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[NCAA] Week 2: Quinn Ewers, birth of a star

September 10, 2023

Every Sunday, the DNA of Sports editorial team 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

Quinn Ewers (QB, Texas): 24/38, 349 yards, 3 touchdowns

Receiving a perfect score (100) on the high school recruiters’ evaluation, Quinn Ewers’ history with the university got off to a bad start. By committing to Ohio State in 2021, he is unfortunately blocked by a certain CJ Stroud.

Transferred to Texas, Ewers quickly established himself as a starter for the 2022 season. His arrival, combined with the emergence of a future NFL star, Bijan Robinson, sets the tone for the Longhorns. Thus, Texas becomes one of the outsiders to win the conference. Showing all his talent, especially against Alabama, Quinn Ewers had an honorable season (15 TDs, 6 INTs in 10 games), even if his precision on throws needs to be improved.

This week, Quinn Ewers found… Alabama. Once again, he showed all his talent, and produced his benchmark match. Very good reads, and precise in deep throws, he disgusted the defense of Crimson Tide. Its progress in improvement lies in the management of the pocket, which still has room for improvement. The implementation of offensive plays also needs to be improved, but he is on the right path in this area. With this performance, the quarterback should join the race to be drafted in the first round.

Offensive mentions

  • Tyler Van Dyke (QB, Miami (FL)): 21/30, 374 yards, 5 touchdowns
  • Audric Estimé (RB, Notre Dame): 14 carries, 134 yards, 2 touchdowns
  • Corey Kiner (RB, Cincinnati): 20 carries, 153 yards, 1 touchdown
  • Troy Franklin (WR, Oregon): 6 REC, 103 yards, 1 touchdown
  • Ja’Tavion Sanders (TE, Texas): 5 REC, 114 yards

Is Tyler Van Dyke back? The Miami (FL) quarterback had an excellent game against Texas A&M. Last season, he had a difficult season, even losing his starting place. This season, well protected, better armed in terms of targets, Van Dyke could once again be a player to consider in the first 3 rounds.

Could have been mentioned (quarterbacks): Shedeur Sanders (QB, Colorado), Sam Hartman (QB, Notre Dame), JT Daniels (QB, Rice)

Two future sleepers could be considered next April at the running back position: Audric Estimé from Notre Dame and Corey Kiner from Cincinnati. Both players won with their university, and seemed in good spirits. Possessing buffalo physiques, with a size advantage for the first, the 2 runners have the potential to be part of a committee of runners in the big league.

Could have been mentioned (runners): Blake Corum (RB, Michigan), Devin Neal (RB, Kansas)

These are players cited in the first round, and they were confirmed this Saturday. Decisive at the start of the match, Troy Franklin has the size of a number 1 receiver, but not yet the physique or the power. As for Ja’Tavion Sanders against Alabama, he proved he could be more than just a physical receiver. Gaining yards after reception, he was one of the architects of his team’s victory in this week’s clash against Alabama.

Could have been mentioned (receivers): Jalen McMillan (WR, Washington), Marvin Harrison Jr. (WR, Ohio State), Beaux Collins (WR, Clemson)

Defensive Player of the Week

Kamren Kinchens (S, Miami (FL)): 7 tackles, 1 interception, 1 fumble covered

With 2 minutes left to play, Texas A&M has the ball. Quarterback Connor Weigman throws the ball toward his receiver. But, after receiving it, the Miami safety collapsed to the ground and remained motionless. Usually noisy, the Hurricanes supporters took the blame and the stadium became silent. The symbol of this moment is embodied by his teammate James Williams, another safety candidate for the first rounds of the next Draft. Staying close to him to get his news, he gathered his secondary teammates to pray, so that he could finish the match well.

However, before this event, Kamren Kinchens had a very good match. An important player in Mario Cristobal’s defensive system, he made an interception, allowing his team to widen the gap. Despite a position where there have been no safety drafted in the 1st round in 2023, Kinchens has the qualities to be there. His profile may recall Budda Baker (S, Cardinals) for his versatility in the position. His injury could therefore be a setback to his rise.

Defensive mentions

  • Cole Bishop (S, Utah): 4 tackles (including 2 for loss), 1 interception
  • Cooper DeJean (CB, Iowa): 10 tackles, 1 pass defended
  • Danny Stutsman (LB, Oklahoma): 17 tackles (including 2.5 for loss), 1 sack
  • Luke Reimer (LB, Nebraska): 5 tackles, 1.5 sacks
  • Jer’Zhan Newton (DT, Illinois): 4 tackles, 2 sacks
  • JJ Pegues (DT, Ole Miss): 4 tackles, 1 sack, 1 pass defended

Quoted last week, Cole Bishop is once again in the spotlight. A full match, and a victory for Utah against Baylor. If he maintains this consistency, Bishop will become a 2nd to 3rd round player.

Another player to consider on the 2nd day of the Draft, or even on the 1st: cornerback Cooper DeJean from Iowa. Energetic and aggressive, he is capable of playing in both positions on the second curtain. Regular, he could succeed Lukas Van Ness and Jack Campbell to become the next Hawkeyes player selected in the 1st round.

Could have been mentioned (defensive backs): Tykee Smith (S, Georgia), Aydan White (CB, NC State)

What a match from Danny Stutsman! Best tackler on his team, leader of the Sooners defense, the linebacker was everywhere. His mindset can be contagious, and could also convince NFL teams looking for a defensive leader.

Playing more on the outside at the linebacker position, Luke Reimer had a solid game against Colorado. Captain of Matt Rhule’s defense at Nebraska, his rating should improve despite the poor results of the Cornhuskers.

Could have been mentioned (linebackers): Justin Flowe (LB, Arizona), Darius Muasau (LB, UCLA), Tommy Eichenberg (LB, Ohio State)

On the defensive line, what about Jer’Zhan Newton? A player with devastating hands, the defensive tackle from Illinois showed impressive agility. Author of 2 sacks, he was unable to prevent his team’s defeat against Kansas. With performances like these, the top 15 of the Draft could reach out to him.

On the other hand, JJ Pegues was decisive. Often beating Tulane’s offensive line, he often found himself in a position to sack the quarterback. Expected on day 3, he could be a player to consider around the 2nd or 3rd round.

Could have been mentioned (defensive line): Collin Oliver (EDGE, Oklahoma State), Dontay Corleone (DT, Cincinnati)

Disappointment of the week

Cornerbacks Kool-Aid McKinstry and Terrion Arnold (Alabama)

Often found wanting, often penalized, Alabama’s second defensive curtain suffered against Quinn Ewers and Texas. The case of Kool-Aid McKinstry may prove to be worrying. Often found wanting, mainly defending in zone, the player did not stand out in the best way. On the touchdown scored by Adonai Mitchell, he was fooled while defending on press coverage, supposed to be his specialty. Often cited in the first round of mock drafts, the cornerback has the necessary physique and talent. However, in a match like this, he is supposed to set an example for his teammates. This could therefore cool down teams lacking a number 1 cornerback on the outside.

Terrion Arnold is a player with potential. Tested against Xavier Worthy, he suffered. Possessing the potential to be at least a number 2 cornerback in the NFL, he will still have to learn in coverage. In the tackling area he looks better. This could be ideal for a team looking for a player at the nickel cornerback position. In an NFL that uses 5-defender schemes a lot, Arnold could have a place. Holder in the Alabama defense, it’s up to him to follow the same trajectory as Brian Branch.

Other disappointments of the week: Leonard Taylor III (Miami (FL)), Jeff Sims (QB, Nebraska), Braelon Allen (RB, Wisconsin)

Action of the week

Remember Antonio Gates? A legend at the Chargers at the tight end position. Meet his son Antonio Gates Jr., first-year receiver (freshman) for the Michigan State Spartans.

The bonus of the week

Running back Mike Hollins scores a touchdown for Virginia. A symbolic touchdown because he is one of the survivors of the shooting that hit the university last November.

SEE ALSO:  Browns: Kevin Stefanski extends
September 10, 2023
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