All Access: CFB Week 5 NFL Draft Watch + On Location With Drake Maye

The Georgia Bulldogs are once again littered with pro prospects as they continue their dominance in the SEC, while the ACC has sprouted new contenders and plenty of players on the NFL radar.

Sep 28, 2023

Welcome to the All Access Football Report for Thursday, September 28, 2023, Presented By Sports Management Worldwide. Join Ric Serritella for a four-month Agent Apprenticeship, featuring weekly mastermind chats and methods for runninng an efficient sports agency. This apprenticeship begins next week and wraps up in Mobile at the 2024 Reese’s Senior Bowl. For more information, visit SMWW.com.

COLLEGE FOOTBALL NFL DRAFT WATCH — WEEK 5

We enter Week 5 of the college football season ‘NFL Draft Watch’ series with a look at some teams on the brink. We know that the defending back-to-back National Champion Georgia Bulldogs are for real. How about Auburn under new head coach Hugh Freeze? The Tigers have almost matched last year’s win total and the contest against Georgia will be a good barometer of just how far they’ve come, or how much they still have yet to go in the SEC.

Over in the ACC, the kinks in the armor are starting to crack for the Clemson Tigers. How will they respond after a gut-wrenching loss to the Florida State Seminoles? A loss to undefeated Syracuse would drop the Tigers below .500—Clemson hasn’t finished with a losing record since 2010, Dabo Swinney’s third year as head coach. Even without top playmaker Oronde Gadsden II, the Orangemen have shown they can compete with anyone on any given Saturday.

The Boise State Broncos have made great strides in a short period of time under head coach Andy Avalos in the Mountain West. This week’s content against Memphis promises to be an exciting game with plenty of scoreboard action. While these two schools don’t produce high-volume NFL prospects, each team features a handful of potential next level priority free agents with ‘make it’ traits.

Lastly, All Access Football correspondent Bo Marchionte was on location in Pittsburgh this past weekend for an up close look at future NFL franchise quarterback Drake Maye, as the Panthers hosted the North Carolina Tar Heels. It’s not out of the realm that Maye could overtake Caleb Williams as the consensus number one overall pick come April. There are lots of players to dissect, let’s dig in!

No. 1 Georgia (4-0) at Auburn (3-1)

Saturday, September 30, 2023, 3:30p ET | CBS

Five To Watch: Georgia Bulldogs

#19 Brock Bowers, TE, 6036, 240, 4.45, Jr, Rd1 | One of the top prospects in the nation pound-for-pound, Bowers possesses great size, insane athleticism, reliable hands and is an astute blocker. Known as a maniacal worker, he has earned the reputation of being a ‘machine,’ according to the staff.

#78 Nazir Stackhouse, DT, 6030, 320, 5.05, Sr, Rd2 | Manning the middle of the Bulldogs defense resides Stackhouse who is a pure run-stuffing nose guard. A Tik Tok star off the field, he has been a consistent anchor on the field but needs to improve his pass-rush technique.

#3 Kamari Lassiter, CB, 5116, 180, 4.47, Jr, Rd2 | A foot injury limited Lassiter during training camp but there doesn’t seem to be any ill effects, as he has shown the same fast, physical self he has always been. His experience, cover skills and willingness to stick his nose in the dirt against the run offer great appeal.

#2 Smael Mondon, ILB, 6032, 227, 4.49, Jr, Rd2 | Blessed with incredible instincts, intelligence and tenacity, Mondon is quick to close to the ball-carrier. The coaching staff praises his leadership and he possesses rare athleticism. Conditioning seemed to be an issue early in ’23 as he missed the offseason due to a foot injury.

#63 Sedrick Van Pran, C, 6026, 310, 5.27, rJr, Rd2 | A three-year starter, Van Pran has been a staple of dependability and durability. His run-mauling prowess, effective second level blocking and great power, along with prototypical size should put him in the running as the potential first center off the board.

Five To Watch: Auburn Tigers

#2 DJ James, CB, 6002, 164, 4.44, rSr, Rd2 | One of the more underrated players, James doesn’t receive national recognition but is one of the top lockdown corners in the country. He spent three season at Oregon prior to becoming a prime time player in the SEC. The Mobile native should be a cinch to land in the Senior Bowl.

#1 Nehemiah Pritchett, CB, 6002, 185, 4.44, rSr, Rd2 | A disruptive corner, Pritchett is lengthy and pesky in short areas of the field, with a stringy physique. He draws tons of press alignments both to the field and boundary. An easy mover that can play tight man coverage, he’s quick to break on the ball.

#36 Jaylin Simpson, FS, 5116, 180, 4.47, rSr, Rd2 | Shot out of a cannon, Simpson has an interception in each of the first three games. His athleticism, ball instincts, vertical game and versatility will make him a hot commodity come April. He could be viewed as a safety/nickel type in the pros.

#9 Eugene Asante, OLB, 6006, 225, 4.59, rSr, Rd3 | A rapidly ascending player, Asante has taken a huge step in his development this year, demonstrating a high-motor and explosive burst. The relentless style of play is his best attribute. However, Asante accredits his success to his physical and mental maturation.

#27 Jarquez Hunter, RB, 5090, 210, 4.47, Jr, PFA | While he flashed power and explosiveness early in his career, Hunter has yet to find his footing since taking over the lead role for Tank Bigsby (Jaguars). He missed the first game of ’23 in what is believed to be a suspension for a sex video that surfaced during the summer.

Clemson (2-2) at Syracuse (4-0)

Saturday, September 30, 2023, 12:00p ET | ABC

Five To Watch: Clemson Tigers

#0 Barrett Carter, OLB, 6010, 230, 4.52, Jr, Rd1 | A do-it-all backer, Carter is relentless in pursuit, demonstrates incredible closing speed and owns a prototypical frame of the modern-day backer. He’s also proved capable of dropping back in coverage and can cover running backs or tight ends.

#54 Jeremiah Trotter Jr., ILB, 5116, 230, 4.62, Jr, Rd1 | You may not find a more complete linebacker at the college ranks than Trotter Jr. with his ability to cover lots of ground, be used as a situational blitzer, or drop back in coverage He has done well living up to his father’s legacy, the only knock will be his size.

#3 Will Shipley, RB, 5112, 210, 4.44, Jr, Rd2 | The versatile Shipley is a sharp, explosive runner with great change of direction and burst. He has shown to be an effective receiver, in addition to an adequate blocker and plays with tremendous toughness. He keeps his feet churning upon contact and is a spark-plug.

#33 Ruke Orhorhoro, DT, 6040, 290, 4.85, rSr, Rd4 | An agile and mobile defensive lineman, Orhorhoro has specialized as a run stuffer, primarily lining up at the three-technique. He boasts a high-motor and great power. Despite moving to the USA at the age of nine, the Nigerian native hails from a football family.

#1 Andrew Mukuba, SS, 5116, 196, 4.49, Jr, Rd2 | The Tigers are hopeful that Mukuba can nip the injury bug. He battled through elbow and knee injuries all last season, then suffered another injury during the first game of ’23. A difference-maker when healthy, his draft status will likely be predicated around his medical report.

Five To Watch: Syracuse Orange

#3 Isaiah Johnson, CB, 6030, 205, 4.54, rSr, Rd6 | The long, physical Johnson was quick to endear himself to the coaching staff after transferring from Dartmouth. He’s quick to diagnose and react, solid against the run and has proven durable during his career. In addition, Johnson is a special teams ace and stars as a gunner.

#4 Caleb Okechukwu, DE, 6026, 270, 4.72, rSr, Rd7 | It has been an arduous journey for Okechukwu who has overcome rhabdomyolysis (damaged muscle tissue that releases proteins and electrolytes into the blood). He has become a three-year starter and pass-rush specialist for the Orangemen; frame/size could dub him tweener.

#6 Garrett Shrader, QB, 6044, 225, 4.55, rSr, PFA | A gutsy quarterback with toughness and moxie, Shrader is a big, dangerous, dual-threat quarterback. A former high school basketball standout who transferred from Mississippi State, the ‘Cuse captain knows where to go with the football and is a speedy, elusive runner.

#2 Marlowe Wax, ILB, 6003, 230, 4.68, rJr, PFA | The ‘Mob Boss’ of the Syracuse defense, Wax makes plays all over the field as a tackler, pass-rusher and cover man. An incredible athlete, he also possesses some of the best hands on the team and was a standout running back in high school; a position NFL scouts might consider.

#15 Derek McDonald, OLB, 6036, 224, rSo, PFA | One prospect worth monitoring is McDonald, who has two more years of eligibility remaining but has emerged as a key cog on defense. His size, athleticism, quickness and versatility are all positive attributes—he has played every linebacker position.

Boise State (2-2) at Memphis (3-1)

Saturday, September 30, 2023, 4:00p ET | ESPN2

Five To Watch: Memphis Tigers

Blake Watson, RB, 5094, 195, 4.55, rSr, PFA | Stepping in for the injured Brandon Watson, the compact and elusive Watson has caught the eye of NFL scouts. Most impressive might be his pass-catching prowess out of the backfield. The Queens native could work his way into the late round mix.

#2 Seth Henigan, QB, 6026, 212, 4.76, Jr, PFA | When you look at recent NFL trends, quarterbacks who possess experience, football intelligence and grit such as Henigan, often provide late round value. While limited, he can make all the throws required.

#4 Josh Ellison, DT, 6026, 300, 4.95, rSr, PFA | Arriving from Oklahoma via Blinn College, Ellison fell out of favor with the new Sooners staff and brings vast experience. His size, power, leadership and love for the game are the attributes that pop up most when assessing his talent.

#22 Jaylon Allen, DE, 6027, 242, 4.70, rSr, PFA | There have been glimpses from the fifth-year Allen who is able to convert speed to power—scouts may prefer him as a 3-4 outside linebacker at the next level. He demonstrates nice hand combat and the ability to bend around the edge.

#9 Geoffrey Cantin-Arku, ILB, 6030, 240, 4.65, rSr, PFA | A big-bodied, athletic backer who roams sideline-to-sideline, Cantin-Arku has been a consistent four-year starter (two seasons each at Memphis and Syracuse). The Quebec native will also be CFL draft-eligible.

Five To Watch: Boise State Broncos

#71 Cade Beresford, OT, 6062, 308, 5.20, rSr, Rd7 | With Boise State developing a reputation for churning out quality NFL tackles, Beresford is next in the pipeline. The former high school quarterback spent the first half of his career at Washington State; coaches have praised his willingness to double down in the weight and film rooms.

#24 George Holani, RB, 5104, 210, 4.56, rSr, PFA | A tremendous multi-faceted back, there have been too many DNP that have shown up in the box score during the career of Holani. His overall-skill-set (runner, pass-catcher, returner), along with his combination of power and burst would make him draftable but durability is a concern.

#69 Garrett Curran, OG, 6046, 305, 5.25, rSr, PFA | The sixth-year senior and team leader has stepped in flawlessly at center this year, after having started at tackle and guard in previous seasons. His size, coachability, flexibility and experience should bode well when he transitions to the NFL; will have every opportunity to stick.

#8 Markel Reed, CB, 5116, 185, 4.50, rSr, PFA | The perseverance and competitiveness of Reed is what the coaches will mention most about this lanky cover man with long arms. He’s coming off a torn ACL injury after enduring a torn labrum the year before, while rehabbing from three surgeries. A top performer, when healthy.

#10 Taylen Green, QB, 6056, 222, 4.56, rSo, PFA | An appealing prospect due to his size, dual-threat and potential, Green has dazzled at times with flashes of brilliance. The one area that is holding him back is his consistency. Until he can harness some of his accuracy woes, Green will be viewed as a developmental project.

ALL ACCESS FOOTBALL NETWORK

Be sure to catch ‘Sports Rage’ with host Gabriel Morency (airing daily) with special guest Ric Serritella every Tuesday night. This past week, topics included a potential star-studded QB Class for 2024, the top headlines from around the NFL, along with some coaches who are suddenly feeling the hot seat and loads of REAL football talk! You can check out the segment below around the 40-minute mark.

*Programming Alert: Tune-in to CBS Sports Radio this Saturday at midnight, as Serritella will join ‘The Jody Mac Show’ live to discuss college football, the NFL Draft and more!

CAMPUS REPORT: DRAKE MAYE A BLEND OF TOUGHNESS & CHARACTER

By All Access Football Correspondent Bo Marchionte

PITTSBURGH – Seven teams were represented Saturday at Arcisure Stadium where projected first round pick Drake Maye of North Carolina would be doing his best to help the Tar Heels remain undefeated against the Pitt Panthers.

Maye would help lead the team to a 41-24 victory, scoring three touchdowns and making a spectacular left-handed touchdown pass. What made it so impressive is that Maye isn’t a southpaw, he throws with his right arm.

“The play that Drake made with his left arm is maybe the best play I’ve ever seen in college football,” Tar Heels head coach Mack Brown said after the game. That’s saying something since Brown’s first coaching experience came as a student coach of the wide receivers at Florida State in 1973.

Maye kept the ball and rolled left out of the pocket, seven yards from the end zone. Pitt senior linebacker Nate Temple had Maye in his clutches and was about to engulf the North Carolina quarterback for a tackle for loss but somehow, Maye got the football into his left hand and tossed a floating duck to Tar Heels sophomore wide receiver Kobe Paysour for the touchdown!

“It was unbelievable. I sat there and looked at it and wanted to run it back when I looked up at the jumbotron. I told him that if you win the game, it will be No. 1 on SportsCenter. I was shocked. I have never seen him do that. He is really a good player.”

The play ended up being No. 5 on the Top Ten list on ESPN but nonetheless it showed the improv ability Maye possesses. A Patrick Mahomes-type trait, where ability takes over and natural instincts supersede over other players.

“Hey, I’m just playing football out there,” Maye said. “It’s just part of growing up and playing sports.”

Maye explained that his basketball instincts took over, mentioning it was like dishing off a left-handed pass to his older brother Beau who plays basketball for the Tar Heels. Those types of intangibles are one of the reasons he is projected to be one of the top picks in the 2024 NFL Draft.

The redshirt sophomore set the ACC on fire last season by passing for 4,381 yards and 38 touchdowns. It places Maye directly in the conversation of Heisman contention, as well as hearing his name called first overall when the NFL Draft takes place in Detroit next April.

“He’s a really good player,” Coach Brown said after his 278-career win. “He makes slippery plays. He can run and find (guys). He knows now and is doing a better job of finding out where that first down marker is and sliding. I’m just so proud of him.”

Maye’s personality seems like an easy one to win over his teammates in the locker room. Fidgeting around with his pants prior to beginning the press conference afterwards, Maye might remind you of your cousins who come home from college at Christmas.

Youthful and energetic, he provides star quality on the field and is a real personality off it. Many times in the college setting these young men can be a bit robotic in their conversations in front of the microphones but Maye was opposite of the prototype.

The exuberant and fun loving Maye is also a warrior on the field. Early in the second quarter with the Tar Heels trailing 14-7, Pitt defensive end Dayon Hayes was called for roughing the passer after a punishing hit on Maye. The North Carolina quarterback stood his ground, delivered a 40-yard completion to tight end John Copenhaver and took the brunt of Hayes’ 6-foot-3 and 265-pound frame.

For those seven NFL teams in attendance, clearly that was a play they were going to admire and mention in their notes when heading back to headquarters. It’s those types of plays, along with improvising in the moment with a left-handed touchdown pass that will help build one heck of an NFL Draft resume for Maye.

“Yeah man I got hammered,” Maye said. “I was asking the white hat (referee) to look at it or something. Targeting or getting the guy out. I thought it was very unnecessary. He double forearmed me to the face. One of those feelings is when you get it in the face and your ears are kind of ringing. Kind of like getting a basketball in the face. I told those guys they are going to have to drag me off the field.”

Maye had to sit out one play before returning and running the quarterback sneak in for the touchdown. He’s the Tar Heels third leading rusher on the season with 119 yards on 38 carries and three touchdowns. His 1,187 passing yards ranks him 15^th in the nation. The only early blemishes are the four interceptions in four games, since he only threw seven the entire year last season.

Watching him against the Panthers, Maye showed toughness and creativity from the position. His ability to be accurate on the run proved to be one of his top qualities, while Maye’s mechanics looked to be in sync. His footwork was fluid and he was in command with where to go with the football throughout the game.

The Tar Heels have developed two quarterbacks since 2017 that have been drafted. First was Mitchell Trubisky, who went second overall in 2017 to the Chicago Bears. Second, was Washington Commanders’ fifth round pick Sam Howell (2022). Undoubtedly, Maye is going to be the third quarterback drafted out of North Carolina in the last eight years.

It’s a pretty remarkable accomplishment, as there have only been 79 quarterbacks chosen since 2017—yet two have played their college football wearing Carolina blue and white. Trubisky was scrutinized heavily during his time with Chicago as a starter and Howell has four starts under his belt (3-1 record) for the Commanders.

Maye has plenty of games to go before he arrives on stage in Motown for the NFL Draft. Until then, those in Chapel Hill are going to enjoy their Saturday’s watching number 10 develop into one of the top prospects in the country.

*For dedicated year-round coverage of the NFL Draft and everything football, be sure to follow @NFLDraftBible on Twitter. Bringing you the names you need to know first, since 2002.