 15 TDs. He was targeted by more than footballs as several groups made NIL offerings to lure him away, but he opted to stay and team up with quarterback Sam Hartman. Hartman is out with a non-football medical issue so Mitch Griffis was the quarterback in season-opening, 44-10, win over the VMI Keydets. Griffis did well, 21 of 29 for 288 yards and three touchdowns. Perry caught three passes for 47 yards.
42. Trenton Simpson, Jr, OLB, Clemson, 6-3, 240, 2
Simpson followed up a tremendous season opener with four tackles and four assists in a 35-12 win over Furman in his first appearance in the top 50.
Previous week, No.59: In an impressive 41-10 win over Georgia Tech, Simpson was a force with six tackles and two assists.
43. Zion Logue, rJr, DT, Georgia, 6-5, 295, 2
Another standout tackle in Georgia's rotation of defensive linemen, Logue was credited with only one tackle, but did his part to stymie Samford, 33-0.
Previous week No.42: In 2021, Logue played in all 15 games as a reserve defensive lineman on the talented Dawg defense and finished with 11 total stops and three QB pressures. In the season opening, 49-3, thrashing of Oregon, Logue was listed as the starting nose tackle, but he had no tackles or assists on the official stats. Ah, the role of a nose tackle is not always glorious.
44. Zay Flowers, rJr, WR, Boston College, 5-10, 177, 2
Flowers led Boston College with four catches for 79 yards but it was far from enough again in a 27-10 loss to the Virginia Hokies.
Previous week, No. 43: Flowers did his part in Boston College's season opener with career high ten catches for 110 yards and two touchdowns. But he couldn't overcome his team's six fumbles and two interceptions as Rutgers gutted out a come-from-behind, 22-21, upset victory.
45. Tyrique Stevenson, rJr, CB, Miami, 6-0, 214, 2
In a 30-7 win over Southern Miss, Stevenson was consistent and persistent, finishing with two assists and an interception.
Previous week, No. 44: After two years with Georgia, Stevenson moved to Miami last season and started in ten games, finishing with 43 tackles, 2.5 for a loss, an interception and four pass breakups. In Miami's 70-13 mauling of Bethune Cookman, Stevenson was credited with two tackles, one assist and no interceptions.
46. Carter Warren, rSr, OT, Pittsburgh, 6-5, 325, 2
In a second consecutive wild game, Pitt lost to Tennessee, 34-27, in overtime. Pitt collected 415 total yards, 273 in the air, but quarterback Kedon Slovis was battered in the game and left after a strip sack. He appeared to hit his head and shoulder on the ground. After five sacks in the opener, somebody up front isn't doing the job. We'll check the video.
Previous week, No. 45: Pitt rallied to win the season-opening Backyard Brawl against West Virginia, 38-31, before a crowd of 77,622, largest ever for a sporting event in sports-crazy Pittsburgh. This was a game that had to be seen to be believed. So watch for a replay. Meantime, Warren did well in this wide open game as Pitt gained 384 total yards, 308 passing by one time Southern Cal quarterback Kedon Slovis, despite being sacked five times.
47. Ronnie Hickman, rJr, FS, Ohio State, 6-1, 207, 2
In a 45-0 cakewalk over Arkansas State, Hickman was in on one tackle and two assists.
Previous week, No. 46: In No. 2 Ohio State's dramatic, 21-10, win over No. 5 Notre Dame, Hickman collected four total tackles, including two assists. The Irish offense was ripped by fans who thought it was to unimaginative and boring, but credit goes to the Buckeyes for giving up only 253 total yards, 177 through the air and no touchdown passes.
48. Cam Smith, rJr, CB, South Carolina, 6-1, 188, 2
Smith was aggressive with a team leading seven tackles and an additional four assists in South Carolina's 44-30 loss to Arkansas.
Previous week, No. 47: In a 35-14 win over Georgia State, the South Carolina Gamecocks were in control, giving up 311 total yards, including only 111 in the air. Smith was credited with two total tackles.
49. Zach Charbonnet, rJr, RB, UCLA, 6-1, 220, 2
Charbonnet was dressed and on the sidelines but did not play for reasons yet to be disclosed as UCLA mangled the out-manned Alabama State Hornets, 45-7. There were reports Charbonnet was limited in Thursday's practice, which was closed to the media.
Previous week, No. 48: In UCLA's season-opening, 45-17, win over Bowling Green, Bruins running back Zach Charbonnet rushed 21 times for 111 yards and touchdown and caught five passes for 36 yards. He keyed a UCLA offense that dominated the game with 626 total yards, 357 passing and 269 on the ground.
50. Cedric Tillman, rSr, WR, Tennessee, 6-3, 215, 2
Tillman caught nine passes for 162 yards and a touchdown in No. 24 Tennessee's dramatic, 34-27, overtime win over No. 17 Pitt. Those were the ratings at game time, anyway.
Previous week, No. 50: Redshirt senior wide receiver Cedric Tillman led the Volunteers with six catches for 68 yards in a season-opening, 59-10, victory over the Ball State Cardinals. Last year, Tillman emerged as one of the SEC's best playmakers and became Tennessee's first 1,000-yard receiver since Justin Hunter in 2012 - Started all 13 games.Finished the year with 64 catches for 1,081 yards and 12 touchdowns.
Others in top 100:
51. Warren McClendon, rJr, OG, Georgia, 6-4, 300, 2
52. Gervarrius Owens, rSr, FS, Houston, 6-0, 200, 2
53. Steve Avila, rSr, C, Texas Christian, 6-3, 330, 2
54. BJ Ojulari, Jr, OLB, LSU, 6-2, 250, 2
55. Zion Nelson, rJr, OT, Miami, 6-5, 316, 2
56. Gary Bryant Jr., Jr, WR, Southern California, 5-11, 180, 2
57. Ali Gaye, rSr, DE, LSU, 6-6, 265, 2
58. Jaxson Kirkland, rSr, OT, Washington, 6-6, 310, 2
59. Tyree Wilson, rSr, DE, Texas Tech, 6-5, 275, 2
60. Dontay Demus Jr., rSr, WR, Maryland, 6-3, 215, 2
61. Andre Carter II, rJr, DE, Army, 6-6, 250, 2
62. JiAyir Brown, rSr, FS, Penn State, 5-11, 208, 2
63. Devin Leary, rSr, QB, North Carolina State, 6-1, 212, 2
64. Cameron Latu, rSr, TE, Alabama, 6-4, 244, 2
65. Myles Jones, rSr, CB, Texas AM, 6-3, 190, 2-3
66. Olusegun Oluwatimi, rSr, C, Michigan, 6-3, 310, 2-3
67. Xavier Hutchinson, rSr, WR, Iowa State, 6-3, 210, 2-3
68. Jahmyr Gibbs, Jr, RB, Alabama, 5-10, 200, 2-3
69. Dontayvion Wicks, rJr, WR, Virginia, 6-1, 205, 2-3
70. Cody Mauch, rSr, OT, North Dakota State, 6-5, 303, 2-3
71. Jordan McFadden, rSr, OG, Clemson, 6-2, 305, 2-3
72. Henry Too Too, Sr, ILB, Alabama, 6-2, 228, 2-3
73. Brenton Cox Jr., rSr, OLB, Florida, 6-3, 252, 2-3
74. Arquon Bush, rSr, CB, Cincinnati, 5-11, 198, 2-3
75. Connor Galvin, rSr, OT, Baylor, 6-6, 310, 2-3
76. Luke Musgrave, rJr, TE, Oregon State, 6-5, 252, 2-3
77. Tank Bigsby, Jr, RB, Auburn, 6-0, 213, 2-3
78. Zach Harrison, Sr, DE, Ohio State, 6-5, 272, 2-3
79. Nick Broeker, Sr, OG, Mississippi, 6-4, 315, 2-3
80. Mason Brooks, rSr, OT, Mississippi, 6-5, 315, 2-3
81. Josh Vann, rSr, WR, South Carolina, 5-10, 192, 3
82. Keondre Coburn, rSr, DT, Texas, 6-2, 344, 3
83. Habakkuk Baldonado, rSr, DE, Pittsburgh, 6-4, 260, 3
84. Kyu Blu Kelly, Sr, CB, Stanford, 6-1, 188, 3
85. Gervon Dexter, Jr, DT, Florida, 6-5, 312, 3
86. Joseph Ngata, Sr, WR, Clemson, 6-3, 215, 3
87. Sam LaPorta, Sr, TE, Iowa, 6-4, 249, 3
88. Owen Pappoe, Sr, ILB, Auburn, 6-1, 225, 3
89. Dawand Jones, rJr, OT, Ohio State, 6-8, 359, 3
90. Trevor Downing, rSr, OG, Iowa State, 6-3, 310, 3
91. Robert Beal Jr., rSr, OLB, Georgia, 6-3, 255, 3
92. Travis Dye, rSr, RB, Southern California, 5-09, 200, 3
93. John Ojukwu, rSr, OT, Boise State, 6-6, 315, 3
94. Deuce Vaughn, Jr, RB, Kansas State, 5-06, 173, 3
95. Nick Hampton, rSr, OLB, Appalachian State, 6-2, 225, 3
96. Josh Proctor, rSr, SS, Ohio State, 6-1, 205, 3
97. KeiTrel Clark, rJr, CB, Louisville, 5-10, 177, 3
98. Will Levis, rSr, QB, Kentucky, 6-2, 232, 3
99. Kearis Jackson, rSr, WR, Georgia, 5-11, 200, 3
100. Dalton Kincaid, rSr, TE, Utah, 6-4, 240, 3
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