With week one of the college football season in the books there is some important news in the college landscape.
Deondre Francois
Florida State QB Deondre Francois tore his patella tendon in his left knee late against Alabama. The injury will require surgery and end Francois’s season. While there can be legitimate debates about Francois’s tape, there is no debate about his toughness. Francois faced immense pressure throughout the 2016 season behind a porous offensive line and answered the bell. If there is a silverlining for Francois, the injury is early in the season and allows for a year long rehabilitation.
Mike Weber
Ohio State RB Mike Weber did not play for Ohio State because of a hamstring injury. Weber dressed and appeared in good spirits on the sideline.
J.K. Dobbins
Ohio State RB J.K. Dobbins replaced Weber in the backfield. He struggled early in the game particularly on interior runs. He improved later in the game and flashed with a 35 yard run. Dobbins set the run up with a sharp jump cut that showcased his lateral agility. Dobbins is listed at 5’10” and 208 pounds and has plenty of room to grow in his lower half and develop into a better interior runner.
Ryan Nall
Oregon State RB Ryan Nall is a 235 pound running back that averaged 6.5 yards per carry last season. He came into school as a TE/FB hybrid, only to capture the starting tailback job. He moves well laterally, runs with above average power, good forward lean, and he is a good pass catcher out of the backfield. His tape was very solid against Colorado State, but his athleticism may limit his potential to a day three pick. Nall is a name deep down the radar but warrants “Team Big Running Back” monitoring because he is a very good football player.
Jordan Scarlett
Florida RB Jordan Scarlett was suspended idefinitely by Coach Jim McElwain and missed Florida’s game against Michigan. He is alleged to have made improper charges on his student ID at the bookstore. The story sounds weird, but hurts Scarlett’s stock at a critical time. The length of Scarlett’s suspension should be monitored closely in the coming weeks.
Damien Harris/Bo Scarborough
Alabama RB Damien Harris showed he is the better half of the Alabama duo. He had 9 carries, 73 yards and a touchdown against Florida State. Harris was explosive with a 34 yard carry up the middle that he finished off with a stiff arm in the secondary before being knocked out of bounds. Harris also blocked a punt on special teams. Bo Scarborough is the bigger name in the Alabama backfield, but he underwhelmed compiling 40 yards on 15 carries in the game.
Royce Freeman
Oregon RB Royce Freeman looked fast and in great shape in Oregon’s victory over Southern Utah. He finished the game with 23 carries, 150 yards and 4 touchdowns. Freeman was named a captain of the Oregon Ducks for the 2017 season. After Freeman was benched at points in 2016 taking a leadership role is great news for his prospects under new Head Coach Willie Taggart.
Simmie Cobbs Jr.
Indiana WR Simmie Cobbs Jr. missed nearly all of last season with an ankle injury. He returned against Ohio State with 11 catches, 149 yards and 1 touchdown. He played on the outside against Ohio State’s cornerbacks and dominated at the catch point. Cobbs Jr. is listed at 6’4″ and 220 pounds and showed his size and strength.
Also of note, Cobbs Jr. was arrested over the summer at a concert for his part in blocking the walkway, then failing to identify himself and submit to a breathlyzer.
Auden Tate
Florida State WR Auden Tate showed his highpointing ability against Alabama. He caught two passes for 41 yards and a touchdown. His first catch was a deep post play where he elevated through contact to make a nice high point catch. The second catch was a backshoulder fade in the end zone where Tate adjusted and extended for the catch. He is a strong highpoint receiver, but there will be questions about the future of the Florida State offense with QB Deondre Francois out for the season.
Mark Andrews
Oklahoma TE Mark Andrews led the team with 7 catches, 134 yards, and 1 touchdown. He showed his versatility elevating for a high point, diagnosing coverages in his route running, and making defenders miss after the catch. He moves well in short areas for his 6’5″ and 254 pound frame. Andrews could join Evan Engram in the rare class of college tight ends to lead their team in receiving.
