We reach our penultimate article in the series on all of the draft eligible prospects from the west region of Division 1, both FBS and FCS. Specifically, this article is going to look at the Mountain West and Independent schools BYU & New Mexico State underclassmen. I will note starters going into 2020 and notable stats so we can find out who to keep an eye on in the 2020 college football season. I will designate expected starters with (*).
BYU:
Chaz Ah You LB *
Brady Christensen OL * (top player)
Matthew Criddle LB
Jacob Doman WR
Keenan Ellis DB
James Empey OL *
Lorenzo Fauatea DL
Koy Harris WR
Nate Heaps TE
Lopini Katoa RB
Lane Lunt TE
D’Angelo Mandell DB *
Dax Milne WR *
Malik Moore DB
Neil Pau’u WR *
Mitchell Price DB
Gunner Romney WR *
Keanu Saleapaga OL
Jacob Talbot WR
Pepe Tanuvasa LB
Alden Tofa DL
Earl Tuioti-Mariner DL
Joe Tukuafu OL
Mo Unutoa OL
Chase Wester RB
Shamon Willis DB
Zach Wilson QB *
Tyler Allgeier LB/RB
Ethan Atagi OL
Clark Barrington OL *
Brayden Cosper WR
Sione Finau RB
JT Gentry OL
Jaren Hall QB
Isaiah Herron DB
Britton Hogan LS
Drew Jensen LB
Jackson Kaufusi LB
Harris LaChance OL
Hirkley Latu DL
Hayden Livingston DB
Atunaisa Mahe DL
Darius McFarland DL
Jake Oldroyd K/P
Keenan Pili LB
Alema Pilimai TE
Morgan Pyper DB
Baylor Romney QB
Gabe Summers DL
Max Tooley LB
Hank Tuipulotu TE
Payton Wilgar LB
Players to Watch:
Brady Christensen: Christensen has been a mainstay on the Cougars offenseive line over the last 2 seasons. After redshirting in 2017, he has started in every game that BYU has played at the Offensive Tackle position. PFF ranked him as the 12th best OT in college football last year and he also graded in the top 5 in pass blocking. At 6’6” 300lbs, he has the size and skill to become one of the top offensive linemen to be drafted in the 2021 NFL Draft.
Zach Wilson: At 6’3, 203lbs, Quarterback Zach Wilson has some solid size to get consideration as a late round pick in next years draft. I would recommend he stays and extra year in school, and if learns to improve his td-int ratio, he could rise up draft boards. In 2019 he threw for 2,382 yards and 11 TDs on 319 attempts, which is good for a 62.4 completion percentage and a 130.8 passer efficiency rating. He also had 9 interceptions. He shows a bit of mobility as he ran for 167 yards on 67 attempts and added 3 TDs on the ground.
Hawaii:
Penei Pavihi LB
Justin Uahinui QB
Paul Scott LB *
Akil Francisco DB
Leonard Lee DB
Miles Reed RB *
Donovan Dalton DB
Hekili Keliiliki RB
Wyatt Tucker LS
Payton Awaya LB
Noa Kamana DB
Justus Tavai DL
Ramsey Aviu OL
Micah Vanterpool OL
Doug Russell DL
Ra Elkington OL
Stephan Bernal-Wendt DL
Grey Ihu WR
Mason Mataafa DL
Khoury Bethley DB *
Solo Vaipulu OL *
Blessman Ta’ala DL *
Ilm Manning OL *
Alema Kapoi DL
Chevan Cordeiro QB
James Phillips WR
Isaiah Tufaga LB
Kai Kaneshiro DB
Kamuela Borden DL
James Green III DB
Alaka’i Mashima DB
Keliam Brunn WR
Brody Padilla DB
Kalamaku Kuewa DB
Jonah Kahahawai-Welch DL
Andrew Choi DL
Eliki Tanuvasa OL
Elias Wong OL
Nick Mardner WR
Zach Ritner DL
Foi Shaw DL
Jonah Laulu DL
Players to Watch:
Miles Reed: Reed returns in 2020 as the top rusher for the Rainbow Warriors, and in such a pass happy offense, he put up some solid numbers. Last season Reed had 908 rushing yards on 174 attempts and 8 TDs. He didn’t provide much value in the passing game as he only had 3 receptions for 16 yards and didn’t have any return yards. In the 2020 season I would like to see him improve from 5.2 yards per carry, but I see some day 3 value in him.
Khoury Bethley: On the other side of the ball, we have Hawaii’s defensive leader from 2019, Khoury Bethley. Bethley led the team with 83 total tackles and also contributed with 2 TFLs, 2 INTs, and 1 pass defended. The starting safety had at least 7 tackles in 8 games last season, and I see value for him as box safety at the next level.
Wyoming:
Ravontae Holt DT *
Gavin Rush OL
Eric Abojei OL *
Patrick Arnold OL
Keyon Blankenbaker DB/LB
C.J. Coldon CB *
Keegan Cryder OL *
Jason Davis DT
Taylor Dodd CB
Gunner Gentry WR *
Azizi Hearn CB *
Jesse Hooper LS *
Victor Jones DT/DE
Brennan Kutterer LB
Chad Muma LB *
Rudy Stofer OL
Xazavian Valladay RB *
Nate Weinman TE
Davon Wells-Ross DE
Miles Williams S
Blayne Baker OL
Jack Boyer DE
Brett Brenton RB
Solomon Byrd DE
Sean Chambers QB *
Claude Cole DT
Frank Crum OT
Tristan Dietz FB
Mason Gallegos WR
Cole Godbout NT
Blake Harrington DB/LB
Charles Hicks LB
Chance Hofer WR
Leevi Lafaele DE
Teagan Liufau DE
Marco Machado OL
Jackson Marcotte TE *
Ryan Marquez QB
Mario Mora NT
Cameron Murray FS
Colin O’Brien TE
Ray Rabou LB
Derian Vaughn CB
Zach Watts OG
Rome Weber FS
Wyatt Wieland WR
Players to Watch:
Sean Chambers: Leading the charge for the Cowboys offense in 2020 will be returning starter at Quarterback Sean Chambers. His season was cut short last year with a knee injury, but after 8 starts his stat line was 915 passing yards on 121 attempts (7.6 yards per attempt average), 7 TDs, 3 INTs, and a 120.6 passer efficiency rating. He also had 567 rushing yards on 90 attempts (6.3 yards per rush average) and added 10 TDs. At 6’3, 218 he has prototypical size to play at the next level, and the mobility dynamic will get him lots of interest if he can stay healthy for all of the 2020 season.
Xazavian Valladay: Chambers back field partner at the Running Back position is Xazavian Valladay. Valladay led Wyoming from yards from scrimmage with 1,476 total yards. That number is made up by 1,265 rushing yards on 247 carries (5.1-yard average), and 211 receiving yards on 11 receptions. He also had 8 total touchdowns (6 rushing, 2 receiving). I see some late round value in Valladay in the 2021 draft.
Utah State:
Henry Colombi QB *
Xavion Steele CB
Deven Thompkins WR *
Zahodri Jackson CB *
Andre Grayson DB *
Daniel Langi DE
Jared Reed DB *
Maika Magalei S
Connor Coles K
Alfred Edwards OL *
Kyler Hack OL *
Chandler Dolphin OL
Tyrese Mack WR
Jarrod Green CB
Pailate Makakona RB
Patrick Maddox S
Players to Watch:
Andre Grayson: Grayson was a solid defender for Utah State last season. In 7 starts at Corner Back last season, he had 47 total tackles, 2 TFLs, 1 sack, 1 INT, 2 forced fumbles and 6 pass’ defended. At 5’8, 170 pounds, he is fairly small for the next level, but he could be a solid option in the slot.
Alfred Edwards: At 6’7” 310lbs, Alfred Edwards is a mammoth Left Tackle. Since 2018, his redshirt freshman season, he has started 23 of a possible 24 games for the Aggies. He has a total of 17 pancakes in his career and even if he is a raw prospect, his size alone will get him some attention if he has a solid junior season.
San Jose State:
Dion Leonard LB
Johnny Balderas CB
Malik Welch CB
Alii Matau LB
Rahyme Johnson LB *
Rico Tolefree LB *
Tre White CB *
Nehemiah Shelton CB *
Norio Thomas S
Brendan Manigo RB
Jalend Dinwiddie S
Isaiah Ossai LB
Isa’ako Togia LB
Steven Houston WR
Kyle Harmon LB *
Chris Wood K/P *
Devon Calloway LB
Cameron Hanson LB
Chris Galleta OL
Jesse Chamberlain OL
Tyler Stevens OG *
Scott Breslin OL
Vincent Corso WR
Lamar Housley WR
Lando Grey DL
E.J. Ane DL
Cade Hall DL *
Sinjun Astani DE
Jamaar Hardy DE
Chance La Chapelle QB
Isaiah Hamilton WR *
Jermaine Braddock WR
Tre Jenkins S
Matt Mercurio K *
Viliami Fehoko DE *
Andrew Jenkins DB
Jaime Navarro OL *
Tyler Ostrom OL *
John Weiss OL
Anthony Pardue OL
Dimitri Sakalia DL
Players to Watch:
Kyle Harmon: Harmon is slated to become the main man on the Spartans defense this season. Last year he had 89 total tackles, 6 TFLs, 2 sacks, 2 fumble recoveries, and 3 forced fumbles. All of those stats were good enough to rank first or second on the team. He needs to add a bit of weight before going pro, but he has solid size and should at least get attention as a depth/special teams’ player at the next level.
Nehemiah Shelton: Shelton is a long & lanky (6’2”, 168lbs) Corner Back, that had a solid season in 2019. Obviously, he needs to add 10-20 pounds to be seriously considered at the next level, but of course that 6’2 frame will help him out as tall DBs are all the rage in the NFL right now. In terms of production, last year he had 42 total tackles, 3 INTs, 1 fumble recovery, 2 forced fumbles, and he led the team with 7 pass breakups.
San Diego State:
Keshawn Banks DL *
Jordon Brookshire QB
Mark Salazar QB
Isaiah Richardson WR
Jordan Byrd RB
Rashad Scott S
Chance Bell RB *
Darren Hall CB *
Kaegun Williams RB
Connor McBride FB
BJ Busbee WR
Seyddrick Lakalaka LB *
Adonis Brown S
Kyle Continente K
Caden McDonald LB *
Connor Mitchell DL *
Josh Raab LS
Chris Martinez OL *
Jonah Tavai DL
Alama Uluave OL
Desmond Bessent OL
Jalen Booth OL
Ethan Dedeaux WR
Alex Wilson TE
Koby Duru WR
Daniel Bellinger TE *
Kahi Neves DL
Kobe Smith WR *
Elijah Kothe WR
Matt Araiza K/P *
Carson Baker QB *
Zidane Thomas RB
Cedarious Barfield CB
Allan Mwata S
TyRee Bracy CB
Andrew Alves FB
Jesse Matthews WR *
Josh Bornes LB
Daniel Okpoko DL
Justin Yi OL
Sam Hines DL
William Dunkle OL *
TJ Sullivan WR
Cameron Thomas DL *
Players to Watch:
Kobe Smith: Smith was the leader on offense last year in terms of total yardage as a wide receiver. On 58 receptions he had 691 yards (11.9 ypc average) and 4 TDs. He is easily identified on the field as he is 6’2, 190lbs, and he wears the number 92. If he has a solid season or two he could get some consideration at the next level.
Keshawn Banks: I am looking for Banks to have another solid season in 2020 as he did in 2019. The 2019 Second Team All-Mountain West Defensive End led the Aztecs with 13.5 TFLs, and also had 41 total tackles, and 4.5 sacks. He reminds me of Michael Bennett, and I see value for him as both a 4-3 End or a 3-4 End or even a 3-4 Edge at the next level.
University of New Mexico:
Shaddrick Lowery S
Antonio Hunt CB
Blake Wells WR
Justin Harris DL
Daevon Vigilant RB
Bryson Carroll RB *
Tevaka Tuioti QB *
Eric Cuffee CB
Brandt Hughes QB
Nico Bolden S
Jonah Leyva WR
Kentrail Moran RB
Nic Wilson CB
Micah Gray RB
Bobby Cole RB
Joshua Woisi LB
Langston Murray DL *
Radson Jang OL
Hayden Wilson OL
Brad Murphy OL
Andrew Shelley K *
Lawrence “L.O.” Johnson RB
Donte Martin CB
Trae Hall QB
Cedric Patterson III WR
Ben Bertram DL
Josh Foley RB
George Steinkamp K
Colston Chacon OL
Justice Spates OL
Louis Harden DL
Donovan Murphree P/K
Players to Watch:
Bryson Carroll: Bryson Carroll heads into the 2020 season as the top Running Back, and possibly the top offensive weapon on the team as he was number 2 in total yards in 2019 with 548 yards and that was as the backup Running Back. Last year he was also the teams top kick returner as he had 245 yards on 8 returns. If he has a solid year with his increased reps as a starter, he could prove that he can give any team solid value as a depth Running Back and return man in the NFL.
Andrew Shelley: Sticking with special team threats, Andrew Shelley is the Lobo’s starting kicker and top point scorer with 61 points scored in 2019. On extra points, Shelley was good for 83.3% and on Field Goals he was 12 for 16 (75%). His career long is a 52 yarder, which came in 2019.
UNLV:
Drew Tejchman DB
Randal Grimes WR *
Alex Perry DB
Tyleek Collins WR
Noah Bean TE *
Marckell Grayson QB
Jeremy Clark WR
Tavai Tuitasi DL
Bryce Jackson DB *
Tre Caine DB
Austin Ajiake LB
Chad Magyar RB
Jamaal Neal FB
Ryan Tantum OL
Eliel Ehimare DL
Justice Oluwaseun OL *
Jalen Graves DL *
Chris Manoa DL
Phillip Hill DB
Kenyon Oblad QB *
Malakai Salu LB *
Malcolm Johnson LB
Royce Danielson DL
Tim Mosley DL
Noah McGregor DL
Evan Silva K *
Amani Trigg-Wright OL
Bryan Catchings OL *
Eric Brown OL
Michael Bray OL
Patrick Ballard WR
Adam Meyer TE
Shelton Zeon III TE
Tyler Yoder TE
Players to Watch:
Randal Grimes: UNLVs top receiver from 2019 will be back to put up solid numbers again in 2020. Grimes had 696 yards receiving and 7 TDs, on 44 receptions last year. The 6’4, 205lbs Las Vegas native was originally a 4-star recruit for the USC Trojans but transferred home to play for the Rebels after 2 years in Los Angeles.
Kenyon Oblad: Oblad was expected to compete for the second QB spot on the roster last year, but he ended up taking over the starting job and doing a fairly solid job at the helm of the UNLV offense. At 6’3” 190, he has solid height but will need to put on some weight before heading to the next level. Last season the pocket passer threw for 2,081 yards on 308 attempts. He will need to improve his accuracy as he only threw for 54.2 completion percentage. He also was 18-9 in terms of TD to INT ratio, and he had a 124.4 passer efficiency rating.
Nevada:
Devonte Lee RB
Tyson Williams DB *
Romeo Doubs WR *
Crishaun Lappin TE
Jordan Lee DB *
James Fotofili LB *
Cole Turner WR
Christian Swint DB
JoJuan Claiborne DB
Toa Taua RB *
Aundre Carter RB
Terrell Johnson RB
Erick Kroll LB
Trevor Price LB
Lamin Touray LB *
Sheldon Wilkinson LB
Jaden Lewis DE
Amir Johnson DE
Aaron Frost OL *
Gray Davis OL *
Trey Price OL
Moses Landis OL
Mikael Bradford DB
Dom Peterson DE *
Emany Johnson DB
Hamish McClure QB
Carson Strong QB *
Jaden Dedman DB
Jack Powers LB
Giovanni Miranda LB
Daniel Grzesiak TE
Eric Fellenzer P *
Ryan Madole LB
Christopher Love OL
Jack Bolduc OL
Trey Hamilton OL
Austin Ortega LS
Will Barnard WR
Carson Walters WR
Players to Watch:
Toa Taua: Toa Taua was the 2019 season leader on offense as a dual threat running back. Although his average per carry is not great, he ran for 807 yards and 6 TDs on 196 attempts. He also added 185 yards on 30 receptions, to bring his total offensive yardage to 992. He also provided some value in the return game as he had 110 yards on 5 kick returns.
Tyson Williams: On the defensive side of the ball, the Wolfpacks leader in 2019 was Defensive Back Tyson Williams. Last year his stat line was 85 total tackles, 2 TFLs, 1 INT, and 7 pass breakups. He is a bit undersized for what I prefer at the safety position, but I could see value in him at the next level as a slot defender or in the CFL as a Defensive Halfback.
Fresno State:
Jordan Mims RB
LJ Early DB
Nikko Thomas DL
Tim Anderson OL
Raymond Pauwels Jr. TE
David Perales DL
Patrick Elima-Jeune WR
Chris Gaston DB *
Wylan Free DB *
Jake Haener QB *
Chris Coleman WR
Isaiah Johnson DL *
Danny Velasquez QB
Zane Pope WR *
Asa Fuller K
Richard Cage LB
Kurtis Brown DL
Cameron Lamanuzzi LB
Alex Cruz DE
Quireo Woodley OL *
Dontae Bull OL *
Rory Hanson TE
Jacob Hollins LB
Jevon Bigelow RB
Emoryie Edwards WR *
Ben Wooldridge QB
Sherwin King Jr. LB
Rian Fields LB
Steven Comstock DB
Alex Dumais DL *
Carson King P *
Tyrone Sampson Jr. OL
Leonard Payne Jr. DL
Matt Kjeldgaard DL
Marc-David Bien-Aime OL
Erik Brooks WR
Jared Torres TE
Matt Lawson DL
Players to Watch:
Zane Pope: The number one receiver on the Bulldogs roster last season was none other than Zane Pope, a 6’2 191lbs receiver out of Moorpark, Calif. In Fresno State’s run first offense, Pope had 525 receiving yards on 47 receptions and added 1 TD. Look for him to improve in his Junior season in 2020.
Dontae Bull: For the first time on all of our Players to watch lists we have a Canadian who I am super excited about! Dontae Bull is the starting Right Tackle for the Bulldogs and helped the Bulldogs offense go for over 4,500 total yards last season. The line as a total also only allowed 2 sacks all year. If he is not drafted in the NFL draft, or even signed as a UDFA, I have high hopes that the 6’6” 324lbs road grater will be a CFL Draft pick.
Boise State:
Ezekiel Noa MLB *
Chase Cord QB
Marques Evans CB
Aisa Kelemete DE *
Roman Kafentzis DB
Tyreque Jones DB *
A.J. Smith S
Daniel Cantrell LS
Shane Irwin DL
John Ojukwu OL *
Damon Cole CB
Khalil Shakir WR *
Andrew Van Buren RB
Scale Igiehon NT *
Brandon Hawkins LB
Riley Smith TE
Maclaine Griffin WR
Zach Matlock QB
Billy Bowens WR
Tyric LeBeauf CB
Chris Mitchell CB
Danny Smith RB
Demitri Washington EDGE *
Dylan Herberg EDGE
Dalton Lins OL
DJ Schramm MLB
Kekaniokoa Holomalia-Gonzalez OL *
Scott Matlock DT
Dallas Holliday OL
Stefan Cobbs WR
Kaden DeLuna TE
Tyneil Hopper TE
Connor Riddle WR
Jackson Cravens DT *
Ryan Meyer K
Keeghan Freeborn NT
Players to Watch:
Khalil Shakir: Weapon is how I would describe watching Khalil Shakir. I am expecting another huge year from him once we get back to football. In 2019 Shakir was a threat both as a receiver, which is his main position, but also provided value in the running game. Receiving wise he had 872 yards and 6 TDs on 63 receptions and on the ground, he added 66 yards on 19 attempts and 3 TDs. I view him as a starting slot receiver in the NFL.
Demitri Washington: Washington has huge shoes to fill in 2020 as he is taking over for the departed Evan Weaver who left for the NFL. At 6’3” 254 he has the right size to be a 3-4 Edge at the next level, and if he can have a solid season it will help his case to be a draft pick next April. In 2019 he had 33 total tackles, 5.5 TFLs, 4.5 sacks, 1 fumble recovery and 1 forced fumble as a backup.
New Mexico State:
Devlin Kirklin S
Jonah Johnson QB
Lazarus Williams DE
Justice Powers WR
Daemahni Williams CB
Xavier Hinkle CB
Donavan King DL
Camden Chustz OL
Stephawn Townsend OL
Chris Bell DB
Cameron Matthews QB *
Terrell Warner WR
Tevis Abraham WR
Marcus Buckley DL *
Eli Anderson RB
O’Maury Samuels RB
Austin Reeves LS
Matthew Young LB
Eric Marsh LB
Dylan Grant LB
David Ash OL
Blake Walker OL
Trevor Brohard LB *
Lawrence Dixon WR
Rich Hall S
Devin Richardson LB *
Luke Wilson QB
Naveon Mitchell RB
Xzavier Guyton DB
Mike Edwards DL *
Josh Carlson P
Alex Escobar RB
Taylor Milton LB
Tyler Roebuck LB
Isaiah Mursalat OL *
Jacob Franklin LB
Max Wilhite OL *
Justin Segura DL
Evan Tafoya-Vallo OL *
Ivan Avina DB
Ethan Albertson K
Players to Watch:
Devin Richardson: As with the seniors, there is not too many studs to watch from the 2-10 2019 New Mexico State Aggies, but on defense I would keep an eye on Devin Richardson. Last season he put up solid numbers as he 69 total tackles, 3 TFLs, 2 sacks, and 3 forced fumbles. He could be a solid day 3 Edge if he puts up solid numbers this season.
Max Wilhite: On the offensive side of the ball we have Max Wilhite, the shot caller on the Offensive Line. At 6’4” 300lbs he has a solid frame for a center and if he plays well maybe he can be a day 3 pick.
Colorado State:
Jadon Walker WR
Justice McCoy QB
E.J. Scott WR
Christian Cumber DB
Adonis Rufran DB
Corte Tapia TE
Cam Reddy OL *
Luis Lebron OL
Barry Wesley OL *
John Blasco, Jr. OL
Rashad Ajayi DB *
Dequan Jackson LB *
Quinn Brinnon DB
Tywan Francis DB
Cam’ron Carter LB *
Thomas Pannunzio WR
Trey McBride TE *
Ross Reiter LS *
Devin Phillips DL *
Malcolm Magee RB
A’Jon Vivens WR
Mikell Harvey DB
Logan Ludwig WR
Ryan Lynch WR
Hunter Williams RB
Troy Golden LB
David Aggrey RB
Brandon Derrow DL
Ches Jackson OL *
Rushton Roberts DL
Kavesz Sherard OL
Florian McCann OL
Blake Householder OL
Gary Williams TE
Huck Vollmar LS
Players to Watch:
Trey McBride: McBride is one of the top Tight Ends heading into the 2021 NFL Draft, but he is more of a Flex Tight End than your traditional inline blocker. In 2019 he had 45 receptions for 560 yards and 4 TDs, in an offense that spread the ball around lots. If he has another solid season, I see him as a Day 2 pick.
Dequan Jackson: Jackson was a solid contributor for the Ram’s defense last season. He had 87 total tackles, 6.5 TFLs, 1.5 sacks, and 2 fumble recoveries. He will need to put on some weight to hope to get to the pros.
Air Force:
Warren Bryan QB
Corvan Taylor DB *
Rodney Higdon DB
Jakeem Patrick RB
Vince Sanford OLB
David Eure DB *
Timothy “Duval” Jackson FB *
TD Blackmon ILB *
Omar Fattah FB
Brandon Gooding OLB
Christopher Herrera DL
Noah Bush ILB
Joe Moore OL
Grant Young LB
Jacob Miller OL
Kris Campbell OL
Benjamin Mercer OL
Isaac Cochran OL
Jake Spiewak WR *
DeAndre Hughes WR
Nokoa Pauole DL
Tevye Schuettpelz-Rohl K *
Jacob Goldberg LS
Players to Watch:
Timothy Jackson: The only proven underclassman on the 2020 Air Force team is Duval Jackson, the fullback in their triple option offense. Like I said in my article discussing the seniors, who knows if these Air Force players ever get to go pro after they serve their time in the military, but Jackson could become a solid H-Back type player. The 6’3” 190 pounder ran for 745 yards on 122 attempts and 6 TDs last year. Look for him to have another solid season in 2020.
