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[NCAA] Week 1 – Shedeur Sanders, on behalf of the father

September 3, 2023

Every Sunday, the editorial staff of DNA of Sports offers you an update on the NCAA championship through the players only eligible for the 2024 NFL Draft, which will take place in Detroit next April.

Offensive Player of the Week

Shedeur Sanders (QB, Colorado): 38/47, 510 yards, 4 touchdowns

First game, first victory in the 1st university division for Deion Sanders as a coach. A few days ago we wrote it: Colorado is going to be one of the attractions of this season. Before the match, ‘Coach Prime’ announced it on his Twitter account with one word: ‘Win!’ (to win in French). After this game, Colorado sends a message. When it comes to players, many stand out, including Travis Hunter (Draft 2025) and Shedeur Sanders.

For his first game with Colorado against the last university finalist TCU, the latter released a record game in passing yards for his university, with an excellent passing percentage (81%). Sanders showed great pocket management. In terms of throws, he was precise from afar, and smart enough to play short.

Projected towards the 3rd-4th round, he could join the race for the place of 3rd quarterback called to the Draft, behind Caleb Williams and Drake Maye.

Offensive mentions

  • Michael Penix Jr. (QB, Washington): 29/40, 450 yards, 5 TDs
  • Braelon Allen (RB, Wisconsin): 17 carries, 141 yards, 2 TDs
  • J. Michael Sturdivant (WR, UCLA): 5 REC, 136 yards, 1 TD
  • Joshua Cephus (WR, UTSA): 9 REC, 123 yards, 1 TD
  • Zach Frazier (OL, West Virginia)

Another player to be in the race to be the 3rd quarterback called to the Draft: Michael Penix Jr. Opposed to Boise State, Washington’s attack did not miss. Finding his favorite targets Rome Odunze and Jalen McMillan on several occasions, the left-handed quarterback launched his season perfectly. Quoted in the first round of our mock Draft, the Huskies player could have the same trajectory as a certain Hendon Hooker (Lions).

Could have been mentioned (quarterbacks): JJ McCarthy (QB, Michigan), Cameron Ward (QB, Washington State), Jaxson Dart (QB, Ole Miss)

With the arrival of Luke Fickell on the bench, we expected an air attack from the side of Wisconsin. But no, the identity of the Badgers remains the ground game, embodied by Chez Mellusi (also eligible), and especially Braelon Allen. Having struggled in the first few minutes against the Buffalo Bulls (and not the Bills), the running back caught up with an acceleration/power combination, reminiscent of Derrick Henry (Titans).

Could have been mentioned (runners): Bucky Irving (RB, Oregon), Jo’Quavious Marks (RB, Mississippi State), Jalen White (RB, Georgia Southern)

UCLA comes out of the trap game against Coastal Carolina. For this, the Bruins owe it to J. Michael Sturdivant, author of a very good game for his first in Los Angeles. With a touchdown from 62 yards, he allowed his team to widen the gap. Less chance for UTSA against Houston. But, the Roadrunners may have found Ole Miss’ transfer Zakhari Franklin’s successor in Joshua Cephus. The receiver signs his career high in receiving yards.

Could have been mentioned (receivers): Troy Franklin (WR, Oregon), Rome Odunze (WR, Washington), Benjamin Yurosek (TE, Stanford)

Technical, and precise in his movements, Zach Frazier was excellent against the formidable defensive line of Penn State. Aligned in his favorite position (center), he let absolutely nothing pass. Creating gaps, he contributed to his team’s 2 rushing touchdowns. In a match taking place in a hostile environment, he did not fail despite the defeat. If any NFL teams are (already) looking for a center next season, Zach Frazier could be your man.

Could have been mentioned (offensive line): Olu Fashanu (OT, Penn State), Brandon Coleman (OL, TCU)

Defensive Player of the Week

Tyler Nubin (S, Minnesota): 2 interceptions

Last season, we already mentioned this player. Holder for 2 seasons, Tyler Nubin had an impressive last season in Minnesota (55 tackles, 4 interceptions). For the start of the Golden Gophers season in Nebraska Matt Rhule (ex-coach of the Panthers), the safety did not miss his match. Only 4 yards allowed, and especially 2 interceptions, including a decisive one that will lead his team to victory on a field goal.

In a crop of talent-rich safety for the 2024 Draft, mostly playing cover as a free safety, Nubin shouldn’t be left out of the conversation to be the first safety (or defensive back) drafted next April.

Defensive mentions

  • Cole Bishop (S, Utah): 11 tackles, 1 sack
  • Cedric Gray (LB, North Carolina): 9 tackles, 1.5 sacks
  • Cal Haladay (LB, Michigan State): 10 tackles, 1 interception
  • Laiatu Latu (EDGE, UCLA): 4 tackles, 3 sacks
  • Tyler Baron (DT, Tennessee): 3 tackles, 2 sacks

Another safety not to be excluded to be the first safety called in the Draft: Cole Bishop. Against Florida, the Utes player was everywhere. Clever, he even made a sack and forced a fumble on Graham Mertz (QB, Florida), preventing a touchdown. Positioned strong safety, he has a future in the NFL. His quality in the tackle is already in place.

Could have been mentioned (defensive backs): Dwight McGlothern (CB, Arkansas), Cedarious Barfield (CB, San Diego State), Jaden Hicks (S, Washington State)

In the clash of the Carolinas, the North wins over the South. We were expecting Drake Maye. But, it is rather from the defense that came the light. 9 sacks on Spencer Rattler, including 1.5 by Cedric Gray. Impressive last year (144 tackles), his team’s best tackler in this game, he is the leader of the Tar Heels defense.

Experienced Cal Haladay was the best player on the court in one of Michigan’s many derbies. Playing his 3rd season with the Spartans, the linebacker can be one of the future “sleepers” of the next Draft.

Could have been mentioned (linebackers): Trevin Wallace (LB, Kentucky), Marlowe Wax (LB, Syracuse), Payton Wilson (LB, NC State)

Already very strong last year against the running game, Tyler Baron is off to a solid start, with more sacks against Virginia. This could allow him to catch the eye of NFL scouts.

Last season, Laiatu Latu was very good at sacking the quarterback, and could have made it to the NFL Draft. Remaining one more season, his choice is the right one for the moment. Making 3 sacks, including 2 in the 4th quarter, he put Gryson McCall (QB, Coastal Carolina) through an ordeal.

Could have been mentioned (defensive line): Jonah Elliss (EDGE, Utah), Praise Amaewhule (EDGE, UTEP)

Disappointment of the week

Ohio State wide receivers Marvin Harrison Jr. and Emeka Egbuka: 5 receptions, 34 yards

Cited in the first round of our first mock Draft 2024, Ohio State receivers Marvin Harrison Jr. and Emeka Egbuka had all the trouble in the world to exist against the Indiana Hoosiers. It’s not totally their fault. The chemistry with Kyle McCord, replacing CJ Stroud as quarterback, is still to work.

Moreover, Marvin Harrison’s son showed a rather nonchalant attitude. Scoring a touchdown, it was disallowed for a foot outside the field. As a result, his penalty caused an attempt loss.

Despite Ohio State’s success against Indiana, the 2 players must quickly show something else against an opposition of another caliber next week, Notre Dame. In the event of a new poor performance, the rating of the 2 players for the 2024 NFL Draft could take a hit.

Another disappointment of the week: Princely Umanmielen (EDGE, Florida)

action of the week

We don’t know how he did it. Former Auburn and LSU quarterback, TJ Finley offers us the magic trick of this 1st week with this beautiful touchdown. This action is part of one of the upsets of the night, offered by Texas State (Sun Belt). In a league where realignments are multiplying, Baylor (Big 12) had better make themselves small in the coming days.

Bonus of the week

That’s it, here we go again for 13 weeks of madness! Like every year, we can’t get enough of this return to Virginia Tech University to the sound of Enter Sandman by Metallica.

See you next week!

SEE ALSO:  Bears – Lions (30-31): Justin Fields can't do everything
September 3, 2023
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