After a long wait, College Football returns this Saturday, starting at 2:20 pm, with the so-called week 0. Among the main games in the first weekend of college football, we will have the duel between Nebraska and Illinois, with two programs from Big Ten dreaming of having national relevance again, and UCLA against Hawaii, in an interesting confrontation facing the American west coast.
And of course, our eyes will be on the most talented prospects on the field, already thinking about the 2022 NFL Draft. The thing! has prepared a list of a standout player from each of College Football’s first division university matches for you to stay tuned and start doing your talent analysis. Who knows, maybe one of them will be on your favorite team next year?
Illinois x Nebraska – 14h20
Two historic College Football programs, but looking to retake the glorious years. What cannot be denied is that there is talent in both universities. On the Illinois side, stay tuned to the tight end Daniel Barker. In his senior year of college, Barker has good size for position, speed and physicality to catch balls through the middle of defense. For Nebraska, the focus is on the defensive side, highlighting Ben Stille, defensive tackle. The DL is a constant presence in the opposing backfield, racking up tackles for losing yards and sacks in his career.
Connecticut x Fresno State – 15h
Connecticut returns to the college football scene after giving up competing in 2020 due to the Covid-19 pandemic. Ryan Van Demark is a left tackle that stands out for its size, over 2 meters tall. The player is the team’s blindside starter for the last 24 games. For Fresno State, the focus is also on the defensive line, with Dontae Bull. With experience on both the right and left sides of the Bulldogs lineup, Bull moves well for someone of his size and strength, with good speed and body control.
Hawaii x UCLA – 16h30
O explosivo running back Calvin Turner Jr. is the name to keep an eye out for when Hawaii takes possession of the ball against UCLA. Elusive, with a good change of direction, Turner Jr. is a weapon both receiving passes and running with the ball. For UCLA, the highlight is on account of the quarterback Dorian Thompson-Robinson. Owner of an athleticism to cause envy, whether for his powerful arm or skill with his legs, DTR has to manage to be more consistent in 2021 so that the NFL takes a closer look at his games.
At this time of year, you’re simply looking for players with standout traits. Dorian Thompson-Robinson is a player to watch heading into the 2022 NFL Draft. pic.twitter.com/4FeMrDuylI
— Kyle Yates (@KyleYNFL) May 6, 2021
UTEP x New Mexico State – 22:30
Coming up on Saturday night, UTEP takes on New Mexico State. On the Mineris side, the highlight is with the cornerback Walter Neil Jr., who spent time in Kansas State. Neil Jr. demonstrates talent far beyond his size. He is always close to the ball and demonstrates that he recognizes the opponent’s plan well before the cards are on the table. By New Mexico State, eye center Eli Johnson, passing by Ole Miss, at the powerful SEC Conference. Johnson’s physicality should be superior to the other opponents he will face.
San Jose State x Southern Utah -23h
Closing out week 0, a great opportunity to keep an eye on Cade Hall, a name that could climb draft boards this season. The son of former NFL player Rhett Hall, Cade was a sack machine in 2020, taking down rival QB on 10 occasions. If he keeps up the pace in 2021, who knows he might dream of a day 2 pick of the next draft? By Southern Utah, a minor program of FCS – sort of second division of College Football – attention in Braxton Jones, offensive tackle of the team, owner of long arms and good athleticism. Your duel with Cade Hall should spark.
Bonus: I’m also eyeing San Jose State’s explosive pass rusher Viliami Fehoko. The duet with Cade Hall has everything to do damage in 2021.
