The first two weeks of the College Football season were not only a showcase for known commodities previously mentioned in my last two articles, but it also opened our eyes to players we might have heard were on the radar to emerge, or even players we didn’t pay attention to given the lack of spotlight. In this article, you will probably see a list of players who fall in both categories, so here is the list:
BREAKOUT STARS TO CONSIDER ON YOUR DRAFT RANKINGS
JARED VERSE (pictured above), Edge Rusher, Florida State (Redshirt Sophomore) – 7 tackles, 3 sacks in first two games, including 2 sacks and a blocked field goal in Primetime game vs LSU. One year after transferring from FCS school Albany university, he put on an absolutely dominant display versus a reputable SEC school like LSU. He definitely looked like a top NFL prospect, so don’t be surprised if you see his name come up in future mock drafts as a top 10-15 pick. He has the skillset and athletic tools to be an elite pass-rushing prospect!
ANTHONY RICHARDSON, Quarterback, Florida (Junior) – 168 passing yards, 106 rushing yards, and 3 rushing touchdowns, led the Gators’ offense to the game-winning drive in the 4th qtr. Although his passing numbers don’t jump, the way he moved around and threw against the Utes’ stout defense showed his Cam Newton/Josh Allen-type ceiling. This is my dark horse Heisman trophy winner and #1 overall pick for the 2023 NFL Draft if he keeps trending upwards.
VENTRELL MILLER, Linebacker, Florida (Senior) – 9 tackles, 0.5 tackles for loss 1 pass defended, made repetitive tackles in space on key downs and he displayed exceptional range whether chasing down ball carriers on run plays or receivers catching the football in the perimeter.
JACOBY WINDMON, Edge Rusher, Michigan State (Senior) – 8 QB pressures, 4.5 sacks, 1 forced fumble vs Western Michigan. Absolutely dominant performance in his first game following his transfer from UNLV. Displayed incredible motor and bend throughout the game and should be a major player for a Michigan State defense that needs to show they can stop elite offenses.
LUKE MUSGRAVE, Tight End, Oregon State (Junior) – 6 catches, 89 yards, 1 touchdown. Really looked fluid and dynamic against the Boise State Broncos secondary, particularly on that 27-yards seam route touchdown catch. I am looking forward to evaluating him more this season.
K.J. HENRY, Edge Rusher, Clemson (Senior) – 7 tackles, 2.5 tackles for loss, 1 sack, 1 forced fumble. Really impressed by the disruption created by the less heralded Clemson defensive linemen
CHASE BROWN, Running Back, Illinois (Junior) – The Canadian native leads the nation in rushing yards after two games with 350 on 6.4 yards per carry. Also part of Bruce Feldman’s 2022 freaks list. I am looking forward to watching more of his game as he seems to be an explosive and powerful runner that we should be paying more attention to.
DARNELL WASHINGTON, Tight End, Georgia (Junior) – 2 catches for 33 yards, including this highlight reel hurdle after the catch:
Please keep in mind this is a 6’7’’ 270 lbs gargantuan athlete doing this, and he was a devastating blocker on the edge versus the Oregon Ducks who neutralized every defender coming his way.
STETSON BENNETT, Quarterback, Georgia (Senior) – 368 yards passing, 2 passing touchdowns, 80.6% completion rate. Bennett put on a Heisman-worthy performance vs Oregon, and his mobility as well as the way he distributed the football is worth assessing a bit more about his pro potential despite his small stature.
Other noteworthy breakout performers: Gurvan Hall Jr, Safety, Utah St (Senior; leads the nation with 6 sacks!); Michael Hall Jr, DT, Ohio St (Redshirt Sophomore); Christopher Smith II, Safety, Georgia (Senior); Bryce Ford-Wheaton, WR, West Virginia (Junior)
