Saturday Scouting the Nation with Ric and Jack
In today's edition of Scouting the Nation we take a look ahead at a few top prospects returning to college football who Jack Borowsky and Ric Serritella think will make big impacts for their programs.
Welcome to the latest edition of Scouting the Nation on All Access Football! In this newsletter, Ric and Jack are excited to introduce you to some of the most intriguing prospects returning to college football this fall. These players are poised to make a significant impact on their teams and are likely to be recognized with All-Conference honors. We anticipate that NFL teams will be closely watching these talented athletes and may consider investing high draft picks in their future.
These prospects include;
Jared Ivey, an EDGE player from Ole Miss who has an impressive NFL body and a great technique for converting speed to power.
Xavier Truss, a dominant guard from Georgia who has shown great athleticism and power in his game, and Seth Coleman, an edge rusher from Illinois who is a freaky athlete with high-end explosiveness.
Sedrick Van Pran, a center from Georgia
Bru McCoy, a wide receiver from Tennessee
Jestin Jacobs, a linebacker from Oregon
Jack Sawyer, a defensive end from Ohio State
Derrick Harmon, a defensive tackle from Michigan State and More.
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On this edition of Scouting the Nation, Ric and Jack take a look at a few interesting prospects returning to college football who should be All-Conference this fall.
We are excited to introduce some of the most interesting prospects returning to college football this fall who are expected to make an impact and who Ric thinks will be named All-Conference.These prospects are expected to make a big impact on their respective teams and have high draft potential in the future.
EDGE Jared Ivey, Ole Miss
In terms of an NFL body, it doesn’t get much better than Ivey. He is going to check the size box and he has impressive length. As a pass rusher, Ivey does an excellent job converting speed to power and he has good bend for his size. He is great against the run and has the burst and technique to wrap up ball carriers near the line of scrimmage. At the next level, Ivey projects as a traditional 4-3 defensive end who will start from day one. Size, length, power and production in the SEC don’t last very long come draft time, so expect Ivey to come off the board within the first two rounds next April.
OG Xavier Truss, Georgia
The top returning guard in the SEC, Truss deserves more attention, as he’s one of the best players on the Bulldogs. In his first season as a full-time starter at guard, Truss put together a really impressive season. In particular, he dominated against Ohio State, showing off incredible power to go along with fantastic athleticism for his size. Truss is explosive off the line, is great on double teams and is always looking to finish defenders. His pad level was pretty consistent and Truss is a knee-bender, two great qualities for a bigger guard. O’Cyrus Torrence was the highest drafted guard from the SEC at pick 59 by the Bills in this past draft. Truss has the upside to be the first guard from the SEC drafted and a higher selection than Torrence.
EDGE Seth Coleman, Illinois
Illinois has arguably the best defensive line in college football and Coleman is a big reason why. He is a freaky athlete with high-end explosiveness. Coleman shows off his speed and movement skills on twists, where he consistently got after the quarterback. Coleman also has great inside counters and a non-stop motor to get after the quarterback. The versatility is there for Coleman to play with his hand in the dirt or as a stand-up rusher who can drop into coverage when he gets to the NFL. Coleman should be a workout warrior at the combine too. Regarding upside, Coleman is right up there with the top names in the edge rusher group for the 2024 class. Illinois has done an excellent job of sending defenders tp the next level as of late and Coleman is next up.
C Sedrick Van Pran, Georgia
Had Van Pran declared for the 2023 draft, he’d have been in the mix to be the first center drafted. By returning to school, Van Pran could cement himself as not only the top center but one of the best players in the draft. Van Pran looked great on his redshirt freshman tape but elevated his game to another level in 2023. He is the easy favorite to win the Rimington Trophy and will anchor a team looking to win three national championships in a row. It isn’t a coincidence they won two straight with him at center; Van Pran is a difference-maker.
WR Bru McCoy, Tennessee
With the way they’ve produced receivers over the past few years, Tennessee is slowly becoming Wide Receiver U. Next in line, Bru McCoy could be the best of the bunch. For his size, McCoy is a fluid athlete who can change direction well. McCoy is great with the ball in the air, as he has excellent hands and can track the ball downfield. When Hooker targeted McCoy, he consistently came down with the football while also showing YAC ability, which is hard to find with a bigger wideout. McCoy is really the complete prospect who should be the focal point of the high-octane Tennessee offense next season. He is the top senior receiver returning in college football and should cement himself as a first round prospect.
LB Jestin Jacobs, Oregon
Going into the 2022 campaign at Iowa, Jacobs was considered one of the top linebackers in the country. Because of injuries, he was limited to 32 snaps. A transfer from Iowa, I think Jacobs is going to skyrocket up draft boards this fall. The Hawkeyes never fully let him loose for evaluators what he was capable of. Now, Jacobs will show off his elite athleticism and speed for his size. He can cover, has impressive range and always makes plays when on the field. Jacobs has also shown the potential to rush the passer. Quay Walker and Channing Tindall really rose under Dan Lanning at Georgia; expect the same to happen with Jacobs. He has first-round written all over him.
DE Jack Sawyer, Ohio State
With Zach Harrison off to the NFL, Sawyer will take over as a full-time starter for the Buckeyes. Sawyer, a former top recruit, flashed immense potential on the field last season. He has NFL size, is a high-end athlete and showed knockback power as a bull rusher. As he continues to get stronger and develops more of a pass rush plan, Sawyer’s tools will make him hard to stop. Sawyer does a great job of disengaging in the run game and then using his closing burst to make a play on the ball carrier. Sawyer should break out in his junior campaign and in a weak defensive end class, the talent is there for him to be one of the first drafted.
DT Derrick Harmon, Michigan State
Whenever I turn on Michigan State film, Harmon has wow reps that are hard not to notice. For such a young prospect, he has incredible size to go along with an excellent frame. Harmon has unbelievable play strength and he plays low to anchor down consistently. He displayed the ability to stack and shed offensive linemen and he can overwhelm them with power as a rusher. There are just very few defensive tackles who play as well as Harmon did in their first year really playing in the Big Ten. Harmon could develop into an all-around force this upcoming season with what he showed as a pass rusher last fall. He is scheme versatile and projects as a day-one starter at the next level.
QB Jaxson Dart, Ole Miss
A natural passer, Dart throws with incredible touch and ball placement. Dart is very good on back shoulder throws and does an excellent job throwing his receivers open. With tighter windows in the SEC, Dart showed off high-level accuracy to all three levels of the field. Dart is mobile in and out of the pocket and a playmaker when things break down. He was able to avoid a lot of sacks, get outside the pocket and make throws downfield. That is a rare trait for such a young quarterback. Dart is a great quarterback prospect who checks a lot of boxes to be a future NFL starter.
DT Kris Jenkins, Michigan
Had he declared for the 2023 draft, Jenkins would have been a day-two pick. If he takes the next step, Jenkins could end up as the top defensive tackle in next year's draft. Jenkins plays all over the defensive line, with the versatility to play 3-4 defensive end or as a 3-tech. He is stout against the run, playing with very good pad level and a strong base to anchor. Jenkins then uses his quick hands to shed blocks and wrap up the ball carrier. The first step quickness and ability to bend stand out on Jenkins' film. From the 3-tech spot, Jenkins can beat guards consistently. By playing so low to the ground, Jenkins is explosive and he keeps his hands in tight to bullrush guards. He is able to win as a pass rusher with both speed and power, which is hard to find in an interior lineman. Jenkins returns to Michigan as their top defender and should find himself in the first round conversation next April.
EDGE Chris Braswell, Alabama
The Crimson Tide have the deepest pass rush group in the nation every year, so there is always a player on the verge of breaking out. That is the case with former five-star recruit Chris Braswell, who should have a prominent role in the Alabama defense, with the departure of Will Anderson. Braswell was named to Bruce Feldman's Freak List and that athleticism is displayed on his tape. Braswell shows off loose hips and natural bend to win the outside track. He has a quick first step and the play strength to convert speed to power. Because of Braswell's ability to threaten the tackle's outside shoulder, he was able to win with inside counters. In the run game, Braswell can set the edge and then disengage from the blocker to make the tackle. Alabama also asked Braswell to drop back into coverage and he looked natural doing that. At the next level, Braswell projects as a 3-4 outside linebacker who can be a great pass rusher but also drop back into coverage and defend the run. Braswell has all the talent to emerge as one of the top edge rushers in the nation and be first-team All-SEC.
These are just a few of the many talented prospects returning to college football this fall who have the potential to be All-Conference and even first-round picks in the NFL draft. From edge rushers like Jared Ivey and Seth Coleman, to offensive linemen like Xavier Truss and Sedrick Van Pran, to skill position players like Bru McCoy, and linebackers like Jestin Jacobs, and defensive linemen like Jack Sawyer and Derrick Harmon, there is no shortage of talent on display in college football this year. As the season progresses, we will continue to monitor these players' development and provide updates on their performances.
Stay tuned for more Ric and Jack Scouting the Nation columns on the best prospects in college football.
NFLDB 2024 measurements
Every year for the last 22 years I travel the country and visit 75-80 schools per year. We have dedicated scouts in every region of the country that attend practices, meet with coaches and collect personal information that we also include in our background reports, which is a unique part of our evaluations. We also obtain all official NFL measurements due to my relationships as an advance scout with the NFLPA Bowl.
NFL Draft Profile: Austin Reed, Quarterback, Western Kentucky Hilltoppers
NFL Draft Profile: Jaxson Dart, Quarterback, Ole Miss Rebels
NFL Draft Profile: John Rhys Plumlee, Quarterback, UCF Knights
NFL Draft Profile: Blake Shapen, Quarterback, Baylor Bears
NFL Draft Profile: Harrison Bailey, Quarterback, UNLV Rebels
NFL Draft Profile: Frank Harris, Quarterback, UTSA Roadrunners
NFL Draft Profile: Graham Mertz, Quarterback, Florida Gators
NFL Draft Profile: Cade McNamara, Quarterback, Iowa Hawkeyes
NFL Draft Profile: Joe Milton III, Quarterback, Tennessee Volunteers
NFL Draft Profile: Shedeur Sanders, Quarterback, Colorado Buffaloes
NFL Draft Profile: Michael Pratt, Quarterback, Tulane Green Wave
Ric Serritella’s 2024 NFL Draft Bible Big Board - 5/12/23
Quarterbacks
1. Caleb Williams, USC, Jr, 6010, 215, 4.55
2. Drake Maye, North Carolina, rSo, 6040, 220, 4.80
3. Michael Penix Jr., Washington, Sr, 6021, 218, 4.63
4. Shedeur Sanders, Jackson State, Jr, 6020, 215, 4.60
5. Quinn Ewers, Texas, rSo, 6020, 206, 4.65
Running Backs
1. Braelon Allen, Wisconsin, Jr, 6010, 235, 4.54
2. Traveyon Henderson, Ohio State, Jr, 5100, 215, 4.45
3. Will Shipley, Clemson, Jr, 5110, 205, 4.52
4. Blake Corum Michigan, Sr, 5067, 200, 4.35
5. Raheim Sanders, Arkansas, Jr, 6020, 227, 4.52
Fullbacks
1. Masen Wake, BYU, rSr, 6000, 260, 4.82
2. Jakobi Buchanan, Army, rSr, 5112, 260, 4.79
3. Jax Dineen, Kansas State, rSr, 5096, 244, 4.75
4. Luke Hamilton, West Virginia, rSr, 5111, 245, 4.82
5. Noah Bean, Grambling State, rSr, 6010, 235, 4.80
H-Backs
1. Jaheim Bell, Florida State, rSr, 6025, 230, 4.61
2. Cam Large, Wisconsin, rSr, 6020, 234, 4.75
3. Marshel Martin, Sacramento State, rSr, 6010, 215, 4.64
4. Brant Kuithe, Utah, rSr, 6016, 220, 4.76
5. Owen Glascoe, LIU, rSr, 6020, 255, 4.79
Tight Ends
1. Brock Bowers, Georgia, Jr, 6036, 235, 4.52
2. Michael Trigg, Mississippi, Jr, 6032, 240, 4.60
3. Ja’Tavion Sanders, Texas, Jr, 6036, 249, 4.62
4. Erick All, Iowa, rSr, 6040, 251, 4.72
5. Arik Gilbert, Nebraska, rJr, 6046, 255, 4.55
Wide Receivers
1. Marvin Harrison Jr, Ohio State, Jr, 6032, 205, 4.45
2. Xavier Worthy, Texas, Jr, 6006, 164, 4.30
3. Rome Odunze, Washington, rJr, 6026, 201, 4.44
4. Emeka Egbuka, Ohio State, Jr, 6006, 205, 4.42
5. Mario Williams, USC, Jr, 5090, 185, 4.39
Offensive Guards
1. Donovan Jackson, Ohio State, Jr, 6040, 300, 5.00
2. Layden Robinson, Texas A&M, rSr, 6032, 320, 5.20
3. Cooper Beebe, Kansas State, rSr, 6026, 326, 5.23
4. Javion Cohen, Miami, Sr, 6030, 305, 4.99
5. Matthew Jones, Ohio State, rSr, 6034, 318, 5.25
Centers
1. Sedrick Van Pran, Georgia, rJr, 6027, 311, 5.15
2. Bryce Foster, Texas A&M, Jr, 6036, 325, 5.00
3. Andrew Raym, Oklahoma, Sr, 6033, 316, 5.10
4. Luke Wypler, Ohio State, rSo, 6026, 300, 5.07
5. Drake Nugent, Michigan, rSr, 6010, 200, 5.12
Defensive Tackles
1. Ruke Orhorhoro, Clemson, rSr, 6040, 295, 4.90
2. Damon Payne Jr, Alabama, rSo, 6026, 303, 5.00
3. Shemar Turner, Texas A&M, Jr, 6034, 300, 4.85
4. Michael Hall, Ohio State, rSo, 6022, 295, 4.95
5. Tyler Davis, Clemson, rSr, 6022, 300, 4.98
Edge Rushers
1. Dallas Turner, Alabama, Jr, 6026, 245, 4.45
2. Jared Verse, Florida State, rJr, 6034, 250, 4.65
3. JT Tuimoloau, Ohio State, So, 6040, 270, 4.70
4. Jack Sawyer, Ohio State, So, 6040, 267, 4.76
5. Chop Robinson, Penn State, Jr, 6030, 240, 4.66
Linebackers
1. Jeremiah Trotter Jr., Clemson, Jr, 6000, 230, 4.60e
2. Tommy Eichenberg, Ohio State, Sr, 6020, 239, 4.70e
3. Smael Mondon Jr., Georgia, Jr, 6030, 220, 4.50e
4. Danny Stutsman, Oklahoma, Jr, 6030, 240, 4.70e
5. Jackson Mitchell, UConn, Sr, 6016, 228, 4.65e
Cornerbacks
1. Kool-Aid McKinstry, Alabama, Jr, 6006, 190, 4.34e
2. Kamari Lassiter, Georgia, Jr, 5116, 185, 4.38e
3. Max Melton, Rutgers, rJr, 5110, 190, 4.36e
4. Kalen King, Penn State, Jr, 5096, 190, 4.35
5. Denzel Burke, Ohio State, Jr, 006, 190, 4.40e
Safeties
1. Lathan Ransom, Ohio State, Sr, 6000, 209, 4.54e
2. Andrew Mukuba, Clemson, Jr, 6000, 195, 4.55e
3. Malachi Moore, Alabama, Sr, 6000, 190, 4.42e
4. Kamren Kinchens, Miami, Jr, 5095, 202, 4.45e
5. Cole Bishop, Utah, Jr, 6016, 205, 4.44e
Just 12 2020 First Rounders Have Their Fifth-Year Options Picked Up
An unusually small number of players had their option picked up, as a draft that was thrown into chaos by the onset of the COVID-19 Pandemic is proving to be weaker than normal.
The deadline for teams to apply the fifth-year option to players drafted in the first round of the 2020 NFL Draft was Tuesday afternoon, with an unusually small number of players from what is starting to look like a weak draft class being extended the option.
While around half the players drafted in the first round will typically have the fifth-year option extended to them, just 12 players from that first round had their option picked up, with quarterback Jordan Love signing a one-year extension with the Green Bay Packers for slightly less than the $29.5 million that the option carries for a quarterback.
While 2020 was a strong draft for quarterbacks, with Joe Burrow, Tua Tagovailoa, and Justin Herbert already having had their options picked up, just nine position players from the class are being brought back.
Seventh-overall pick Derrick Brown and 16th-overall pick A.J. Terrell were the only two defenders to have their options picked up. Second-overall pick Chase Young has dealt with injuries in his short career, while third-overall pick Jeff Okudah and ninth-overall pick C.J. Henderson have both already been traded by the teams that drafted them.
Some other notable players who did not have their option picked up include Young, linebackers Patrick Queen, Jordyn Brooks, and Isaiah Simmons, and tackle Mekhi Becton.
The onset of the COVID-19 Pandemic in early 2020 certainly played a role in that class turning out to be relatively weak, as many players had their Pro Days canceled and teams were unable to meet players in person and get as good of a medical read on them, causing a lot more guesswork.
But what the 2020 first round lacks in depth it makes up for with star power, with quarterbacks Joe Burrow and Justin Herbert, wide receiver Justin Jefferson, and tackles Tristian Wirfs and Andrew Thomas all slated to receiver market-setting extensions in the near future.
Are you a hardcore football fan or part of the scouting community? Then you won't want to miss the All Access Football newsletter. With coverage of the latest trends, breaking news, analytics, and scouting updates, this newsletter is your go-to source for all things football. Join over 51,000 subscribers receiving it directly in their inbox each week, you'll be joining a community of passionate football fans. Don't miss out – sign up today!
There were 58 televised Spring Games and I believe I am the only person in the country that watched all 58 games. I will have a blog this week breaking down what I look for in Spring Games and give you my top 10 best broadcasts from '23.
Should have close to 30 coaches interviews this week. Monday I have 6 coaches with 2 from Big 12, 1 ACC, 1 AAC, 1 MW and 1 from MAC.
#doingthework
