The 2022 College football season is officially underway after an outstanding couple of weeks of games to open the season with Weeks 0 and 1. In today’s article, I will mention some notable player performances based on those who stood out from my initial TOP 50 rankings within the first two weeks of the college football season. Later today, I will mention the players I believe will need to step up their level of play after subpar performances, as well as new players who have caught my attention that, should they continue their initial level of play, will most likely be a part of my future 2023 NFL Draft prospect rankings. I will even bring you some names that have stood out to pay attention to ahead of the 2024 NFL Draft! So, here are the players who have stood out from the first two weeks:
STANDOUT PROSPECTS OF WEEKS 0-1
PARIS JOHNSON JR, Left Tackle, Ohio State (Junior) – Absolutely dominated the edge rushers from Notre Dame, including highly touted and potential 2023 first-rounder EDGE Rusher Isaiah Foskey. Keep in mind that this was Johnson Jr.’s first game transitioning from playing right guard in 2021 to playing Left Tackle this year. He showed tremendous stop power at the line of scrimmage, excellent hand placement on run blocks and in pass protection, and he also showed the mobility to seal off second-level defenders. I’m excited for his growth throughout the season!
JALEN CARTER, Defensive Tackle, Georgia (Junior) – 1 tackle vs Oregon doing this 😬:
Enough said! If you want more details on Jalen Carter, click here to see my past article on him before the season started.
BRYAN BRESEE, Defensive Tackle, Clemson (Redshirt Sophomore) – 4 tackles, 0.5 sacks, a lot of disruption in the Georgia Tech backfield. Bresee came back from an early season-ending injury in 2021 with a banner performance versus Georgia Tech, controlling the line of scrimmage and disrupting the Yellow Jackets’ backfield! I believe he will only get better with his combination of size, strength, quickness, and pass rush moves from the interior.
PETER SKORONSKI, Left Tackle, Northwestern (Junior) – Outstanding display of technique, balance, footwork, and stopping power versus edge defenders and linebackers for Nebraska in Dublin Ireland where the Cornhuskers did not record a sack and he was vital to the Wildcats’ running game gaining over 200 yards rushing.
C.J. STROUD, Quarterback, Ohio State (Redshirt Sophomore) – Showed off outstanding arm talent in the clutch to make key throws after a rough start vs the Notre Dame defense. Really gutsy and clutch performance versus a really good defense, and to rally Ohio State back even while losing Jaxon Smith-Njigba to an early game injury.
WILL ANDERSON JR, Edge Rusher, Alabama (Junior) – Don’t need to say much, this is Will Anderson Jr. doing Will Anderson jr things. Just check out this monster hit in the backfield versus Utah State😮 :
BRYCE YOUNG, Quarterback, Alabama (Junior) – With a completely new stable of wide receivers and running backs, he threw for 5 passing touchdowns and ran for 100 yards on 5 carries and a rushing touchdown. Looks like another Heisman campaign is brewing for Young.
ZAY FLOWERS, Wide Receiver, Boston College (Senior) – Dominated the Rutgers secondary with 10 catches for 117 yards and two touchdowns. Watching him running routes, catching the football, and evading tacklers after the catch with his blazing speed and elite quickness reminds me so much of a young Antonio Brown.
TRENTON SIMPSON, Linebacker, Clemson (Junior) – 8 tackles vs Georgia Tech. Looked extremely comfortable playing in the box compared to playing in the slot last year, thanks to the emergence of Barrett Carter (please remember that name! 👌). Simpson really excelled at making tackles in space versus Georgia Tech and eliminating the middle of the field. He was extremely rangy in both phases and really looked like the best athlete on the field.
BJ OJULARI, Edge Rusher, LSU (Junior) – 5 tackles, 1 sack, a lot of pressure on the quarterback, and plays in the backfield. His speed really stood out and look for him to have more dominant performances for the Geaux Tigers!
BRODERICK JONES, Left Tackle, Georgia (Junior) – Consistently jolted and drove back defenders on run blocks and pass protection, and made a lot of key blocks in space at the second and third levels of the Oregon Ducks defense.
