Week 1 college football standouts

A packed week one of college football is in the books. Hundreds of NFL prospects played their hearts out and quite a few of them played outstanding ball over the last few days. While each side of the ball had its fair share of stars this weekend, few shined like Zach Charbonnet and Kyle Hamilton.

UCLA had a big out of conference showdown with LSU on Saturday and few people could have guessed what the Bruins went on to do. UCLA hung 38 points on the Tigers, upsetting the #16 team in the nation. UCLA’s big day would not have been possible without playmaking from junior running back and Michigan transfer, Zach Charbonnet. Charbonnet averaged over 10 yards a carry and scored once on the ground for the Bruins. He was decisive, explosive and allowed UCLA to dictate the game.

Zach Charbonnet looks at home in the UCLA offense after never breaking out with the Wolverines. The six foot, 220 pound back has played great football in his two games this season. He has carried the ball 17 times for 223 yards and four scores. It is early in the year, but Charbonnet looks like a legit NFL running back in Chip Kelly’s offense. Hopefully he can keep up his excellent play.

On defense, Kyle Hamilton played a dominating game from the safety position against Florida State. The new look Noles gave Notre Dame a run for their money Monday night, and might have pulled off the upset if it were not for big plays from Hamilton.

Hamilton came away with interceptions. One where he won a match up with a receiver to pick off a pass and another where he closed quickly over the top of the defense to pick off a pass on the sideline. His second interception was a marvelous display of his instincts and athleticism at 6’2” and almost 220 pounds. Hamilton is one of the best pure defenders in college football right now and is already meeting high preseason expectations. While safeties do not typically go high in the NFL draft, Hamilton’s blend of great tape and physical profile could put him in conversation for top defender in the 2022 NFL draft.