While the 2021 NFL Draft is still far off in the distance, players that will be drafted early are on the field now. Each week presents unique matchups for draft prospects and this week is no different. Here are NFL Draft prospects to watch in college football week 1 recap.
1. Damonte Coxie, WR, Memphis Tigers
With Coxie’s help, the Tigers were able to beat Arkansas State 37-24. It was a good win for Memphis to start off their season and Coxie, along with Memphis’ other prospects were able to show off their skills in a game that had a lot of attention around it.
Coxie performed well. He had eight catches for 90 yards and a touchdown. It was a solid start for Coxie, who will be looking to improve his stock throughout the AAC season.
2. Terrell Carter, CB, Memphis Tigers
Memphis isn’t known for their defense and it showed, as they allowed 24 points and 425 total yards of offense. The important thing is that they got the opening game win.
Carter didn’t have a great game. He registered just one tackle and was a part of a secondary that allowed 299 passing yards. While it wasn’t his greatest game, it wasn’t his worst either. Carter will look to have more impactful performances in the future.
*Also known as T.J.
3. Reed Blankenship, S, Middle Tennessee Blue Raiders
The Blue Raiders were blown out by Army in week 1. There was no solution for the triple-option attack as the Black Knights won 42-0. It is a performance that Middle Tennessee will want to forget.
Blankenship was the best defensive player on the field. He was all over the field making plays for the Blue Raiders. He finished the game with nine total tackles and one tackle for loss. He has shown he can help stop the run, later this season, he’ll need to put some good film up of stopping the pass.
4. Reggie Roberson, WR, SMU Mustangs
In a game that was closer than expected, SMU squeaked away with a win over Texas State. The final score was 31-24 and the Bobcats had their fair share of chances to pull off the upset. The game was sloppy due bad quarterback play, but some wide receivers showed out in the game.
Roberson produced with six catches for 99 yards and a touchdown catch. He showed he can adjust to throws off target with his long touchdown grab. This is likely going to be a somewhat normal game for Roberson this season, who will be looking to help lead SMU to some more wins.
5. Matt Bushman, TE, BYU Cougars
Shortly after being put on the list of prospects to watch in week one, Bushman was injured and ruled out for the season.
Bonus: Spencer Brown, RB, UAB Blazers
As a bonus due to Bushman’s injury, Brown was added as a prospect to watch. The Blazers were playing a tough team from the FCS in Central Arkansas. They ended up winning the game 45-35.
Brown had a good day on the ground for the Blazers. He carried the ball 24 times, rushing for 127 yards and a touchdown. Brown also had a catch for eight yards. He has made it clear that he can be a workhorse back at the college level, but is still likely going to be a late-round pick in the 2021 NFL Draft.
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