Week 7 of the college season had some exciting games including near overtime upsets of Ohio State and Clemson. It also featured several small school prospects putting up video game numbers. Some of these players have been on the devy radar, others are ascending into the conversation. This week’s matchups will focus on some small school talents leading the nation in receiving.
Louisiana Tech at Florida International
Louisiana Tech’s duo of wide receivers Trent Taylor and Carlos Henderson are first and third in the nation in receiving yards with 987 and 884 respectively. They have combined for nearly 70% of the Bulldog’s receiving yard on the season and 18 of the 23 receiving touchdowns.
Taylor, listed at 5-8 178, leads the nation in receiving yards. Outside of a week 1 loss to Arkansas where he was held to 8 for 78 yards, Taylor has had at least 7 catches for 100 yards in every week this year.
Henderson, listed at 5-11 191, is coming off of 12 catches, 326 yards, and 5 touchdowns against UMASS and has already bested his career season highs in all three categories. This is not a one-time occurrence as he posted 8 catches, 232 yards, and 3 touchdowns in week 6. He has been hitting on the big plays with a catch of 50 yards or more in his last 4 games played.
While both lack NFL size, the production is too great to ignore. I want to see more from these receivers to understand if they are late round rookie pick flyers, or if they are watch-list players next year.
East Carolina at Cincinnati
Senior wide receiver Zay Jones is fifth in the nation with 840 yards through six games on 84 catches. Listed at 6-1 197, Jones has been extremely consistent with the exception of 7 catches and 73 yards against NC State. In all other games, he has tallied at least 10 catches and 100 yards. Jones is the clear number one receiver in this offense. With Cincinnati expected to win, Jones should have plenty of targets.
Old Dominion at Western Kentucky
Senior wide receiver Taywan Taylor has put up 54 catches for 870 yards and 5 touchdowns and is fourth in the nation in receiving yards. With only five games remaining, this is on pace for less than the 1467 yards and 17 touchdowns as a junior. Listed at 6-1 195, Taylor has good size and could be an intriguing prospect going into the combine and NFL draft.
