Weekend college football games were filled with excitement as previously unbeaten teams in the Pac-12 suffered defeats, including a thrilling showdown between Oregon and Washington that came down to the wire. But it wasn’t just the outcomes that caught attention; several players showcased their skills and solidified their positions as potential Day 2 selections in the upcoming NFL Draft. Explore the standout performances of players like Jase McClellan, T.J. Tampa, Charles Turner III, Cedric Gray, Sam Pinckney, Donovan Smith, Ja’Quan Sheppard, Brandon Porter, and Kedon Slovis in 2024 NFL Draft Risers & Sliders after CFB Week 7: Alabama RB McClellan, LSU’s Charles Turner give hope while BYU QB Kedon Slovis disappoints.
Weekend College Games Recap
The weekend of college games was filled with excitement and surprises, particularly in the Pac-12 conference.
Pac-12 Upsets
Two previously unbeaten Pac-12 teams suffered losses, creating a thrilling atmosphere for fans and spectators. One of the most memorable games was the showdown between Oregon and Washington, which came down to the final seconds. The intense competition showcased the competitiveness and talent within the conference.
Next-Level Prospects
Amidst the college games, several players showcased their skills and solidified their positions as potential Day 2 selections in the upcoming NFL Draft.
Jase McClellan – RB – Alabama
Jase McClellan, a running back for the Alabama Crimson Tide, played a crucial role in their victory over Arkansas. Despite a late shift away from the running game by the team’s coach, McClellan’s performance in the first half helped build a substantial lead. With his strong build and ability to gain yardage even after contact, McClellan is expected to be a solid middle-round pick for teams in need of a rotational running back.
T.J. Tampa – CB – Iowa State
T.J. Tampa has been a consistent force for the Iowa State Cyclones’ defense throughout the season. He has lived up to expectations and improved his game, making him a potential third-round pick. Tampa’s standout performance against Cincinnati, including an interception and multiple tackles, showcased his skills and impact on the field.
Charles Turner III – C – LSU
Charles Turner III has emerged as a top prospect among centers for the 2024 NFL Draft. His outstanding performance during LSU’s win over Auburn demonstrated his solid fundamentals, football intelligence, and tenacity. Despite initially receiving a fifth-round grade, Turner has proven himself as a third-round prospect.
Cedric Gray – LB – North Carolina
Cedric Gray has been a standout linebacker for the unbeaten North Carolina Tar Heels. His performance against the Miami Hurricanes, including interceptions and tackles, showcased his athleticism and versatility. Gray’s ability to contribute in multiple aspects of the game makes him a potential second-round pick in next year’s draft.
Sam Pinckney – WR – Coastal Carolina
Sam Pinckney, a fifth-year senior, opted to return for an extra year of eligibility and has made the most of it. His productive season with Coastal Carolina, including impressive performances against UCLA and Appalachian State, has solidified his status as a reliable receiver. With his physical attributes and reliable hands, Pinckney is comparable to other successful possession receivers in the NFL.
Donovan Smith – QB – Houston
Donovan Smith’s transfer to Houston has revitalized his football career. He has shown tremendous improvement and consistency, completing a high percentage of passes and demonstrating great poise on the field. Smith’s development and potential as both a pocket passer and an RPO quarterback make him an intriguing prospect to watch.
Ja’Quan Sheppard – CB – Maryland
Ja’Quan Sheppard has been steadily building a reputation as a sleeper prospect. Despite Maryland’s loss to Illinois, Sheppard’s performance, including multiple pass breakups, showcased his physicality and potential. With his size and continued improvement, Sheppard could potentially be a Day 2 pick in the draft.
Brandon Porter – WR – Incarnate Word
Brandon Porter, a small-school prospect, has caught the attention of scouts with his electrifying speed and playmaking ability. Despite previous injury concerns, Porter has consistently performed well and has the potential to be a slot receiver and punt returner at the professional level.
Kedon Slovis – QB – BYU
Kedon Slovis, a talented athlete with a history of inconsistency, has struggled to meet expectations throughout his college career. Despite transferring to BYU, Slovis has continued to face challenges in finding consistency in his game. While he has shown flashes of brilliance, his overall performance raises questions about his potential at the next level.
Player Highlights
Jase McClellan, RB, Alabama
Jase McClellan, a running back for the Alabama Crimson Tide, has been making waves with his impressive performances on the field. With his strong build and ability to pick up yardage even after contact, McClellan has become a key player for the team. His contributions in the running game have helped Alabama secure victories, and his skills make him a valuable asset for any team in need of a rotational running back.
T.J. Tampa, CB, Iowa State
T.J. Tampa has established himself as a standout cornerback for the Iowa State Cyclones. His consistent performances and ability to make impactful plays have caught the attention of scouts. With his strong coverage skills and playmaking ability, Tampa has the potential to be a valuable asset for any team in need of a talented cornerback.
Charles Turner III, C, LSU
Charles Turner III has emerged as a top prospect among centers in the upcoming NFL Draft. His outstanding performances for LSU have showcased his solid fundamentals, football intelligence, and tenacity on the field. Turner’s ability to hold his ground against highly rated defensive tackles has impressed scouts, and he has the potential to be a valuable addition to any team in need of a reliable center.
Cedric Gray, LB, North Carolina
Cedric Gray has been a standout linebacker for the North Carolina Tar Heels. His athleticism, versatility, and ability to make impactful plays have made him a key player for the team. Gray’s impressive performances, including interceptions, tackles, and quarterback hurries, have solidified his status as a top prospect in the upcoming NFL Draft.
Sam Pinckney, WR, Coastal Carolina
Sam Pinckney, a wide receiver for Coastal Carolina, has been making a name for himself with his impressive performances on the field. His ability to make big plays and his reliable hands have made him a go-to target for his team. Pinckney’s productivity and playmaking ability make him an exciting prospect for teams in need of a reliable wide receiver.
Donovan Smith, QB, Houston
Donovan Smith, a quarterback for the Houston Cougars, has been turning heads with his exceptional performances. His accuracy, poise, and ability to make clutch plays have been instrumental in his team’s success. Smith’s development and potential as both a pocket passer and an RPO quarterback make him an intriguing prospect for teams in need of a talented quarterback.
Ja’Quan Sheppard, CB, Maryland
Ja’Quan Sheppard, a cornerback for the Maryland Terrapins, has been steadily improving and gaining recognition as a sleeper prospect. His physicality, size, and ability to break up passes have made him a valuable asset for his team’s defense. Sheppard’s continued improvement and potential make him an intriguing prospect for teams in search of a cornerback with upside.
Brandon Porter, WR, Incarnate Word
Brandon Porter, a wide receiver from Incarnate Word, has been making a name for himself with his electrifying speed and playmaking ability. His ability to stretch the field and make big plays has caught the attention of scouts. Porter’s versatility as a receiver and return specialist make him an intriguing prospect for teams looking for a dynamic playmaker.
Kedon Slovis, QB, BYU
Kedon Slovis, a quarterback for BYU, has shown flashes of brilliance throughout his college career. Despite facing challenges and inconsistency, Slovis has demonstrated his potential as a talented athlete. His arm strength, accuracy, and ability to make difficult throws have impressed scouts. While there may be areas for improvement, Slovis remains a quarterback to watch for teams in need of a player with upside.
The college football weekend was filled with thrilling games and standout performances from NFL draft prospects. Alabama’s Jase McClellan showcased his skills as a running back, while T.J. Tampa of Iowa State proved himself as a top cornerback prospect. Charles Turner III of LSU impressed as a center, and Cedric Gray of North Carolina stood out as a linebacker. Sam Pinckney of Coastal Carolina shined as a wide receiver, and Donovan Smith of Houston showed promise as a quarterback. Ja’Quan Sheppard of Maryland and Brandon Porter of Incarnate Word also caught the attention of scouts. However, Kedon Slovis of BYU struggled to meet expectations. Stay tuned for more updates on these prospects as the NFL draft approaches. Thank you for reading!
Frequently Asked Questions
Who were the standout players in the recent college games?
Some standout players from the recent college games include Jase McClellan from Alabama, T.J. Tampa from Iowa State, Charles Turner III from LSU, Cedric Gray from North Carolina, Sam Pinckney from Coastal Carolina, Donovan Smith from Houston, Ja’Quan Sheppard from Maryland, Brandon Porter from Incarnate Word, and Kedon Slovis from BYU.
What are the strengths of Jase McClellan from Alabama?
Jase McClellan is a well-built running back who excels in picking up yardage off contact. He has the foot quickness to maneuver around defenders and is a solid middle-round pick for a team in need of a rotational running back.
How has T.J. Tampa from Iowa State performed this season?
T.J. Tampa has been a steady force for Iowa State’s defense. He has lived up to expectations and improved his game in 2023. Tampa has been graded as a potential third-round pick and has performed well in interceptions, pass breakups, and tackles.
What makes Cedric Gray from North Carolina a standout player?
Cedric Gray is a linebacker for North Carolina who has showcased his athleticism and three-down game. He leads the team in tackles and has also been credited with quarterback hurries and pass defenses. He is expected to be a second-round pick in next year’s draft.
Tell me about Brandon Porter from Incarnate Word.
Brandon Porter is an electrifying wide receiver from Incarnate Word. He has home-run-hitting speed and the ability to score whenever he has the ball. He has been productive in both receiving and return specialist roles and has the potential to line up as a slot receiver and punt returner in the NFL.
