Player Report – Week 9
Senior WR DeVonta Smith (Alabama)
He is the true definition of a playmaker. He always steps up in big games when the team needs him the most. With Jaylen Waddle lost for the season, Smith caught 11 receptions for 203 yards and scored four TD’s against Mississippi State. He tied Amari Cooper for most receiving touchdowns in Alabama history. He is a terrific route runner. His short area quickness is outstanding which allows him to create separation against the defensive backs. Smith excelled on double moves during this game and got behind the defense on a couple of occasions. The only blemish on his resume during this game was when he dropped a TD pass in the end zone early in the first quarter.
Junior WR Jahan Dotson (Penn State)
Last year, I thought Dotson was a better overall prospect than his teammate KJ Hamler, who was drafted by the Denver Broncos, in the second round. Against Ohio State, he displayed his playmaking ability especially in the second half. In a losing effort, he had eight receptions for 144 yards and scored three TD’s on Saturday. He made a couple of outstanding and acrobatic one-handed grabs near the sideline. He displayed great concentration and terrific body control. He has very good speed. He is also quick in and out of his breaks. He is 182 pounds, but I was impressed with his effort in the blocking department. If he declares early, he will hear his name called early in the second round of the 2021 NFL Draft.
Junior OLB Joseph Ossai (Texas)
The Longhorns LB was a huge difference-maker in the upset win against the Oklahoma State Cowboys. He was unstoppable. He recorded 12 total tackles, three sacks and six TFL’s. During this game, he was constantly in the backfield. He forced a fumble right before halftime that set up a FG. He recovered a fumble in the third quarter. Ossai also sealed the game with a sack on fourth down in OT. He is 6’4, 253 pounds, has great length and long arms. He is a good athlete, and his closing speed is outstanding. 3-4 teams will be very intrigued by his upside. If he continues to play like this, Ossai will hear his name called in the first round.
Junior WR Dyami Brown (UNC)
Every week, I pick out a UNC player to put on this list. This week, it is junior WR Dyami Brown who caught 11 receptions for 240 yards and three TD’s. He is a big-play threat. He can get behind a defense due to his speed. He tracks the ball very well over his shoulder. He made a terrific contested grab (50-50 ball) on a go-route late in the fourth quarter. He displays good body control and can find soft spots in zone coverage. The one thing that has plagued Brown this year are the drops. He has to clean it up. He looks like a day two prospect at this point.
Junior RB Mohamed Ibrahim (Minnesota)
He is the main guy in the backfield this year. He gained 207 rushing yards on 41 carries and scored four TD’s in a loss against Maryland. He is a downhill RB who excels in between-the-tackles. Ibrahim is a patient runner with power and very good balance. He is able to get plenty of yards after contact and always falls forward. He also shows above average vision. He has dealt with some injuries in the past, and I want to see him get more involved in the passing game.
Junior QB Desmond Ridder (Cincinnati)
Ridder threw for 271 yards, completed 21/26 passes, three passing TD’s and two TD’s on the ground. After struggling early on in the season, the junior signal caller had his best game against Memphis. He stands 6’4, 215 pounds and has a strong arm. He is a dual threat QB who shows great escape ability. He was accurate on Saturday especially with his deep ball. He also spread the ball around to different targets and displayed the ability to work through his progressions. He is a leader and a winner. The physical tools are definitely there, but he needs to become a more consistent and accurate QB every week.
