My Guys/ Draft Eligible Players/ Top Performers Week 2
Ken Noble
These young men stood out to me as the NCAA football players who helped their 2022 NFL Draft stock this week. They were some of the top performers in week 2. Each and every week I will be shining a light on the players that do so. Some will be obvious names that just solidify themselves as top picks, some may be players who catch our attention for the first time. Okay, second time. We don’t get surprised often.
Jacob Cowing – WR – UTEP
Next Game vs. New Mexico
UTEP wide receiver Jacob Cowing.
Jacob Cowing is off to a hot start this year. In three games he has already caught 13 passes for 293 yards and 3 TD’s. This last week against Boise State, he was the bright spot of a rather quiet UTEP offense. He produced six catches for 112 yards and a touchdown against the Broncos, whom are his stiffest competition to date this season.
Not as many small school athletes leave early as they do from major power houses like Alabama. However, if Cowing continues to prove to be a reliable weapon, NFL teams may come knocking. I love his ability to contribute from the slot. He is sure handed and makes defenders miss after the catch. Just check this play against Boise State.
The Miners don’t play again until September 25th against New Mexico. New Mexico’s best player in my opinion is safety Jerrick Reed II and I will be watching for this match up to see if Cowing can win. New Mexico also has a talented linebacker in Cody Moon who should make routes over the middle a bit more tricky.
Matt Hankins- CB – Iowa
Next Game vs. Kent State
Hankins is a fifth year senior using his extra eligibility to come back this season for the Hawkeyes. So far it looks to be a smart decision that should pay off in a big way. Hankins has come out of the gate strong, especially this week. He recorded 4 tackles and not one but 2 INT’s against the then 8th ranked Iowa State Cyclones.
Iowa CB Matt Hankins
The 2022 NFL Draft class is loaded with talent at the corner position, so it will be hard to climb into first round consideration. Hankins offers leadership and experience and if he continues to play like he has so far we should hear his name next April for sure. With each solid performance he will see his name creep up big boards. So far so good Matt. You have our attention.
With what should be a cake walk against Kent State next, I will be looking to make sure Hankins doesn’t play down to his competitions level. With a well coached team I highly doubt we will see that.
Verone McKinley III – S – Oregon
Next Game vs. Stony Brook
Oregon Safety Verone McKinley iii
Oregon pulled off the biggest win of the weekend by upsetting the Ohio State Buckeyes. They did so without two of their biggest names on defense. Both Justin Flowe and Kayvon Thibodeaux missed the game. With them out, Oregon needed someone else to play big and McKinley answered the call.
Verone collected 6 tackles along with an INT and a FF. It’s not just his stats that stand out though. Every time I watch the Ducks this kid stands out as a playmaker. He is always around the ball and I love players who scream look at me, even when you aren’t watching them.
McKinley is climbing up my safety rankings fast and has earned a spot on my top 5. Just remember when other scouts start mentioning him, we called it here first.
CJ Verdell – RB – Oregon
Next Game vs. Stony Brook
Maybe the most impressive of the top performers week 2. CJ Verdell seems like he has played at Oregon forever. I’m willing to bet that Ryan Day and his Buckeyes are double checking his eligibility as I write this. After splitting time in week 1 against Fresno State, I was wondering why the other backs had so many touches. But in week two the Ducks rode their guy to the tune of 194 total yards and 3 TD’s.
Oregon running back CJ Verdell
It looks as if Verdell wanted to remind everyone he was still here. With so much talk of other running backs among draft nerds, I feel it is safe to assume his name is back in action. His ability is unquestionable, so if he can continue to play at a high level can he secure a day 2 draft status?
Verdell has an easy game coming up and I wouldn’t be surprised to see him record fewer touches. Oregon should save him for their big games. Thus allowing Verdell to have less wear and tear in scouts eyes in the spring.
Jerome Ford – RB – Cincinnati
Next Game vs. Indiana
Cincinnati Bearcats running back Jerome Ford
Ford comes from the football factory of the Alabama Crimson Tide. Usually that speaks volumes all by itself, but Ford speaks for himself even louder. After backing up Gerrid Doaks, whom was drafted by the Miami Dolphins, Ford has assumed the starting role for the Bearcats. All he has done since is run with it, pun intended.
In two games he has 234 yards and 4 TD’s on only 30 carries. 3 of his touchdowns came this week along with 113 yards against Murray State. His next match up will be against Indiana, who hasn’t looked good this season. They should still be a tougher match up than Murray State though.
I will be watching to see if Ford slows down against stiffer competition. I would also like to see him catch some more passes. If he doesn’t start showing pass catching ability teams may view him as a two down back.
Honorable Mention
WR, Javon Heiligh of Coastal Carolina
Another one of the top performers week two, Javon had 255 yards and two touchdowns so far on the season. That’s not a bad follow up to his 2020 campaign. Last season he fell 2 yards short of 1,000 yards and added 10 TD’s for the rising team at Coastal Carolina. We won’t be hearing his name among the likes of Olave or Pickens, but he sure could be a late round wideout in the 2022 NFL Draft that sticks. Lets just say we have our eyes on him.
