Junior QB Zach Wilson (BYU)
Through the first three games of this season, Wilson has been on fire. He has thrown for 949 yards, six TD’s and only one INT. He was perfect against LA Tech and completed 24/26 passes. Wilson has dealt with injuries the first two seasons of his career, and now he is healthy. He is 6’3, 210 pounds, has a quick release and a strong arm. He can fit the ball into a tight window. He also anticipates his throws. His accuracy and ball placement were outstanding during Friday’s game. He can buy time in the pocket with his feet. His decision-making has been good so far this season, which is something he struggled with in the past.
Senior WR Reggie Roberson Jr. (SMU)
Roberson Jr. suffered a left knee injury in a win against Memphis. It remains to be seen how long he will be out. The offense didn’t look the same after he left the game. He had five receptions for 243 yards and two touchdowns. He is a big play threat WR. He shows very good speed. On an 85-yard TD, he avoided the corner in the open field with a juke move and showed his wheels by taking it all the way to the house. He is an outstanding deep threat. Let’s hope that he doesn’t miss much time with an injury.
Junior LB Nick Bolton (Missouri)
Bolton is one of the best defensive prospects in the SEC. He had 107 tackles, nine TFL’s, eight pass break-ups, three QB hurries and a sack in 2019. He played MLB most of last year. This season, he is playing OLB for Missouri. Against the Vols, he had 17 tackles this past Saturday. He is an all-around LB who plays sideline-to-sideline. Bolton is a very instinctive player and a sure-tackler. He likes to deliver violent hits on ball carriers. He disengages and slips by blocks very quickly. He is also a terrific coverage LB. He can match up against RB’s and TE’s in man coverage. He is capable of playing ILB or OLB in multiple schemes at the next level. Despite being an undersized LB, I have a first round grade on him.
Junior LB Zaven Collins (Tulsa)
During his first two seasons, Collins has 182 career tackles, 17.5 TFL’s, 3.5 sacks, six pass break-ups, two fumble recoveries, one forced fumble and one interception. Against UCF, junior LB recorded 10 total tackles, 3.5 TFL’s, two pass break-ups and one INT. Early in the game, he met the ball carrier in the backfield for a TFL and recorded a safety. He came up with a pick after the pass was deflected by his teammate. He should have had another INT when he knocked down a pass in the red zone. He also forced a couple of more QB pressures off the edge. He has a great frame at 6’4, 260 pounds and long arms. Collins shows good speed. He is a versatile edge defender who can impact the game in a number of ways. He would be a great fit as an OLB for a 3-4 team.
Senior Safety Richie Grant (UCF)
The safety tandem of Richie Grant and Antwan Collier have been playing well this season. This game, Grant was the main catalyst in the back end of this defense. He recorded nine tackles, a pick and a forced fumble. On the interception, he displayed good range in the deep half. He has very good ball skills. This is the ninth INT of his career. He also delivered a big hit in the hole and made the RB cough up the football. He was a reliable tackler in the open field as well.
