/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/65800104/usa_today_13542224.0.jpg)
The college football regular season is drawing to a close. For many teams, the season might as well be over. Some squads, however, are vying for conference championships and beyond. The added pressure for some of these teams can be a great environment for NFL prospects to show their true colors. In a week filled with rivalry games, here are the players I’m keeping an eye on to show out.
- Lavert Hill, Cornerback, Michigan v. Ohio State (12 PM on Fox): The seemingly unstoppable Ohio State faces down Michigan today in their storied rivalry game. If the Wolverines are to have a shot, look for their senior interception leader to have a lockdown game.
- Jeff Okudah, Cornerback, Ohio State v. Michigan (12 PM on Fox): When Lavert Hill is on the sideline, college football’s star cornerback will take the field in what should be his last regular season game of his college career. Jeff Okudah is poised to go out with a bang.
- Javon Kinlaw, Defensive Tackle, South Carolina v. Clemson (12 PM on ESPN): A few weeks ago, Javon Kinlaw single handedly slowed the Georgia Bulldogs enough for South Carolina to upset them. Today the stud defender can do the same against Clemson.
- Henry Ruggs III, Wide Receiver, Alabama v. Auburn (3:30 PM on CBS): The Iron Bowl is going to draw a lot of attention, obviously. However when Alabama’s offense takes the field, I am going to be eyeing Henry Ruggs III the whole game. It is easy for any of Alabama’s talented receivers to get lost in the shuffle on any given game seeing as there are so many mouths to feed in that offense. However, Ruggs III can turn any reception into a touchdown and I am excited to see his how his home run dynamic impacts this game.
- Derrick Brown, Defensive Tackle, Auburn v. Alabama (3:30 on CBS): Derrick Brown is arguably the most disruptive player in college football not named Chase Young. He is an all around defensive lineman and given his knack for playing well under the light, he will play the best football of his life today.
- Zack Baun, EDGE, Wisconsin v. Minnesota (3:30 on ABC): Understandably this game will be all about Jonathan Taylor’s ongoing Heisman campaign but I am excited to see the defenses in this game show up. Zack Baun is a versatile, under the radar defender who will have a big impact on Minnesota’s potent passing game.
- Tyler Johnson, Wide Receiver, Minnesota v. Wisconsin (3:30 on ABC): Wisconsin’s defense is no joke but Tyler Johnson should be up to the task of putting up big plays on them. After all, that is what he has done all season.
- Isaiah Hodgins, Wide Receiver, Oregon State v. Oregon (4 PM on Pac-12 Network): Isaiah Hodgins might as well be playing in his last game in college. The 5-6 Beavers are a long shot to beat Oregon and make a bowl game and the junior playmaker is most likely on his way to the NFL. Oregon is the best secondary he will face all season, so how he responds to that challenge could be the difference in him getting ready for a bowl game or getting ready for the NFL combine.
- Justin Madbuike, Defensive Tackle, Texas A&M v. LSU (7 PM on ESPN): With the high powered LSU team coming to town, Texas A&M’s only shot comes if their defense plays the game of their lives. Justin Madbuike is the clear playmaker of the group; impacting the game on every down. His skill set will be on full display against the Tigers and any chance of the Aggies playing spoiler will hinge on a big game from him.
- CeeDee Lamb, Wide Receiver, Oklahoma v. Oklahoma State (8 PM on Fox): In what is sure to be a shootout, CeeDee Lamb is poised to put on a clinic tonight. The junior receiver is an absolute lightning bolt and he should see a heavy dose of targets in this high scoring affair.