Player Report – Week 13
Junior RB Jaret Patterson (Buffalo)
He is continuing to put up monster numbers this season in the MAC. Last week, Patterson rushed for 301 yards and scored four TD’s. This week, he gained 409 yards on the ground and scored eight TD’s against Kent State. He displayed terrific vision and a good burst through the hole. He had a number of big runs on Saturday. He has quick and nimble feet. He shows a real knack for making defenders miss, and they have a tough time getting a clear hit on him. He should be in the Heisman conversation after this performance.
Junior QB Mac Jones (Alabama)
The Alabama offense hasn’t missed a beat with Jones under center. Against Auburn, he completed 18/26 passes for 302 yards and five TD’s. He has completed 77% of his passes, thrown for 18 TD’s and only three INT’s this season. The one thing that has really stood out about Mac Jones is his ability to push the ball downfield. His accuracy and ball placement on those deep throws has been impeccable. He throws a tight spiral, displays terrific touch and hits his receivers in stride. He also does a great job on those playaction passes.
Senior WR DeVonta Smith (Alabama)
Smith is my favorite WR in the 2021 NFL Draft. He had another outstanding game against Auburn. He already has 65 receptions for 903 yards and 10 TD’s during his senior campaign. The opposing team knows that the ball will be thrown to him, and they still can’t stop him. His route running ability is textbook and advanced for a CFB WR. He knows how to set up defenders with subtle moves. Smith turns up field quickly after making the short catch and displays terrific acceleration. He took a short slant to the house on Saturday. He can return punts, and you can use him on end arounds. He is versatile. You can line him up outside or in the slot. He is the epitome of a playmaker.
Junior TE Charlie Kolar (Iowa State)
Kolar has been fairly quiet this season until this game against Texas. He caught six receptions for 131 yards in the win against the Longhorns. He has a great frame (6’6, 257 pounds) and a large catching radius. He is very versatile. He lines up as an inline TE, on the outside or in the slot. He displays terrific, soft hands and catches the ball consistently away from his frame. He shows good body control. He is a reliable target on third downs, and they like to feature him on those crossing routes. He also gives outstanding effort as a blocker. He displays great tenacity and stays with his blocks downfield until the whistle blows. He still needs to improve his route running. At this point, he looks like a day two pick in the 2021 NFL Draft.
Senior DE Tarron Jackson (Coastal Carolina)
Jackson is having another tremendous season on an unbeaten Coastal Carolina squad. Against Texas State, he recorded three TFL’s and 2.5 sacks. He is 6’2 ½, 265 pounds with 33 ½ inch arms. He is a good athlete with a quick first step. He displays active hands. I love his motor and effort on every single play. He should get an invitation to the Senior Bowl.
Junior WR Jalen Tolbert (South Alabama)
It is not the first time that junior WR has found himself on this list. Tolbert caught 10 receptions for 252 yards and scored three TD’s in the win against Arkansas State. All three of his touchdowns came in the second half. He has become the go-to-guy in this offense this season. He is 6’3, 195 pounds and tracks the ball well on downfield throws. He is a legitimate deep threat. He is a hands catcher. He consistently catches the ball away from his frame. He also displays good leaping ability.
