Player Report – Week 14
Senior WR DeVonta Smith (Alabama)
DeVonta Smith seems to find himself on this list every week. Against LSU, he caught eight receptions for 231 yards and scored three TD’s. In 2020, he currently has 80 receptions for 1,305 yards and 15 TD’s. His numbers have been outstanding. Ever since his teammate Jaylen Waddle went down with an injury, opposing defenses know that he is getting the ball and they still can’t stop him. On Saturday, he caught two deep balls for TD’s when he was lined up in the slot. He also displayed great ball skills when he made an incredible one-handed grab in the end zone. On a short catch, he showed outstanding acceleration in the open field when he was able to outrun the defenders. He is the best route runner in this draft. The only thing holding him back is his slight build, but other than that he is the total package. He is a first round pick in the 2021 NFL Draft. His 40 time at the Combine will determine how high he will go in the draft.
Senior WR Jaelon Darden (North Texas)
He had eight receptions for 135 yards and scored three TD’s against Louisiana Tech. Darden has eclipsed over 1,000 receiving yards for the first time in his career in 2020. He also has a nose for the end zone. He is the all-time school’s leader in receiving TD’s with 34. He is the ultimate playmaker. He is a slot receiver who is very dangerous in the open field. He displays a knack for picking up yards after the catch and makes defenders miss on a regular basis. He shows very good speed.
Senior RB Larry Rountree III (Missouri)
He had 27 carries for 185 yards and scored three TD’s in the win against Arkansas. He is 5’10, 210 pounds and has a strong lower body. Rountree III is a downhill runner with good vision. He doesn’t go down easily. He is capable of picking up yards after contact. He also displays the ability to bounce it outside. In those limited reps, he shows good hands out of the backfield. He has outstanding ball security. He will have an opportunity to help his draft stock at the Senior Bowl.
Senior RB CJ Marable (Coastal Carolina)
Marable was a big reason why Coastal Carolina was able to pull off the upset against BYU this past weekend. He gained 132 rushing yards on 23 carries and scored two TD’s. He has very good speed (4.4 guy). He is an athletic RB who ran track in high school. He shows great quickness to bounce it outside. He has outstanding, soft hands coming out of the backfield. He is a very underrated RB who is not being talked about enough.
Junior DE/OLB Jeffrey Gunter (Coastal Carolina)
He will always be remembered for his cheap shot on QB Zach Wilson right before halftime. The penalty that wasn’t called. But Gunter was a key cog to the defense that held a high-powered BYU attack to just 17 points. He tallied six total tackles, one TFL, a forced fumble and a QB hurry. He was named the Sun Belt Defensive Player of the Week for his effort. He is an athletic player with a good frame and long arms. His quick first step gave the O-line major fits. He stood out with his non-stop motor and intensity that he displayed throughout Saturday’s game.
