NFL Draft prospects shine in the trenches in Week 3

Week three of the 2020 college football season featured a wider slate as more teams are kicking off their seasons. Excitingly, conference play also kicked off, producing quite a bit more good football. Even with some stellar performances from high profile skill players, it’s hard to ignore the hard work being done by draft prospects on the lines last weekend.

Liam Eichenberg is the leader of Notre Dames’ stacked offensive line. The fifth-year tackle is a smart, physical player who can grade roads in the run game and is a stout pass blocker. He didn’t allow a sack all 2019! Against USF, Eichenberg continued to be dominant, especially in the ground game. Notre Dame ran for over 280 yards and rushed for six touchdowns as the Irish blanked USF 52-0. Eichenberg would’ve been a top 50 prospect last year, but he could be gunning for an even higher draft spot in 2021 with the way he is playing.

In a conference showdown between NC State and Wake Forest, junior defensive tackle Alim McNeill made a big difference with his play. While the game was a high scoring and close affair, McNeill spearhead a defensive effort that held the Demon Deacons to three yards per carry on the ground. McNeill was active on all downs and constantly penetrated into the backfield. He also forced and recovered a critical fumble. A huge difference in such a close game. McNeill has been a steady contributor for The Wolfpack his whole career, but his play against Wake Forest is indicative of a huge step towards being a dominant defensive tackle.