Ben’s 10 college football prospects to watch in Week 2

Week 2 of the 2019 college football season features another few dozen games and tons of prospects looking to build their resumes. While the schedule is “weaker” in terms of team by team matchups, there are a few intriguing tests for individual draft prospects to keep an eye on.

1) Markus Bailey (#21), LB, Purdue v. Vanderbilt (12 PM on BTN): With Lorenzo Neal still sidelined with an injury, Markus Bailey is Purdue’s top player on defense. Bailey is a speedy, playmaking linebacker whose flash will be needed against a physical Vanderbilt offense.

2) JK Dobbins (#2), RB, Ohio State v. Cincinnati (12 PM on ABC): Ohio State demolished FAU last week but faces a bigger test against a scrappy Cincinnati team. JK Dobbins carried the ball 21 times last week and his workload might be expanded in a closer game. It will be fun to see him take on a tougher defense.

3) Alton Robinson (#94), Edge, Syracuse v. Maryland (12 PM on ESPN): Alton Robinson is poised to quickly rise as a draft prospect this year. He is a physical, athletic pass rusher who adds a ton in run defense. Maryland is coming off a big win and the Syracuse defensive line will look to grind them into dust with Robinson leading.

4) Tee Higgins (#5), WR, Clemson v. Texas A&M (3:30 on ABC): In one of the few ranked matchups of the weekend, Clemson’s starters will likely be on the field for the whole game. Tee Higgins is only a piece of the dominant Clemson offensive attack, but he’s still a promising draft prospect. Watching how he looks against an SEC defense will be interesting.

5) Mustafa Johnson (#34), Edge, Colorado v. Nebraska (3:30 on Fox): Nebraska comes to town with an exciting offense and a top 25 ranking. Colorado, underrated at this point, will field a physical and disciplined defense. Mustafa Johnson is one of their most talented defenders and the havoc he can create will be crucial in the Buffs upsetting Nebraska.

6) Kristian Fulton (#1), CB, LSU v. Texas (7:30 on ABC): The headlining game of the weekend should meet the hype. Texas is fielding a potent offense to match LSU’s athletic defense. The Texas passing game and their success hinges on Kristian Fulton and the LSU secondary. Fulton will be tasked with limiting the massive Collin Johnson and company. The talented defender should be up to the task, but this is a huge stage to prove himself.

7) Troy Dye (#35), LB, Oregon v. Nevada (7:30 on Pac-12 Network): Oregon is licking their wounds after a huge loss last week and will need to rebound against an emerging Nevada team. The Wolfpack features an explosive offense that the Ducks will need all hands on deck to lime. Troy Dye is the leader of the Oregon defense and it will be important for him to be on the top of his game to keep Nevada at bay.

8) Chazz Surratt (#21), Linebacker, UNC v. Miami (8PM on ACCN): Chazz Surratt converted from quarterback this summer to play linebacker and looked like a natural last week against South Carolina. Surratt is extremely athletic and has high football IQ. He has another test this week against the Miami offense. His progress as a linebacker will be closely watched by NFL folks.

9) Ashtyn Davis (#27), Safety, Cal v. Washington (10:30 on FS1): Ashtyn Davis is one of the top defenders in the Pac-12. Cal will be taking on a top 15 Washington team and their explosive passing offense. Davis’ ballhawking ability will be integral in any effort to upset the Huskies.

10) Paulson Adebo (#11), CB, Stanford v. USC (10:30, ESPN): After a dominant performance against Northwestern last week, Paulson Adebo will need a strong follow up in a critical game against USC. Both teams will be without their starting quarterbacks, so defense will be king. Adebo will be relied on as a cover man and perimeter run defender to keep USC’s score low and Stanford in the game.