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[NCAA] Week 7: Rome Odunze, King of the North

October 15, 2023

Every Sunday, the DNA of Sports editorial team offers you an update on the NCAA championship and the players eligible for the 2024 NFL Draft.

Offensive Player of the Week: Rome Odunze (WR, Washington)

His match (against Oregon): 8 receptions, 128 yards, 2 touchdowns

Head to the North-West of the United States, where Washington is once again in the spotlight this week. After Michael Penix Jr., here is his number 1 receiver Rome Odunze, of whom you can find his portrait. Around him, there are people in his position who are also eligible for the 2024 Draft (Polk, McMillan). However, against Oregon (Washington’s 36-33 victory), he may have had personnel around him. But often he found himself alone.

At the top of his game, he was regularly sought after by his quarterback. With his 8 receptions, he was not afraid of anything, protecting himself well from defensive threats. Particularly that of Trikweze Bridges, who gave him a hard time in the 3rd quarter. It is often said that kings live at the top. Peak reached less than 2 minutes from the end, when he was seen by Michael Penix Jr. for the winning touchdown.

His performance inevitably aroused the curiosity of NFL team recruiters. According to some sources, 20 NFL teams attended the game between Washington and Oregon. There is no doubt that they have closely observed the athletic, blond-haired receiver, expected in the first round next April.

Offensive mentions

  • Troy Franklin (WR, Oregon): 8 receptions, 154 yards, 1 touchdown
  • Keon Coleman (WR, Florida State): 9 receptions, 140 yards, 1 touchdown
  • Devontez Walker (WR, North Carolina): 6 receptions, 132 yards, 3 touchdowns
  • Bucky Irving (RB, Oregon): 22 carries, 127 yards, 1 touchdown
  • Quinton Cooley (RB, Liberty): 28 carries, 163 yards, 2 touchdowns
  • Troy Fautanu (OT, Washington)

The race for the second receiver called up in the NFL Draft is raging. Troy Franklin and Keon Coleman have a lot going for them. With a special mention for the Florida State player, untenable in punt returns. Second game of the season for Devontez Walker, and already a 3-touchdown game. Her connection with Drake Maye is already on point.

The runners weren’t really celebrating, despite some good performances. Oregon’s defeat did not prevent Bucky Irving from surpassing the 100-yard mark for the second time this season. His liveliness makes him a potential candidate for the 2nd day of the Draft. This is already the 4th time in 6 matches that he has surpassed it. Despite his small size, Liberty’s explosive runner Quinton Cooley is big. In an average vintage at this position, he could create a surprise, where the help of Troy Fautanu could be useful.

The Washington tackle did not concede any sacks during the clash against Oregon. On passing plays, he often beat his opponent. On racing games, less his specialty, he was very strong. Before the season, questions arose about his mobility. After this match, the question could arise less.

Could have been mentioned: Carson Steele (RB, UCLA), Kyle Monangai (RB, Rutgers), Rasheen Ali (RB, Rutgers), Theo Johnson (TE, Penn State), Ricky Pearsall (WR, Florida), Peny Boone (RB , Toledo)

Quarterback of the week: Graham Mertz (QB, Florida)

His match (against South Carolina): 30/48, 423 yards, 3 touchdowns

How long gone are the days when the American media considered Graham Mertz as the new incredible prospect since Russell Wilson. Beginning his career at the University of Wisconsin, he took the place of then-starter Jack Coan. 4 seasons later, he is a starter in one of the most demanding teams in the NCAA, Florida. After 3 seasons where he was not sufficiently protected, he accumulated interceptions (26) and sacks conceded (48).

In terms of the number of sacks conceded, it doesn’t change too much in the Florida Swamp (15). However, his throwing mechanics are improving. Against South Carolina, he had a clean match, despite average accuracy (62%). In addition, he showed clutch with a touchdown for his receiver Ricky Pearsall 40 seconds from the end.

In a deep crop of quarterbacks, Mertz is not the new Tim Tebow. However, if NFL teams are looking for a good understudy, they should look at Florida.

Quarterback mentions

  • Bo Nix (QB, Oregon): 33/44, 337 yards, 2 touchdowns
  • Grayson McCall (QB, Coastal Carolina): 19/28, 373 yards, 2 touchdowns
  • Shedeur Sanders (QB, Colorado): 33/47, 400 yards, 5 touchdowns, 1 interception
  • Jordan Travis (QB, Florida State): 23/37, 284 yards, 3 touchdowns

I throw short first, then I lengthen, while trying to remain precise. This is Bo Nix’s leitmotif. The Oregon quarterback had a good game. But, he was unable to be decisive, not helped by his staff’s play calls. He also always hits in the right zone, Grayson McCall had his best game of the season, after a horrible game last week (4 interceptions).

Dual-threat quarterbacks have mixed fortunes. Shedeur Sanders may have weighed down his team with his interception in overtime. But, until then, he had a tough game with 5 touchdowns. On the other hand, he could lead his team to the playoffs. If he succeeds in this objective, NFL recruiters will undoubtedly be interested in him. Jordan Travis may not always be very accurate. But, it limits errors. Since the start of the season, he has thrown just one interception.

Could have been mentioned: Drake Maye (QB, North Carolina), Jason Bean (QB, Kansas), DJ Uiagalelei (QB, Oregon State)

Defensive Player of the Week: Collin Oliver (EDGE, Oklahoma State)

His game (against Kansas): 7 tackles, 2.5 sacks, 2 passes defended, 1 forced fumble

Oklahoma is his state. In 2021, he chose Oklahoma State over Oklahoma, or even Georgia, upon leaving high school. A prospect with solid starting potential for the NCAA, Collin Oliver burst onto the screen in his first season. He made Cowboys history, and became a finalist for the NCAA freshman of the year trophy (equivalent to NFL rookie). Nationally, he finished 7th in sacks, with 11.5 sacks. A record for a freshman. Thus, he won the trophy for best freshman defender of the year in the Big 12 conference.

Confirmation has been awaited ever since. Muzzled, sometimes blocked by 2 offensive tackles, his second year was not as productive as the first. Despite everything, he made 5 sacks in a disappointing season where he learned.

Aligned asoutside linebacker in a 4-3 defense at Oklahoma State, the pass rusher burst the screen (again) against Kansas. Lively, agile, but lacking in hand technique, Collin Oliver has good potential to become a starter in the NFL. In terms of projection, he is expected around the 3rd-4th round.

So keep a close eye on number 30 on the Oklahoma State side (orange outfit).

Defensive mentions

  • Xavier Watts (S, Notre Dame): 7 tackles, 2 interceptions, 1 pass defended, 1 forced fumble, 1 covered fumble, 1 touchdown
  • Kamren Kinchens (S, Miami (FL)): 9 tackles, 1 sack, 2 passes defended
  • Darius Robinson (DT, Missouri): 6 tackles, 2 sacks
  • Darius Hodges (EDGE, Tulane): 3 tackles, 2 sacks
  • Edefuan Ulofoshio (LB, Washington): 11 tackles, 1 sack
  • Cedric Gray (LB, North Carolina): 10 tackles, 1 pass defended, 1 interception

Xavier Watts is the man of the match in the clash between USC and Notre Dame. The safety was everywhere, and went into the head of Caleb Williams (see later). The icing on the cake was that his game ended with a touchdown by covering a fumble. Kamren Kinchens sometimes made mistakes on how to make tackles. However, his mentality makes him a certain candidate for one of the first 3 rounds of the Draft.

On the defensive line, it was better to be called Darius. If Darius Hodges has good potential, Darius Robinson is already in his 5th university season. In order to impress general managers, the two players could shine at the Combine before the Draft

In recent years, linebackers have not been very popular with NFL staff to be in the first round. However, teams could look for future defensive leaders like Fred Warner. Edefuan Ulofoshio and Cedric Gray are credible candidates with experience.

Could have been mentioned: Kaimon Rucker (EDGE, North Carolina), McKinnley Jackson (DT, Texas A&M), Kris Abrams-Draine (CB, Missouri), Ja’Quan Sheppard (CB, Maryland), Adisa Isaac (EDGE, Penn State ), JD Bertrand (LB, Notre Dame), Jaylen Mahoney (LB, Vanderbilt)

Disappointment of the week: Caleb Williams (QB, USC)

His game (against Notre Dame): 23/37, 199 yards, 1 touchdown, 3 interceptions

Hell! This is what Caleb Williams experienced this weekend against Notre Dame (USC defeat against Notre Dame 20-48) in the first period. Wanting to improvise and win the first attempt at all costs, he made several mistakes. With each loss of the ball suffered by the USC quarterback, Notre Dame took the opportunity to score a touchdown.

For a player wanting to become the 2nd player to obtain the best university player trophy for the 2nd time in a row, his rating took a hit. If his game doesn’t take away from the fact that he remains an incredible prospect, NFL teams may now be less convinced by the USC player. With 3 interceptions, that now makes 4 for the season, as many as last season. He himself admits, he achieved his worst performance since entering the university level.

If we compare him to former number 1 prospects like Trevor Lawrence or Joe Burrow, the 2 quarterbacks, today in the NFL, have one thing in common. In a single game, they have never thrown 3 interceptions. In addition, of the 3 interceptions, many are due to a bad reading, or a bad decision.

Despite a significantly better second period where he was calmer, this did not prevent his first period from being scrutinized by NFL teams to point out his faults. Flaws that we exposed during our podcast this week.

It’s up to him to be better if he still wants to be number 1 next April. Compared to Drake Maye (QB, North Carolina) in particular, the competition could tighten.

Other disappointments: Cameron Ward (QB, Washington State), Braelon Allen (RB, Wisconsin), Leonard Taylor III (DT, Miami (FL))

Action of the week

Caleb Williams is not the only one to have struggled on the USC side. Special teams as well. While USC seemed to be getting back into the game, Jadarian Price put their heads back under water with this 99-yard kickoff return touchdown! An action which definitively seals the fate of the match.

The bonus of the week

With this victory against Oregon, Washington remains undefeated, and can dream of the playoffs. In a crazy atmosphere!

SEE ALSO:  Cardinals: James Conner hit in the knee
October 15, 2023
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