Top 10 college football prospects to watch with the B1G starting back up

Today’s a big day. Or rather, today is a B1G day! Okay, yeah that sucked but you get the point. Today the Big 10 kicks off its 2020 season and with it, dozens of high profile prospects will start their path to the 2021 draft. Here’s a special edition Saturday draft preview, looking at Big 10 prospects making their 2020 debuts.

Wyatt Davis, OG, OSU v. Nebraska (12 PM ET, Fox): Ohio State is loaded once again with NFL draft prospects. For Eagles fans, keep an eye on their stud offensive guard, Wyatt Davis. Davis might be one of the best linemen in the country.

Chris Olave, WR, OSU v. Nebraska (12 PM ET, Fox): Of the many big names on the Ohio State offense, Chris Olave is another playmaker to watch against Nebraska. The six foot speedster is a well rounded player with clean routes and soft hands. He should see a huge final season at Ohio State catching passes from Justin Fields.

Dicaprio Bootle, CB, Nebraska v. OSU (12 PM ET, Fox): Nebraska hasn’t had a high profile prospect in a few years and this year may be no different. However Dicaprio Bootle is a seasoned defender with a knack for the ball with 21 PDs in the last two years along with three career forced fumbles. Bootle is a smaller, but scrappy defender, and he will have a huge task to slow down OSU’s passing game today.

Naquan Jones DT, MSU v. Rutgers (12 PM ET, BTN): Naquan Jones might not have huge production, but he is one huge defender. The senior nose guard is over 6’4” and 330 pounds. He is as strong as he is big and offensive lines are about to have a handful with him over the next few weeks. Jones isn’t flashy, but his size and strength are going to be coveted by many NFL teams.

Micah Parsons, LB, PSU v. IU (3:30 PM ET, FS1): The best linebacker in the country is kicking off his 2020 season against Indiana today. “Linebacker U’s” next Star is the complete package in terms of size, athleticism and instincts at the linebacking position. Eagles fans will want to keep track of someone the team will definitely be interested in. UPDATE: Ah, whoops! Forgot Parsons opted out.

Alaric Jackson, OT, Iowa v. Purdue (3:30 PM ET, BTN): With Tristian Wirfs off to the NFL, attention will shift to Alaric Jackson on the Iowa offensive line. Jackson has a lot of starts under his belt at left tackle and after only being okay in 2019, Jackson will look to bounce back big time this season. The 6’6”, 315 pounder could be one of the top tackles in the nation this year.

Lorenzo Neal Junior, DT, Purdue v. Iowa (3:30 PM ET, BTN): Playing across from Jackson is Purdue defender Lorenzo Neal. Neal, who is the son of former NFL fullback Lorenzo Neal, missed all of 2019 with an injury. The 6’3”, 330 pounder was disruptive the last time he was on the field and quicker than anyone his size has any business being. Hopefully he will have his legs under him this year and establish himself as a top interior defender.

Rashod Bateman, WR, Minnesota v. Michigan (7:30 PM ET, ESPN): Rashod Bateman is among the many talented wide receivers headed towards the 2021 class. With former star Tyler Johnson in the NFL now, Bateman’s target load should go through the roof. The 6’2” playmaker can start the season with a statement against Michigan’s always-tough defense.

Kwity Paye, DE, Michigan v. Minnesota (7:30 PM ET, ESPN): Kwity Paye is arguably the top defender on Michigan’s defense. The 6’4”, 275 pounder has tremendous size and athleticism that Michigan uses all over their defensive front. Paye is an especially disruptive run defender with room to grow rushing the passer. Against what should be a high-powered Minnesota passing offense, Paye will need time step up and generate some pressure for four quarters.

Paddy Fisher, LB, Northwestern v. Maryland (7:30 PM ET, BTN) Over the last three years, Paddy Fisher has been one of the most productive linebackers in the country. Fisher has great instincts that show against the run and is decent enough as a coverage linebacker despite not being an elite athlete. Maryland loves to run the ball and Fisher will have a chance to put on a show in his first start of the season.