Bowls are here. This time of year is wonderful. Spending time with family, football on television almost every day. This is also our last opportunity to see college players on the field before the long offseason begins. Even better, these bowls give you an opportunity to watch small school prospects you may not be able to mid-season due to their games not being televised. These previews will give you an idea of which devy players and rookie prospects are playing during bowl season. They say the best time to watch a prospect is during the biggest games. New Year’s Day (or this year’s version of it) is one of the biggest stages in college football.
Western Michigan vs Wisconsin
Monday, January 2nd 1:00PM
Western Michigan wide receiver Corey Davis surprised many in the NFL and dynasty communities when he decided to return for his senior year. Barring injury in this game, he made the right choice. Davis has the size to be an NFL WR1 at 6-3 213lbs and has been a man among boys against MAC competition. While Wisconsin is not known for their secondary, the athleticism of the Badgers will be a preview of how Davis will fare at the next level. If Davis can continue his dominance, his stock will continue to rise. If Wisconsin is able to shut Davis down, I would consider this a warning sign. Small school prospects are difficult to grade, but Davis is doing everything he can do.
USC vs Penn State
Monday, January 2nd 5:00PM
Sophomore running back Saquon Barkley might be my favorite college player to watch. If he were eligible in this draft class, I would include him in the top tier of running backs with Dalvin Cook and Leonard Fournette. While I will be watching Barkley closely, I will be evaluating Junior wide receiver Chris Godwin. Godwin entered the season as the presumed lead receiver but has disappointed; posting only 50 catches for 795 yards and 9 touchdowns. The 6-1 205lb receiver has shown flashes but has not improved on his breakout sophomore season. Watching Godwin closely will give me a better feel for how to treat him in drafts this offseason whether he declares or returns for his senior season.
For USC, my focus will be on junior wide receiver Juju Smith-Schuster and sophomore running back Ronald Jones II. Coming into the season, Smith-Schuster was considered to be the top 2017 eligible receiver but has had a disappointing season. He has posted very similar numbers to Godwin, with 63 catches for 781 yards and 9 touchdowns. I will be studying Juju’s tape often this offseason leading into 2017 rookie drafts if he does declare.
Ronald Jones II had a very slow start this year, only topping 10 carries once over the first 6 games of the season. Despite the 208 yards and one touchdown over these 6 games, Jones II still had 1,000 yards for the season and finished with 11 touchdowns. If Jones II can continue this tear against a stout Big Ten defense, he will have to be mentioned as a potential 2018 1st round rookie pick.
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