Ben 10: College football prospects to watch in Week 8

Karan Higdon, RB #22, Michigan v. Michigan State (12 PM ET, Fox)

In the landscape of college football, Michigan running back Karan Higdon in flying under the radar. After barely missing 1,000 rushing yards a year ago, Higdon is on a tear this season; averaging 5.7 yards over the course of his 120 carries. The 202 pound senior is Michigan’s catalyst on offense and will be leaned on against a stingy Michigan State defense. Higdon’s performance in the ranked rivalry game will be weighed heavily on his draft stock. - Natan

Cortez Broughton, iDL #96, Cincinnati v. Temple (12 PM ET, ESPNU)

Don’t look now, but Cincinnati is ranked and undefeated heading into their match against Temple. One of the keys to the Bearcats’ success is a hard nosed run defense led by senior tackle, Cortez Broughton. The 290 pounder has 10 tackles for loss this season and has been a general handful week in and week out. The Owls rushing attack has been their main weapon, but Broughton will look to preserve Cincy’s record and boost his draft stock with a big performance. - Natan

Byron Murphy, CB #1, Washington v. Colorado (3:30 PM ET, Fox)

Another year, another Washington defensive back warranting Draft hype. The redshirt sophomore has been nothing but lockdown. Murphy is a technically advanced player for his age while possessing impressive movement skills. Murphy will be tested against Colorado’s explosive passing offense, but watch the 5’11” cornerback keep adding to his impressive resume with a big game. - Natan

Myles Gaskin, RB #9, Washington v. Colorado (3:30 PM ET, Fox)

Washington v. Colorado is generally a prospect studded ordeal, but my eyes will be on Myles Gaskin. The big question mark is his health: Gaskin’s been having shoulder issues the past couple of weeks, but with injuries on the RB depth chart behind him, he’ll have to be active when the Buffs come into town. Gaskin’s ability to hold up under physicality will be a question mark for NFL teams, so sloughing out a tough one, with an injury, against the stingy Colorado defense...that’s big. - Solak

Garrett Bradbury, iOL #65, NC State v. Clemson (3:30 PM ET, ESPN)

Talk about a potential riser! With next to no hype coming into the year, Bradbury is exploding up early season boards because of his movement skills, hand placement, and proficiency as a zone climber to the second level — Philadelphia should love the look of this young man, should they improve at iOL in the upcoming draft. His biggest questions regard combating rushers who win with power, and that’s the entire Clemson interior. Huge test! - Solak

Kelvin Harmon, WR #3, NC State v. Clemson (3:30 PM ET, ESPN)

The Wolfpack has been vicious this season, sprinting to an undefeated record and top 20 ranking. Kelvin Harmon has been a favorite target of quarterback Ryan Finley and the 6’3”, 219 pound pass catcher tends to make big on the opportunities his given. At over 16 yards per catch, Harmon is a threat any time the ball is in the air. Against a tough Clemson secondary, it would not be surprising to see Harmon asked to make big plays against the undefeated Tigers. - Natan

Trayvon Mullen, CB #1, Clemson v. NC State (3:30 PM ET, ESPN)

The Harmon/Mullen match-up is undoubtedly the highlight of the week. Mullen has had a stellar season, and he brings a physical profile to the table — length and strength — that will hassle Harmon at the release point in a way he hasn’t been affected this year. Mullen most improve his downfield ability to locate and attack the ball at its highest point, as that’s where Harmon regularly wins. Two potential early picks duking it out! - Solak

Darrell Henderson, RB #8, Memphis v. Missouri (4:00 PM ET, SEC Network)

It’s not typical to see an out-of-conference match-up in Week 8, but here we are: Mizzou against Memphis. I’m not sure how much better the Mizzou defense is as compared to the AAC defenses that Henderson has already faced, but because it’s the SEC, we can give them a few bonus point. Henderson is on an absolutely unfathomable tear in terms of per carry production, despite getting used at a high volume. I think he’s a well-rounded runner who could bear the lion’s share of a committee in the NFL. - Solak

Montez Sweat, EDGE #9, Mississippi State v. LSU (7 PM ET, ESPN)

LSU shocked the college football world last week when they blew out the Georgia Bulldogs. The Tigers will try to carry that momentum into a match with Mississippi State. Montez Sweat will be tasked with halting any positive energy from the LSU offense. Sweat already has 7.5 sacks this season, berating quarterbacks on a down to down basis. His pass rushing prowess will be on display this Saturday in arguably the biggest game of the weekend. - Natan

Andre Dillard, OT #60, Washington State v. Oregon (7:30 PM ET, FOX)

Dillard is a smaller and more passive offensive tackle, which is a tricky mold to find success in once you hit the NFL level. However, charting services are going to love him, because he generally gives up very few pressures — he’s super smooth and pretty agile, so he can redirect rushers to the point that his quarterback has a clear path of escape. He’ll face the best EDGEs he’s seen all season in Oregon’s Jalen Jelks and Justin Hollins. - Solak