Liam Blutman's Power 4 College Football Notes
Todd Kirkland. Getty Images.Sup. A lot of you asked for my college football notes that I took for Unnecessary Roughness and our preview podcasts. So here's all my notes on teams from the Power 4 conferences as well as some of my predictions. Hope you enjoy…
ACC
Boston College
Jerand Bradley is a highly skilled and athletic jump ball catching menace who could break out in a big way, Texas Tech transfer
Solid backfield with Kye Robichaux and Treshaun Ward
EDGE Donovan Ezeiruaku will play on Sunday’s, violent finisher with innate twitch
CB Bryquice Brown is the brother of NBA Champion, Bruce Brown. Gifted athlete, he’s feisty.
Cal
Jaydn Ott is one of the premier players in the country. Elite dual threat rusher and receiver who displays ridiculous contact balance and killer top speed. He’s the real deal
Clemson
Tyler Brown, explosive wideout who broke out as a true freshman last fall with 52 for 531 and 4. Playmaker with sure hands and dangerous after the catch ability that we’ll see more of this season
Peter Woods FLASHED as an 18-year old in the ACC trenches. Bright future that is sure to include being a first round pick. Powerful people mover with quickness.
TJ Parker is another guy who proved to be a problem as a true freshman, he’s mad quick with great footwork and a lethal first step, has active/strong hands, and will also be a first rounder when it’s all said and done.
Duke
Lost a lot and now have Manny Diaz leading the charge…
I’m most intrigued to see how Maalik Murphy plays
I still really like the secondary which features Joshua Pickett, Chandler Rivers, Terry moore, and Jaylen Stinson
Florida State
Excited to see true freshman Kam Davis play. HS QB that was always going to play RB in college. Has NFL size already at 5-foot-10, 220 lbs.
I would highly suggest buying stock in WR Hykeem Williams. Has already proved his worth in run blocking and is sure to demand targets this season. 6-foot-2, 208 lb threat with remarkable athleticism and dangerous after the catch ability with fast and immaculate footwork
Patrick Payton is a monster. Elite frame + arm length. Stellar disruptor, always makes it tough for QB to throw over him.
Georgia Tech
Transfer TE from Yale, Jackson Hawes is a 6’5”, 253 lb target who is sure to be coveted by NFL scouts. Sure hands in that big frame that helps him be such a threat in the RZ and a very tough tackle after the catch.
Louisville
WR trio of Chris Bell, Ja’Corey Brooks, and Caullin Lacy is fascinating
But how well can Tyler Shough sling it? Can he lead them to being a high powered aerial attack?
Miami (FL)
Damari Brown’s growth is extremely important to monitor. 6-foot-2, 195 lb CB with big time physical tools. Long arms give WR’s trouble.
NC State
Grayson McCall entering the mix in a high level conference is sick. Accurate and confident. Needs a bit more arm strength and zip on the ball when throwing vertically.
Noah Rogers and Kevin Concepcion can be a nasty 1-2 punch at WR. Two young guys who have seemingly unlimited potential.
I like Aydan White a lot at CB
North Carolina
WR room looking for a true WR1 who can provide big play value every week
Pitt
Keep tabs on Jaremiah Anglin Jr. at CB, Kentucky transfer
6-foot-1, Kenny Johnson will be a star breakout this season. I also like Zion Fowler-El in that WR room.
SMU
Preston Stone is that dude. Makes throws to all areas of the field, confident and poised. Underrated legs to help keep plays alive. A good ole gunslinger who can play in the NFL.
Stanford
Elic Ayomanor is a big play machine. Pride of Medicine Hat, Alberta, Canada. Receiving plenty of NFL buzz and rightfully so, at 6-foot-2, 210 lbs, he’s got a massive catch radius and is blessed with fast churning feet that leave DB’s in a cloud of dust.
Syracuse
Late transfer from CSU, Justus Ross-Simmons can provide Syracuse with a fascinating vertical threat as long as Kyle McCord can make the throws.
Pass catching weapon Oronde Gadsden II is a freak athlete who is a threat everywhere on the field. Makes highlight reel grabs all the time.
Virginia
Malachi Fields has the potential to be a difference maker. 6-foot-4 contested catch dude and constant vertical threat.
Virginia Tech
Kyron Drones has a cannon plus great legs. Very intriguing arm thanks to being so dangerous deep.
Da’Quan Felton, Ali Jennings, and Jaylin Lane are all older receivers who can win in numerous ways.
Dorian Strong is a baller, elite.
Wake Forest
Hank Bachmeier is QB1
Donavon Greene is a 6-foot-2 WR who has dealt with injuries but has plenty of potential. College career is coming to a close so this is a massive season for him and his NFL dreams. Takes really good strides.
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Predictions
Champion - FSU
Title Game - FSU > Va Tech
Player of the Year - Kyron Drones
Coach of the Year - Brent Pry
Disappointing Team - Miami (FL)
Surprise Team - Va Tech
Worst Team - UVA
Wild Card - SMU
Big 12
Arizona
Noah Fifita and Tetairoa McMillan are a premier QB/WR duo as well as Podcast hosts
Fifita undersized at 5’10” but makes up for it in so many ways. Excellent vs the blitz and is terrific in the pocket. Cool, calm, and collected. Sticks in there and is more than willing to take hits in order to make a play. Tough. Missile thrower who has a sublime deep ball
McMillan is a big 6’5” target with freak athleticism, remarkable body control, and sticky hands. Fifita raves about
Starting LT Raymond Pulido is unavailable this season
Tacario Davis is a shining star at CB. Just 20 years old and could very well be a top 15 pick thanks to his 6’3”ish stature which is complimented by great physical tools, lengthy arms, range, and speed. He’s so good in man coverage and recorded 7 PBU’s and allowed just 3 catches on 16 targets in man. Recorded 14 PBU’s on the season.
Arizona State
Loaded RB room with Cam Skattebo, DeCarlos Brooks, Alton McCaskill, and Raleek Brown
Baylor
Dequan Finn’s exciting play style with his athleticism and speed will be on full display
Excited to see if Michael Trigg can find his game here
Underrated name on this offense is Ashtyn Hawkins from Texas State. Flashy footwork and big time speed, he’s a menace after the catch but can do so much more. Killed it in spring camp and showcased his contested catch ability and reliable hands. Smaller at 5’10”, 170, but he’s a late round NFL Draft prospect for sure.
BYU
Chase Roberts is a stud who caught my eye during the Baylor Friday night game in 2022. Sure handed and tracks the ball very well. Added muscle in off-season.
Cincinnati
Brendan Sorsby at QB1 on a Scott Satterfield coached team.
Best player, Dontay Corleone dealing with blood clots. Disruptive and dominant player, hope he's healthy.
Colorado
Travis Hunter and Shedeur Sanders headline things here.
I like the Dallan Hayden pickup and he’ll be a threat. Jimmy Horn Jr. at WR another threat, so much speed.
Will Sheppard is going to be a problem. I feel like people aren’t aware just how good he is and that’ll happen when you play at Vandy. Smooth route-runner who rarely makes mistakes and is superb at the point of attack.
LaJohntay Wester is another very good addition to the offense who ironically would have fit in beautifully with Sean Lewis’ system. Big play machine thanks to elite speed and shiftiness.
Houston
Donovan Smith has so many tools but can he put it together? There are people who seem to think he’s a legit R1 prospect and while I like the guy and enjoy watching him… I just don’t see that at all especially when he’s playing on a team like this. Big size at 6’5”, 235 with a strong arm and a lot of physical tools but there’s an accuracy and decision making issue that really shows up in big moments.
I’ll be monitoring true freshman WR Koby Young
Iowa State
Dangerous team
Fun offense featuring Isaiah Alston’s freak athleticism, Jaylin Noel’s speed, Jayden Higgins’ reliability, and a soon to be top RB in the country… Abu Sama III
Abu Sama III is a menace who consistently hits top speeds and possesses lethal explosiveness. He’s a big play waiting to happen and does that with elite vision, immaculate footwork, and such great patience before hitting that hole and killing defenses. It won’t be long until this kid will be one of the most talked about players in the country.
Jalen Travis is a major breakout candidate at LT, transfer from Princeton that is worthy of a lot of NFL Draft hype
Secondary is oozing with high caliber talent in the form of:Jontez Williams, Myles Purchase, Jeremiah Cooper, Beau Freyler, and Malik Verdon
Kansas
Offense will be so much fun to watch with the speed of Jalon Daniels and Devin Neal. It’s hard to find a more fun QB/RB duo.
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Cobee Bryant isn’t just a shutdown corner in coverage, he’s also really really good in run support and is a secure tackler
Kansas State
Avery Johnson pushed Will Howard out of town for a reason and I’m stoked for a lot of people to stop doubting and quickly recognize that this kid is the real deal. Has elite speed and a live arm. A simple yet dangerous combination that will keep defenses up late at night.
Love the DJ Giddens/Dylan Edwards 1-2 punch in the backfield
A lot of talent and speed in the WR room with Keagan Johnson, Dante Cephas, Sterling Lockett, Jayce Brown, and Tre Spivey
Oklahoma State
Ollie Gordon II… GOOD!
Big fan of CB Cam Smith. Fluid and technically sound, high caliber instincts.
Kendal Daniels is a joy to watch at safety due to his violent style of play where the 6’4”, 235 lb stature is ever so daunting.
TCU
I heavily recommend investing in true sophomore RB Cam Cook who will build a heavy following. Former track star who has quick, innate footwork and loves the jump-cut but even more so the spin move. Lacks top end elite speed but has more than enough explosiveness and is such a tough runner who is difficult to tackle at 5’11”, 195 lbs
Texas Tech
Gonna be a fun watch
Behren Morton is a gunslinger who plays an entertaining brand of football. Dealt with a shoulder injury last fall and will be back to his regular throwing motion in 2024. Throws a heater and gets it all over the yard.
WR room has a lot of talent with Josh Kelly, Drae McCray, Coy Eakin, and future star Micah Hudson
TE’s Mason Tharp and the specimen that is Jalin Conyers will be very impactful players as well.
Tahj Brooks strives to become more of an all-around back. He’s tough and hard nosed, has that bowling ball build and has a lethal side step that makes him almost impossible to tackle, you need multiple guys to get him on the ground.
UCF
Important question: Is KJ Jefferson good?
Stellar 1-2 punch at RB with RJ Harvey’s speed and Peny Boone’s ruggedness
Utah
The Cam Rising and Brant Kuithe connection will be on display for the 19th consecutive season
Dorian Singer is a huge addition to the offense, needs a bounceback year after a bizarre 2023 season at USC where he started hot with 2 TDs in the first 3 games then fell out of sorts. Never really meshed and it’s crazy cause he’s got great size, is a plus athlete, outstanding hands and concentration skills. I’m all in on a revival of Singer’s stock
Junior Tafuna is a brute force in the trenches that can dictate the run game
Zemaiah Vaughn is a 6’2”, 187 lb corner who stems from a QB in HS background where he was a dangerous dual threat who committed to Lamar. Prolific combo of size, speed, and length. Has long, overwhelming arms, makes life so difficult for WR’s. Like his instincts and combative style of play. Will be a draft riser.
West Virginia
Jaheim White and CJ Donaldson are a silly good backfield with so much speed, and explosiveness. White is smaller at 5’7” and puts defenders into a blender with his footwork. Donaldson is 6’2”, 238 lb and a former TE who is a tough, nasty runner with an exceptional blend of size, speed, and toughness. Those feet never stop churning.
Predictions
Champion - Utah
Title Game - Utah > Kansas State
Player of the Year - Abu Sama III
Coach of the Year - Kyle Whittingham
Disappointing Team - Oklahoma State
Surprise Team - Iowa State
Worst Team - Cincinnati
Wild Card - Arizona
Big Ten
Illinois
Love that they’ve got Zakhari Franklin on this team. He worked with Illini OC Lunney at UTSA, there’s a strong connection there and he’ll mesh in seamlessly with this offense. 6’1” with high level ball skills, prolific concentration, and plenty of production under his belt.
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I like Matthew Bailey at safety a lot. Was a stud as a true freshman in 2022 but flew well under the radar despite 3 INT’s, missed pretty much all of 2023 due to injury. When he’s on the field he’s a playmaking pest who makes his teammates better and haunts offenses. You’ll hear this kids name a lot in 2024 and beyond, NFL dude.
Indiana
Curt Cignetti comes in here with a ton of transfers and a winning mindset, it’s all he does.
A lot to like with Indiana and the passing attack is the core of why.
Kurtis Rourke is a proven field general with a great arm and precise balls are consistent within his game. WR Miles Cross comes over with him from Ohio, the WR corps also has weapons in Donaven McCulley, Elijah Sarratt, Myles Price, and Ke’Shawn Williams, Omar Cooper Jr. Even TE Zach Horton is a threat.
Iowa
It’s Iowa but Tim Lester is the OC and not Brian Ferentz
Luke Lachey is the crowned jewel of the offense. NFL TE with size, speed, and power. Gets after it in all aspects.
I love Xavier Nwankpa at Safety. Super rangy at 6’2”, 215 and is so impressive in zone.
Maryland
Hoping this is the year that Shaleak Knotts breaks out. 6’2”, 188 lb WR who was a big recruiting win a few years ago but just has 12 catches going into his junior season. Natural separator who needs to improve on finishing. Red-Zone threat.
Tai Felton and Kaden Prather are dang good wideouts as well. Just a good core on this team but how good and accurate can MJ Morris be?
Roman Hemby is a good RB but boy am I excited to see true freshman DeJuan Williams tote the rock whether it’s this fall or in the future. Was a highly coveted recruit who has a track and field sprinting background. Lightning quick with plus vision.
Michigan
A lot of doom and gloom surrounding the program as the 2024 season arrives, even after winning a National Title
Will Johnson is one of the premier players in football, a dominant do it all corner who profiles as a high end NFL prospect
Colston Loveland rocks. Such fluid movement and change of direction, plus athlete at 6’5”, 245 lbs. 100% an NFL TE
Michigan State
Aidan Chiles is the truth. 6’3”, 217 lb gunslinger who moves very well. He’s fearless and throws a nice deep ball but also does a very good job of taking what the defense gives him and moving down the field.
Jack Velling is a TE to monitor at 6’5”, 244 lb who has two strong years of production at Oregon State under his belt. Jonathan Smith raves about him and is highly complimentary of his hands and separation. “He’s got a chance to be one of the best tight ends in the country.” And I completely agree with him.
Minnesota
Darius Taylor and Sieh Bangura will be a terrific RB duo. Both of ‘em possess big time power and more than enough speed. Marcus major, Jordan Nubin, and Fame Ijeboi are also going to be impactful RB’s.
Max Brosmer comes in at QB from New Hampshire and has fans in NFL circles. Wins with his intelligence and processing skills.
Aireontae Ersery is one of the top O-Linemen in CFB. Dominant and mobile. Is a key reason the Gophs ground game is so good, just moves people out of the way with ease. Potential first round pick.
Keep tabs on Justin Walley, in store for a big season.
Nebraska
Dylan Raiola wants to be Patrick Mahomes so bad
I think Jahmal Banks is a big, confident, and reliable weapon for the true freshman QB. Massive catch radius and terrific jump ball threat, outspoken and verbal leader.
Northwestern
David Braun got the most out of his team in 2023, can he repeat the magic in 2024?
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Ore Adeyi might just end up being the gem of this roster. 5’11”, 185 lb corner with a track and field background. Fast and scrappy style, breakout candidate to monitor.
Ohio State
Underrated name on the offense, Will Kacmarek who is a tough and rugged 6’6”, 260 lb TE with exceptional blocking talent, remarkable athleticism, and tough to bring down after the catch.
The addition of Caleb Downs to this roster is frightening, one of the very best players in the country now lurks in the Buckeyes secondary and will dictate play after play. An instinctual intellectual that can sniff out plays from a mile away
Oregon
Evan Stewart is one of the most gifted players in all the land. The game comes so easy for him and you can see that in the way he performs at his craft. Speed, burst, after the catch abilities, body control, hands, gigantic catch radius, a lethal release package that is complimented by savvy route-running. He can do it all and I’m stoked to see him play in Will Stein’s offense. He could be in store for a seismic season and is a true threat to win the Biletnikoff.
Love Ajani Cornelius at RT and I’ve spoken highly about him extensively
Ducks defense is scary and Jordan Burch is a big reason why but how about the secondary with key transfers in Brandon Johnson, Kobe Savage, and Jabbar Muhammad
Penn State
They need someone to step up and be a true WR1, who will it be? I don’t believe Julian Fleming can be that, I think the determined playmaker Harrison Wallace III has a better chance.
I still like and believe in Drew Allar, I just don’t think he’s necessarily set up for success here and that’s a big issue as it has been for past PSU QB’s.
The run game is an embarrassment of riches with Nick Singleton and Kaytron Allen but even Cam Wallace as well.
Abdul Carter is one of the most frightening players in the country, he’s violent and extremely quick/explosive. Game wrecker.
Purdue
Dillon Thieneman was a breakout true freshman that has a chance to be a legend at Purdue. His awards case is already large and for good reason, started in all 12 games and ranked 3rd in INT’s with 6 while also racking up 74 solo tackles.
Rutgers
Kyle Monangai is one of the more underrated backs in the country thanks to his vision, patience, and shiftiness. Very strong and so good after contact. Even gets active in pass pro
CFB Fans will love Jai Patel at kicker, long of 51
UCLA
Would love to see J. Michael Sturdivant get more involved in the offense, he should get over 70 catches and near double digit TD’s.
TJ Harden is such a nice RB. He’s quick, decisive, and powerful. Good long speed to breakaway.
USC
I like Miller Moss a ton. Impressive deep ball, great arm, scans the field well, and works from numerous arm angles. I think he does a superb job of moving around in the pocket and keeping his poise. Throws off his back foot well. Spectacular touch on his throws and gives receivers great opportunity to make high pointed contested grabs.
Zachariah Branch, Ja’Kobi Lane, Duce Robinson, and Makai Lemon are a grossly talented group of wideouts that are all true sophomores and have extremely high ceilings. Expect major years from them with Moss attacking all areas of the field and putting up tons of passing yards.
Branch is as explosive and quick as it gets
Lane is 6’4” with a monstrous catch radius
Lemon is dangerous with and without the ball in his hands, twitchy
Robinson is 6’6”, 220 lb and can hit 21 MPH. Big play machine.
Washington
It’s a much different Washington team than we saw last season. Jedd Fisch brought in plenty of transfers including Will Rogers
Been waiting on Denzel Boston for awhile and he’ll finally get his chance in 2024 after watching NFL WR’s get all the work ahead of him. 6’4”, 207 lbs with sure hands, good tracking, and solid speed.
Zach Durfee at EDGE is exciting and I’m happy he’ll finally get to play. 6’5”, 256 lb with plenty of juice and ferocity
Wisconsin
The Tanner Mordecai era is over but the Dairy Raid still goes on with Tyler Van Dyke taking over…
Jack Nelson is a phenomenal left tackle and deserves a ton of praise for his powerful, violent, mauler play style
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Predictions
Champion - Oregon
Title Game - Oregon > Ohio State. I’ll take the better coached team.
Player of the Year - Miller Moss. Don’t want to be like everyone else and choose the most popular pick. USC is gonna score a lot, air it out plenty, and Moss will benefit greatly. The spectacular Holiday Bowl performance helped him out a ton as people already know who he is now, he doesn’t have to work to make a name for himself. Passing yards, touchdown, completion %, big wins, hype, and bringing USC back to its normal stature in CFB could very well end with Moss at a ceremony in NYC, not just winning the B1G POTY.
Coach of the Year - Curt Cignetti
Most Disappointing Team - Penn State. James Franklin’s promised land is bringing Penn State to the land of disappointment. I believed last year and I was foolish to do so, it’s a great roster but that’s no different from any other year here. Andy Kotelnicki (KU) is a very intriguing OC hire and I’m excited to see how that pans out. If they win 9 games the season is a major disappointment and the ball is rolling right towards that number if they fall flat in the season opener at WVU. Franklin mentioned three times in a 15-minute press conference when Penn State “wins 10 or 11 games, people are unhappy.” Will be Franklin’s sixth offensive coordinator in 11 seasons.
Surprise Team - Indiana. I’ve talked about it before but man IU can start hot and I mean red hot. The first 8 or 9 games are winnable and they’ll be undervalued/underrated early on cause folks don’t know what to expect from this offense despite the fact it’s oozing with playmakers. Well coached team with tons of transfers, weapons, and confidence. I think they’ll win 8 or 9 games. 10 isn’t even out of the question.
Worst Team - Purdue. Probably a 3-4 win team. Just a lackluster roster and a brutal schedule which features just one guaranteed win vs Indiana State.
Biggest Wildcard Team - USC. I can see anywhere from 6-11 wins here. The downfall of Lincoln Riley’s teams have been on the defensive side of the ball, in steps D’Anton Lynn. They’ll be an aggressive and a lot more physical defense, actually tackle, and Lynn emphasizes getting into the QBs head with disguised coverages. Riley also added former Houston DC Doug Belk to coach DB’s and North Dakota State coach Matt Entz as AHC/LB.
SEC
Alabama
Can Jalen Milroe become a more polished and consistent passer with Kalen DeBoer’s guidance?
How much playing time does true freshman Ryan Williams get? The first win of DeBoer’s Alabama career was when he got Williams to follow through with coming to Alabama. 6’0”, 175 lb playmaking threat who can and will win in every area of the game. There’s a strong chance we’re watching a kid who will grow into one of the very best WRs in the world when it’s all said and done. Insanely smooth and fluid movement with such gifted athletic skills, phenomenal stop and start, immaculate hands, and all the confidence in the world. Hoping he’s a threat from day one.
Justice Haynes, Jam Miller, and Richard Young are 3 intriguing RB’s who all put on extra weight/muscle. Haynes is due for a huge breakout season, he’s got great burst and zooms out of his cuts with great speed, his contact balance is superb and he does a very good job of making dudes miss in compact spaces.
Big year ahead for Kadyn Proctor, time for him to show us that he’s the real deal. Love Tyler Booker at LG a ton. Parker Brailsford, Jaeden Roberts, and Elijah Pritchett solidify what I think will be a very very good unit. OL rocks.
Love Deontae Lawson at LB. Super smart and does an amazing job at dissecting plays and sniffing them out before they happen. Strong leader who elevates the rest of his team, will make a lot of money in the NFL for years to come.
Arkansas
Pretty solid core on offense with Taylen Green, Ja’Quinden Jackson, Andrew Armstrong, and Luke Hasz. Taylen is a gifted runner with gazelle like galloping, the hope is he becomes a much more polished passer who can complete more passes over the middle, consistently hit deep balls, and make defenses think about the pass a lot as opposed to just fearing his legs.
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True FR Braylen Russell is 6’1”, 253 lbs and could find opportunity in his first year. Yes, he’s a big fella but he’s also a tremendous athlete who played football, sprinted, and did shot put in high school. He’s got darn good footwork and can beautifully side step incoming tacklers with unexpected short area agility and captivating explosiveness.
Auburn
I want to see Sam Jackson V make some plays at WR after QB stints at TCU and Cal. Highly talented athlete with out of this world speed. Fun player who deserves a shot and some success.
Phenix City, AL has been known to produce some darn good football players and the belief is that true FR Cam Coleman is next up. 6’3”, 197 lb wideout who stole the show at A-Day by winning offensive MVP thanks to 4/92/1. Big, athletic, and fast with separation skills and natural hands? Ya… I’m all in. Oh and he turns 18 in just a few days, so think about how much more potential there is here. All in.
I’m buying stock in CB Kayin Lee who played in every game last year as a true FR. Freeze stated that Lee’s a NFL CB, he’s physical and has detailed technique.
Auburn secondary is full of guys hyping up RS FR JC Hart and raving about his speed, saying he’s the fastest guy on the team. He’s a 6’2”, 199 lb corner with long arms and that speed? I’m intrigued.
Florida
Can’t wait to watch DJ Lagway play football. Just hope it doesn’t come in an irresponsible manner that can damage his confidence… Napier will probably have to insert him halfway through the season to try and save his job. Nonetheless I can’t wait to watch Lagway throw to Aidan Mizell in 2025.
October 12th and on… @ Tennessee, Kentucky, Georgia, @ Texas, LSU, Ole Miss, @ FSU
Georgia
A lot of to like here but feel like the duo of Oscar Delp and Ben Yurosek at TE is flying under the radar. Delp at 6’5”, 245 lb has a large catch radius and is a great athlete. Former WR who can run routes at a high level. Yurosek at 6’4”, 245 lb moves very well, he’s a tough tackle after the catch thanks to plus speed. Also has really good hands and makes some solid contested grabs thanks to strong tracking ability. His great grandpa invented the baby carrot.
Tate Ratledge and Dylan Fairchild are a nasty Guard duo
Love Arian Smith’s build and think he can really turn into a more productive player. Just 20 catches in his career but averages 27 YPC, a blazing fast threat who deserves to get the ball in more ways than just the deep ball
Looking forward to seeing Julian Humphrey and Daylen Everette have massive years at CB. Humphrey dissects receivers routes very well, Everette has shadowed Kamari Lassiter in years past and teammates have talked up his football IQ.
Kentucky
A lot of speed at WR with Barion Brown and Ja’Mori Maclin (Jeremy’s cousin), then you’ve got Dane Key who is a certified dawg who is a major threat in the red-zone
JJ Weaver has 6 fingers on his right hand. Also happens to be a pretty good pass rusher.
LSU
Intriguing WR core, Kyren Lacy has phenomenal footwork and is killing it in camp, I’ve been waiting for Aaron Anderson to break out and this is finally the year. Brings plenty of juice, dynamic before and after the catch, get him touches down low and make sure to hit him deep too. CJ Daniels coming in from Liberty is super exciting, I could watch him play football all day long and think he’s gonna be playing on Sunday’s. Big time concentration, excellent catch radius, he’s so good dude.
Will Campbell is one of the best players in the country, lockdown left tackle
Young corners with true FR PJ Woodland and true SO Ashton Stamps. Lot of potential but things could be rocky early on as they get acclimated to the scene. But boy these two could be ELITE together in 2025, hopefully the transfer portal doesn’t kill that. They are savvy and technically sound, great at breaking up passes.
Mississippi State
Braylon Burnside is a 6’0”, 200 lb wideout from Starkville, track and field background and also played CB in HS. Folks rave about him being a vertical threat. Nicknamed Stonka (Tonka Trucks and Stanky)
Mizzou
Underrated transfer this cycle was the elusive RB from App State, Nate Noel. When healthy this guy can carve through a defense. Stellar stop-start, feet that never stop churning.
Luther Burden III rocks. The Biletnikoff favorite has it all. High caliber tracking, hands, route-running, speed, runs the whole route tree.
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Oklahoma
Gavin Sawchuk and Jovantae Barnes are a promising RB tandem even after Barnes’ unfortunate 2023 season. Sawchuk is a brutal tackle due to an aggressive running style. Venables has raved about Barnes’ explosiveness in camp and how he looks like he did in freshman year.
I really do like Jackson Arnold and I am beyond stoked to watch him play this year and beyond when he reaches the NFL. In the Alamo Bowl he had highs and lows but there was a lot that I came away impressed by. After a horrid start to the game, he calmed down, overcame adversity and delivered a pretty solid ball game despite the OL not doing him any favors. I’m confident in his arm and delivery, nice deep ball. I am also in awe of his stature in the pocket and just how calm and cool he looks back there. He looks the part and some of his cross body throws/throws to the other side of the field have me very excited for the future.
Ole Miss
Tre Harris and Antwane Wells woof… Harris with near flawless hands, Juice is a problem after the catch and has excellent contact balance. He braces for hits very well.
The front featuring Princely Umanmielen, JJ Pegues, Walter Nolen, and Jared Ivey is a big reason why this team is so highly thought of. A major improvement to the defensive side of the ball and just being a bigger, more physical front helps a ton.
South Carolina
Is world class athlete Nyck Harbor in store for a breakout season? Elite size and speed.
Jared Brown has been a #LiamGuy for a minute, caught my eye years ago at Coastal thanks to his ability to get from 0-100 in a hurry. Very happy to see him (hopefully) showcase a more all-around game and in the SEC to boot. A lot of money to be made here.
Speaking of money to be made, it’s a big year for Rocket Sanders who can redeem himself after a sluggish 2023 which features injuries. A bigger back at 6’0”, 230 lb but that’s smaller than the 6’2”, 242 lb he was listed at last year at Arkansas. A home-run threat that adds receiving ability. I like the guy and really hope he’s healthy and can get back on track to making it to the NFL.
DQ Smith can be a dude at safety as well. Like most good Gamecock DB’s, he’s physical and aggressive. He intends to play like a hunter searching for its prey.
Tennessee
James Pearce Jr. is imo the best player in the country, will make a strong case to be the No. 1 overall pick, and could very well be in the top 7 of Heisman voting. Offenses fear this guy for good reason, he’s 6’5”, 243 lb with freak athleticism, bend, scary good instincts, and has very long arms. Had 17 QB hurries and 12 sacks last year, heck a pick six as well. He is FAST, quick off the ball and POWERFUL.
Nico Iamaleava is on the cusp of becoming a star in our sport. Throws frozen ropes whether set up in the pocket or firing one on the run. Throws a really nice high pointed ball to the sideline. Moves so well, running threat at all times.
Cooper Mays is a rock at center.
Texas
CJ Baxter done for the year… so unfortunate. We’ll see Jaydon Blue take on a much bigger role now and he’s QUICK. Hit 22.3 MPH in game last season. I’m not sure if he can carry the bulk of the carries, look out for tr FR RB Jerrick Gibson who comes in at 5’10”, 205 lb and boasts a prolific stiff-arm. Bowling ball build with solid speed, hoping he gets a decent dose of touches.
Inexplicable levels of speed at WR with Matthew Golden, Isaiah Bond, Silas bolden, Johntay Cook II, and Ryan Wingo. The tr FR Wingo has star potential at 6’2”, 210 and I was blown away by him in the spring game. I’m investing a ton of stock into Wingo and recommend you do the same. Can run the whole route tree, will kill you vertically, and will give defenders fits after the catch.
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Very cool transfers on defense highlighted by two pests in Andrew Mukuba and Trey Moore.
Texas A&M
Cashius Howell at EDGE is FAST, really good dip and finish. Think he’s in store for a great year while not many are talking about him. Shoutout Jake from College Station for telling me to look into Howell’s profile
Vandy
Everyone is hyped about Diego Pavia taking over but boy am I hungry to see Nate Johnson get involved at QB and show off his speed and playmaking.
Loic Fouonji is sneaky good
Predictions
Champion - Georgia. Back to the top.
Title Game - Georgia > Alabama. New look SEC and it’s the same old matchup.
Player of the Year - James Pearce Jr. Will a defensive player win it? Dunno. But he’s the best player in the country and I’ll back that all day.
James Pearce Jr. is imo the best player in the country, will make a strong case to be the No. 1 overall pick, and could very well be in the top 7 of Heisman voting. Offenses fear this guy for good reason, he’s 6’5”, 243 lb with freak athleticism, bend, scary good instincts, and has very long arms. Had 17 QB hurries and 12 sacks last year, heck a pick six as well. He is FAST, quick off the ball and POWERFUL.
Coach of the Year - Kalen DeBoer. Year after year I’ve been a Kalen DeBoer guy and I’ll continue to be this year and beyond. I trust him to get Milroe right… if not then I’m cooked and just punted my Coach of the Year prediction.
Disappointing Team - Mizzou. I’m so sorry but it had to be somebody and while I really like Mizzou and Coach Drinkwitz… I’m gonna have to fade them here. There’s a lot of talk to make the playoff and heck even win the CFP but regression exists… The schedule fares well early with what should be 4 straight wins then a bye week. Can A&M pick them off in College Station right after? I’ll take Alabama in Tuscaloosa and Oklahoma in Columbia. That’d put them at 9 wins, can’t they get unexpectedly picked off by someone too? Think about a hungry Auburn team getting them in Mizzou right before the Alabama game which holds so much stake… or maybe South Carolina stuns em on November 16th? Who knows but I’m just gonna have to fade Mizzou here I’m sorry folks. Drink has gone 5-5, 6-7, 6-7, and 11-2 at Mizzou.
Surprise Team - Oklahoma. I’ll predict a 10-2 regular season which soars over the 7.5 win total. It won’t be long until people are talking a lot about Jackson Arnold’s NFL future.
Worst Team - Vandy.
Thank you for reading and/or listening to the podcast. Appreciate you all and thank you for caring about my CFB takes and stuff.