All Access: CFB Week 4 NFL Draft Watch
The Colorado rush rolls on, as the Buffs face the Oregon Ducks in a national showdown, plus a slew of unbeaten teams square off.
Welcome to the All Access Football Report for Wednesday, September 20, 2023, Presented By Sports Management Worldwide. The SMWW Agent Apprenticeship is getting set to start! If you are serious about expediting your sports agency, individual practice, want to learn shrewd recruiting methods, or better understand NIL, this is the only course on the planet that will take you there. Get in the game at: www.SMWW.com
COLLEGE FOOTBALL NFL DRAFT WATCH — WEEK 4
The college football season feels like a weekly playoff elimination. In some ways, it has also felt like the dawn of a new day. Clemson, unranked. Alabama, ranked No.13. Meanwhile, upon the Rocky Mountain tops lies the undefeated Colorado Buffaloes, ranked No.19th in the nation, as they get set to host the 10th ranked Oregon Ducks. The Coach Prime Effect is real and so are these Buffs. Should Shedeur Sanders and the boys squawk Bo Nix and the Ducks, it will lay the foundation for many imitators.
However, few, if any, possesses the pizzaz of ‘Neon Deion.’ When he arrived for Boulder, Sanders served current players notice. Immediately, 71 of the 85 members of the team entered the transfer portal. It ruffled feathers. At least 68 new scholarship players were brought in that have been confirmed by the school. Is this the new blueprint for modern day football? Many will attempt in the years to come.
Other key matchups we highlight this week include another Top 25 battle in the Pac-12, as Washington State hosts Oregon State. This contest features two potential mid-round quarterback prospects looking to solidify their draft stock. Forgotten by some but not lost in the shuffle is DJ Uiagalelei, who has been everything short of brilliant since joining the Beavers. He draws Cameron Ward on the opposite sideline in what figures to be a classic western shootout.
In Ann Arbor, the mighty Michigan Wolverines get set to welcome back their old ball coach, Jim Harbaugh, who returns from his self-imposed three game suspension against a team he heavily respects. While Rutgers has been on the wrong end of some past lopsided losses, they have played well against Michigan recently. In 2020, the Scarlet Knights gave them a triple overtime scare, 48-42. The following year, Michigan edged them narrowly by a score of 20-13. This could very well be the toughest defense that RU headman Greg Schiano has ever constructed. Could an upset be brewing? We’ll be tuned in to find out!
One side note, for those wondering why no game preview for Ohio State versus Notre Dame this week, it’s simply due to the fact that we have covered both programs extensively. We will aim to examine as many teams as possible and spread the love around here at the All Access Football NFL Draft Watch! If you are interested in reading our scouting analysis on those teams, you can view our notes here: Buckeyes | Fighting Irish
Buckle up and enjoy what looks to be the best week yet of college football action!
No.19 Colorado Buffaloes (3-0) at No.10 Oregon Ducks (3-0)
Saturday, September 23rd, 3:30p ET | ABC | ORE -21 O/U: 70.5
Five To Watch: Oregon Ducks
#10 Bo Nix, QB, 6016, 217, 4.52, rSr, Rd2 | Not bandied about as much in the mainstream media, make no mistake about it, Nix is clearly in the first round conversation. He was reportedly enticed back to Eugene with a $5M NIL deal but NFL decision-makers are enamored with his arm, agility and experience.
#11 Troy Franklin, WR, 6016, 190, 4.35, Jr, Rd2 | Blessed with great size, superb speed and natural ball instincts, Franklin has been a consistent staple in the Ducks offense, as he seemingly scores nearly every game. Getting his weight up as he transitions to the NFL will be one component he’ll need to work on.
#1 Jordan Burch, DT, 6050, 290, 4.75, Sr, Rd3 | A long, strong pass-rusher, Burch brought 34 games of experience over from the SEC (14 starts), transferring from South Carolina. He has been seen on the sidelines at times in the second half or when opponents run up-tempo, so stamina could be a concern.
#3 Brandon Dorlus, DE, 6022, 290, 4.83, Rd3 | The Ducks attempt to put Dorlus in the best position to make plays and they have been fairly successful with this approach. He can play inside or outside but has been most effective as a pass-rusher. However, NFL decision-makers will need an intent plan when drafting him.
#4 Jestin Jacobs, OLB, 6036, 245, 4.65, rSr, Rd7 | Expected to make his season debut against Colorado, Jacobs missed the first three games of 2023. A transfer, he displayed great size and speed during his time at Iowa before suffering a season-ending injury in the second game of last year.
Five To Watch: Colorado Buffaloes
#4 Shedeur Sanders, QB, 6016, 215, 4.70, Jr, Rd1 | Those who watched Sanders at Jackson State (23-3 as a starter) are not too surprised by his success in Boulder. Clearly, the moment, nor the competition is too big, as he has displayed resilience, a rifle arm, along with the ability to extend plays and make all the throws.
#10 Xavier Weaver, WR, 6006, 180, 4.50, rSr, Rd5 | A transfer from USF, Weaver has emerged as a big play weapon who rips off touchdown runs on a weekly basis. Colorado has lined him up all over the field and he demonstrates exceptional route running, along with the ability to separate.
#21 Shilo Sanders, SS, 5116, 195, 4.55, rSr, Rd7 | Known as the tone-setter, Sanders lays the foundation for a no-nonsense approach inside the locker room. His natural ball instincts enable him to constantly show up around football. Sanders has a knack for interceptions and creating turnovers; he also returns kicks and punts.
#5 Jimmy Horn Jr, WR, 5092, 175, 4.45, Jr, PFA | The shifty Horn Jr., is a dynamo in the slot, utilizing fancy footwork, sharp change of direction, acceleration and speed to find the open seams. A former high school track standout, he transferred in from USF as part of the ‘Prime Effect.’
#30 Savion Washington, OT, 6080, 320, 5.05, rSr, PFA | The mammoth Washington stands in at 6-foot-8 and owns a massive frame. He was a starter at Kent state prior to Colorado and has since assumed the right tackle role. While he is as wide as the Great Wall of China, scouts may question his waist/knee bend.
No.14 Oregon State Beavers (3-0) at No.21 Washington State Cougars (3-0)
Saturday, September 23rd, 7:00p ET | FOX | OREST -3 O/U: 57
Five To Watch: Washington State Cougars
#1 Cameron Ward, QB, 6012, 225, 4.71, Rd6 | An athletic signal-caller who can make all the throws, Ward, self-admittedly needs to improve his fundamentals, with an emphasis on his footwork and step up as a leader. In addition, scouts will also want to see an improved deep ball but there is lots of room for growth.
#10 Ron Stone, DE, 6027, 245, 4.74, rSr, Rd7 | The powerful Stone owns a high motor and tenacity, often utilizing his power to make quick work of opponents. A backfield disruptor who is enjoying his finest campaign to date in ’23, Stone possesses leadership, experience and strong bloodlines (dad played 12 years in the NFL).
#80 Brennan Jackson, DE, 6041, 264, 4.69, rSr, Rd7 | When April arrives, Jackson might be considered the highest rated Cougars prospect due to how well he’s expected to test. On the field, he’s relentless in pursuit of the quarterback. In addition, he stars off the field and was a NFF William V. Campbell Trophy Semifinalist.
#6 Chau Smith-Wade, CB, 5102, 179, 4.44, rJr, PFA | One player on the rise is Smith-Wade who can lay the lumber. The Denver native has demonstrated great ball-skills, along with top-plight speed. He has played boundary in college but could be viewed as a nickleback at the next level.
#5 Lincoln Victor, WR, 5084, 177, 4.50, rSr, PFA | The Maui native transferred from Hawaii several year back and has since risen to the occasion, as he’s enjoying a career year. A team captain and former high school quarterback, we have seen the occasional trick play involving Victor throwing the ball.
Five To Watch: Oregon State Beavers
#28 Kitan Oladapo, SS, 6014, 218, 4.45, rSr, Rd2 | Serving as the last line of the Beavers defense, Oladapo possesses ideal size, along with elite speed, cat-like instincts and ball-hawk ability. He arrived to Corvalis as a preferred walk-on and will depart as Oregon State’s team leader and fiercest competitor.
#5 DJ Uiagalelei, QB, 6042, 252, 4.73, rJr, PFA | What ultimately winded up being a roller-coaster career at Clemson (28 starts), led Uiagalelei to transfer in search of a fresh start. With the size/frame and arm strength that might remind some observers of Dante Culpepper, there is sure to be coaches who believe they can develop him.
#2 Anthony Gould, WR, 5076, 172, 4.30, PFA | Small in stature, Gould consistently makes big plays. A threat in the slot, he is one of the fastest players in the nation. It’s no wonder that Gould has averaged 17 yards per catch and over 18 yards per punt return for his career; his special teams ability should earn him a long look.
#52 James Rawls, DT, 6022, 285, 4.90, rSr, PFA | A productive player who brings speed and quickness, Rawls will need to bulk up for the next level. He has shown the ability to be a backfield disruptor from the interior which is valuable but is he big enough to do it in the NFL?
#5 Easton Mascarenas-Arnold, ILB, 5112, 230, 4.72, Jr, PFA | There have been noticeable strides each season, as Mascarenas-Arnold has garnered increased attention amongst pro scouts. He has stepped up both against the run and the pass, while making a handful of clutch plays.
Rutgers Scarlet Knights (3-0) at Michigan Wolverines (3-0)
Saturday, September 23rd, 12:00pm ET | BTN | MICH -24 O/U: 44
Five To Watch: Rutgers Scarlet Knights
#16 Max Melton, CB, 5111, 191, 4.42, rJr, Rd3 | A physical cover-man who owns top-notch speed, Melton has been a consistent performer and isn’t afraid to mix it up. A hard-hitter with great closing speed, Melton has primarily played on the boundary, while starring on special teams (gunner/three blocked kicks).
#71 Aaron Lewis, DE, 6036, 260, 4.73, rJr, Rd7 | We saw glimpses of the pedigree that made Lewis a top recruit coming out of high school. He transferred back home after originally beginning his career at Michigan. Lewis can set the edge against the run, or get after the quarterback; named Defense Co-MVP in ’22.
#21 Langan Johnny, TE, 6022, 245, 4.62, rSr, PFA | A New Jersey high school quarterback legend, ‘Johnny Football’ reinvented himself in Piscataway. After playing an array of roles, Langan developed into a h-back jackknife type, playing tight end, fullback, wildcat and earning team captain status. He has worked hard to improve his blocking.
#1 Mohamaed Toure, ILB, 6006, 240, 4.62, rSr, PFA | An under the radar prospect, Toure could become a late-riser due to his superb athleticism and testing numbers. He has served as a multi-faceted linebacker as a pass-rusher but is also a capable cover man and plays special teams. Described as a hybrid golf club, per coaches.
#0 Eric Rogers, CB, rJr, 6006, 185, 4.55, rJr, PFA | A late spring transfer who has impressed the staff with his work ethic, Rogers possesses excellent length and physicality. He’ll need to bulk up for the pros and scouts may hold off until they see his official timed speed but the skill-set is there.
Five To Watch: Michigan Wolverines
#94 Kris Jenkins, DT, 6026, 305, 4.82, Sr, Rd1 | Big, athletic, interior defensive linemen are at an all-time premium, making Jenkins a hot commodity. His size, speed, burst and bloodlines offer all the attributes that will make Jenkins a welcomed addition to any organization.
#9 J.J. McCarthy, QB, 6032, 205, 4.55, Jr, Rd2 | A steady presence in the huddle, McCarthy demonstrates great pocket poise, smart decision-making and the ability to throw receivers open. While he is best operating out of the pocket, he has some wheels to extend plays with his feet if needed.
#25 Junior Colson, ILB, 6016, 247, 4.56, Jr, Rd3 | One of the more inspiring off the field stories amongst draft-eligible prospects, Colson brings immense toughness and has been praised for his commitment to constantly improve. His athleticism, leadership, prestige character and upside should make him a top 100 selection.
#2 Blake Corum, RB, 5076, 215, 4.40, Sr, Rd3 | Coming off his 2022 knee injury, Corum has picked back up right where he left off as one of the most exciting playmakers in the nation. The compact, darting runner brings vast speed, along with the ability to catch the ball out of the backfield and return kicks.
#7 Donovan Edwards, RB, 5116, 212, 4.49, Jr, Rd3 | Break glass in case of emergency; that is the plan of attack for Edwards who often times is kept on ice but when inserted into the rotation or needed to fill-in and start, he has flashed the potential to be a big-time bruising back who can move the chains.
ALL ACCESS FOOTBALL NETWORK
All Access. All Football. All The Time. All Access Football is your home for REAL football talk! Please be sure to find us on social media and don’t miss out on all of our great interviews below. Find us on social: Twitter | Facebook | Instagram | YouTube
Latest Interviews
09.18.23 — John DeFilippo, USFL
09.13.23 — Jalen Travis, Princeton
09.04.23 — Jim Nagy, Senior Bowl
09.01.23 — Dr. Lynn Lashbrook, SMWW
08.22.23 — Derrick Dockery, Commanders
08.10.23 — Jaden Shirden, Monmouth
07.26.23 — John Peterson, USFL
07.13.23 — Roquan Smith Ravens
07.07.23 — Jonathan Abram, Saints
06.16.23 — Tom Coughlin, Football Legend
ALL ACCESS FOOTBALL ARCHIVES
09.18.23 | AAF Podcast: USFL HC John DeFilippo + GRID Camps Hot List
09.14.23 | All Access: CFB Week 3 NFL Draft Watch + The Twin City Tower of Power
09.07.23 | All Access: CFB Week 2 NFL Draft Watch
09.01.23 | Ric Serritella Podcast: Reese's Senior Bowl Executive Director Jim Nagy
08.31.23 | All Access: CFB Week 1 NFL Draft Watch
08.29.23 | All Access: The Legendary RIC FF Cheat Sheet
08.23.23 | All Access: CFB Week 0 NFL Draft Watch & AP All American Team
08.16.23 | All Access: 2024 NFL Draft Hot 100 + CFB Best Kept Secret