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[NCAA] 1st round – Late confirmation JT Tuimoloau

December 22, 2024

Every Sunday, the DNA of Sports editorial team offers you an update on the NCAA championship and the players eligible for the 2025 NFL Draft.

Player of the 1st round of the NCAA playoffs – JT Tuimoloau (EDGE, Ohio State)

His game (against Tennessee): 8 tackles, 2 sacks, 1 forced fumble, 1 pass defended

JT Tuimoloau had a full match in the first round of the new NCAA playoff formula.

Against Tennessee, the pass rusher had his best game of the 2024 season. He made 2 sacks and a performance that we had not seen since a game against Penn State in 2022. That makes 8 sacks in 2024 for the one who was rather expected in the first round of the 2024 NFL Draft.

It must be said that he has stood out for his irregularity over the last two seasons. Within a quality defensive line at Ohio State, JT Tuimoloau never knew how to be that defensive leader. Sometimes he can have a really good day and have incredible matches, like this week. On the other hand, he may have no impact, like in the final game of this regular season against Michigan.

Very well placed before the 2023 season in the predictions for the 2024 Draft where he was cited in the first round, he has not confirmed. By returning to university, the player matures and gains experience. His potential remains good for the NFL. He could therefore be of service to a team lacking a pass rusher in a 4-3 defensive scheme as a defensive end.

Using him as an outside linebacker or defensive end in a 3-4 seems complicated for his development. JT Tuimoloau is a player who does not yet have the necessary power, let alone the speed. Despite everything, seeing his name called in the first round of the next Draft still remains a possibility.

Player of the 1st round of the NCAA playoffs – Honorable mentions

  • Jack Sawyer (EDGE, Ohio State): 5 tackles, 1.5 sacks, 2 passes defended
  • Dani Dennis-Sutton (EDGE, Penn State): 4 tackles, 2 sacks
  • TreVeyon Henderson (RB, Ohio State): 10 carries, 4 receptions, 134 yards, 2 touchdowns
  • Nicholas Singleton (RB, Penn State): 14 carries, 97 yards, 2 touchdowns
  • Xavier Watts (S, Notre Dame): 10 tackles, 1 interception

On the Ohio State side, it's not just JT Tuimoloau that the NFL should look at as a pass rusher, there's also Jack Sawyer. The other pass rusher from the University of Columbus stands out with his power and quality to go directly to the second curtain. On the side of Penn State's rivals, it's not just Abdul Carter, there's also Dani Dennis-Sutton. He also like Abdul Carter possesses the versatility to play on the outside or inside of the defensive line in the future.

Ohio State and Penn State are rivals, love pass rushers, and also runners. TreVeyon Henderson and Nicholas Singleton have the qualities necessary to one day become a starting runner in the NFL. Both players have speed, sufficient reception quality and good agility to avoid tackles. They still lack the sustain in acceleration, and enough power to pretend to carry the ball over short distances.

In 2023, he makes 7 interceptions. This season, he's one interception away from tying it, and he might do it as soon as next week. In any case, the “be a decisive player” box can be checked for Xavier Watts. The Notre Dame safety doesn't have the same physical abilities as a former college standout, Kyle Hamilton (S, Ravens). His tackling quality is still inconsistent against the running game. He has not said his last word to be the first safety called up in the next Draft.

Could have been cited: Abdul Carter (EDGE, Penn State), Kelvin Banks Jr. (OT, Texas)

The revelation of the 1st round of the NCAA playoffs – Jaydon Blue (RB, Texas)

His game (against Clemson): 14 carries, 177 yards, 2 touchdowns

An XXL performance. Jaydon Blue carries Texas to victory. With his NCAA career high in rushing yards, it was his best game of the season. With 2 touchdowns, he is already 3 touchdowns in the playoffs in 3 years.

The one who took over from Bijan Robinson (RB, Falcons) or Jonathon Brooks (RB, Panthers) was in the oven and at the mill against an apathetic Clemson defense against the run. The runner was decisive in the final quarter as the Tigers were coming back. His 77-yard run allows the Longhorns to regain a 2-possession lead. In the first half, he also scored on a 38-yard run to allow his team to regain the advantage.

After 3 years in university, Jaydon Blue's profile may be intriguing. This season, he is capable of the best and the worst. His physique (1m80, 90 kilos) is not yet mature for the NFL. But, when he has a good offensive line, he is capable of making big differences thanks to his very good vision of the game. However, he lacks speed, and at the slightest contact, the ball can escape him because his ball security during the race is average.

He should still stay one more year in college, probably with Arch Manning, nephew of Peyton and Eli, as quarterback.

Revelation of the 1st round of the NCAA playoffs – Honorable mentions

  • Cade Klubnik (QB, Clemson): 26/43, 336 yards, 3 touchdowns, 1 interception
  • Will Howard (QB, Ohio State): 24/29, 311 yards, 2 touchdowns, 1 interception
  • Kaytron Allen (RB, Penn State): 11 carries, 98 yards, 2 touchdowns
  • Dominic DeLuca (LB, Penn State): 5 tackles, 1 sack, 2 interceptions, 1 touchdown
  • Elijah Roberts (EDGE, SMU): 4 tackles, 2 sacks

They are not among the quarterbacks cited in the latest mock Draft. However, by putting in this type of performance every week, they could be there.

Cade Klubnik is trying everything to put Clemson back on the right track. Ultimately, he will be weighed down by his defense. He may have regrets, but he's on the right path to the NFL. He should stay one more year in the NCAA to prove that he deserves a place in the top 5 of the next Draft.

Will Howard delivers quality passes despite the interception which is not his fault. In his 5th year, the former Kansas State quarterback should try his luck in the Draft since he is in his last year in the NCAA. At 23, however, his potential is limited. Finding a spot as a 3rd quarterback or understudy may be a possibility if circumstances permit.

It's not just Nicholas Singleton as a runner at Penn State, there's also Kaytron Allen. The runner is not yet physically mature, and should return to university after this season. In any case, if he continues to be consistent while avoiding injuries, he could apply for the 2026 NFL Draft.

Finally, these two defensive players in the Penn State – SMU game deserve recognition. Highly rated after leaving high school, Elijah Roberts struggled with the Miami Hurricanes before joining SMU. He will be able to boast of having played and having performed well in a playoff match unlike his former team. In his final year of college, he could interest NFL teams to complete a roster.

Dominic DeLuca has a mob name, and he lays down the law on the SMU attack. With 2 interceptions, including a touchdown, the one who is used to special teams had an incredible game. This should boost his rating, but being drafted still seems very far away for the linebacker.

Could have been cited: James Carpenter (DT, Indiana), Rylie Mills (DT, Notre Dame), Barryn Sorrell (EDGE, Texas), Tre Williams (EDGE, Clemson)

The flop of the 1st round of the NCAA playoffs – James Pearce Jr. (EDGE, Tennessee)

His game (at Ohio State): 3 tackles, 2 tackles for loss

The comparison with his competitors JT Tuimoloau and Jack Sawyer hurts in anticipation of the Draft.

It must be said that James Pearce Jr. does not have the same types of teammates on the defensive line. Whether against the running game or the passing game, Tennessee's number 27 had no impact. Well blocked by Ohio State tackles, including Donovan Jackson, the pass rusher was unable to express himself for his probable last college game. To his credit, he still makes 2 tackles for loss, but it is insufficient given what he can bring in this area.

This does not take away from the qualities that James Pearce Jr. can have. The pass rusher has sufficiently proven that he has the level to play in the NFL. After a season with 10 sacks in 13 games in 2023, the numbers are worse in 2024 with 7.5 sacks in 12 games. But, there are extenuating circumstances. Highly monitored, he was often blocked by a tackle, a guard, then a running back. His first step remains excellent, but he still needs to gain strength if he wants to be a full-time starter in the NFL.

He is still one of the candidates to be in the top 10 of the Draft despite his match this week. His physique, his agility and his hand technique should not escape teams lacking pressure on the opposing quarterback.

Could have been cited: Tyler Warren (TE, Penn State), Barrett Carter (LB, Clemson), Mikail Kamara (EDGE, Indiana)

Summary of the 1st round of the playoffs

Notre Dame (7) – Indiana (10): 27-17
A deceptive score. Notre Dame dominates this match from the 1st minute until the last 5 minutes of the match where they concede 2 touchdowns in quick succession. The Fighting Irish won their first victory in the playoffs at home, qualified and will face Georgia in the quarterfinals. Despite the loss, Indiana learned from the experience. In any case, the season was successful for coach Curt Cignetti's first season at the helm of the Hoosiers.

Penn State (6) – SMU (11): 38-10
First victory for coach James Franklin at the head of Penn State in the playoffs where there was no suspense. The Nittany Lions defense completely stifles the SMU Mustangs offense with 3 interceptions, including 2 pick six. At halftime, the gap was already made, and Penn State was even able to play the substitutes at the end of the match. The Nittany Lions will face Ashton Jeanty's Boise State in the quarterfinals. For their first game in the playoffs, SMU did not exist, and could give the committee regrets for having preferred them to Alabama.

Texas (5) – Clemson (12): 38-24
It is thanks to his ground game that Texas advances to the quarterfinals against Clemson with 292 yards on 48 carries, and 4 touchdowns. Texas made the difference in the first half by leading 28-10, then 31-10. But, Clemson didn't give up, and even came back to one possession. This could have been the greatest comeback in college playoff history. Finally, Jaydon Blue's touchdown (see above) for the Longhorns completed the last hopes of the Tigers. Texas will face Arizona State in the quarterfinals.

Ohio State (8) – Tennessee (9): 42-17
Ohio State enforces logic, with this authoritarian victory over Tennessee, scoring 6 touchdowns, including 4 on the run. The Buckeyes quickly pulled away in the first quarter. At the start of the second half, Ryan Day's men picked up the pace to finish off Josh Heupel's. Quickly deprived of its ground asset Dylan Sampson at the end of the first half, Tennessee ultimately never existed in this match. Ohio State will face Oregon in the quarterfinal clash next week.

Action from the 1st round of the playoffs

Following Xavier Watts' interception, Notre Dame has the ball in its 2 yards. The rest is history. It is the first touchdown in the history of the 12-team playoffs, it is also a record tied for a rushing touchdown at the University of Notre Dame with 98 yards. We forget the player. His name is Jeremiah Love, running back expected in the 2026 NFL Draft.

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December 22, 2024
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