Week 13’s watchlist continues the spotlight on 2018 eligible devy players. Week 12’s games included some solid performances from L.J Scott against Ohio State as well as Tyrie Cleveland against LSU. Week 13 has already kicked off with an incredible Derrius Guice performance against Texas A&M on Thanksgiving Day. These are the remaining matchups to watch with a focus on 2018 eligible talent.
Auburn at Alabama
Auburn’s tandem of running backs Kamryn Pettway and Kerryon Johnson have burst onto the scene with over 175 touches on the year. Both backs are coming off of injuries and may not be at 100% but I’ll be watching how they are able to perform in the biggest game of their season.
The headliners in this matchup are Alabama running back Damien Harris and wide receiver Calvin Ridley. Ridley has been a bit of a disappointment after coming into the season as the top sophomore receiver on many people’s draft boards. Ridley has been involved in the offense but has lacked the explosiveness many were hoping to see from him this year. His YPC has decreased from 11.7 in 2015 to 11.2 this season and with his smaller size (6-1, 188lbs), there are more questions about his game translating to the NFL level.
Harris has been a surprise after winning the job from Bo Scarbrough. He has put up 853 yards on only 114 carries but has only posted 2 touchdowns. Due to the physical running style of Scarbrough and quarterback Jalen Hurts, Harris has not had the opportunity to prove whether he can be a goal-line back.
Michigan at Ohio State
While the names in bright lights for this game will likely be declaring for the 2017 NFL draft, there are some 2018 devy players that may play a significant role in the outcome of this game. For Ohio State, in addition to Mike Weber Jr, wide receiver Noah Brown has flashed several times this year. Brown broke onto the devy scene with 5 catches, 72 yards, and 4 touchdowns against Oklahoma early this season but has been relatively quiet along with the entire Buckeye passing game all year. If Michigan is successful in shutting down the running game, Brown may need to have a big game for the Buckeyes.
Most of Michigan’s core skill positions players are 2017 eligible, but a name to watch is freshman running back Chris Evans. Evans only has 74 carries this year but has been electric with the ball in his hands, averaging 7.4 yards per carry and 14 yards per catch. The 4-star recruit has solid speed (clocked at 4.43 in high school) and I’m excited to see what Michigan does at the position next year. This year Evans is part of a four-headed running back by committee for the Wolverines.
