Front Porch FootballFPF’s Draft Central Game of the Week – Week 2
by Harris Oates
We are spoiled with another week of huge matchups in college football. This week the #1 Clemson Tigers will face one of the biggest tests of the season as they take on #12 Texas A&M Aggies. There are promises to be a ton of offensive firepower, but watch out for some of the unsung heroes to shine in the spotlight as well.
Top Prospects to Watch
Travis Etienne – Running Back – Clemson
Etienne has become not only one of the best players in college football, but one of the best NFL prospects as well. His size, speed and elusiveness round out his near perfect resume as he will join the elite ranks along guys like Ezekiel Elliott, Todd Gurley and Saquon Barkley. Expect Etienne to be one of the top players taken in April.
Texas A&M Wide Receivers (Kendrick Rogers and Quartney Davis)
If the name doesn’t ring a bell you might remember Rogers from last year’s prolific 7 OT thriller against LSU. In the game he recorded 2 huge OT touchdowns and a handful of 2-point conversions, including the game winner. Rogers has a solid frame, but has struggled with injuries which may be his biggest draft obstacle. He was limited in week 1 due to a preseason injury, but should be a full go against Clemson.
Rogers’ counterpart, Quartney Davis, has had a bit more consistency in his career. After posting 45 receptions for 585 yards and 7 TDs in 2018, he is off to a hot start. In week 1 he hauled in 6 receptions for 85 yards and a touchdown. This pair could be the 2019 version of AJ Brown and DK Metcalf…Rogers being the injury prone physical beast with superstar potential while Davis being the well-rounded SEC standout.
Tee Higgins – WR – Clemson
Higgins had a phenomenal 2018 campaign as he led the ACC with 12 touchdowns receptions while nearly breaking the 1,000 yard mark. Higgins is an elite college receiver who has the potential to be selected in the first round. He is a walking highlight reel who is already off to a quick start, recording 4 receptions for 98 yards, including a 62 yard touchdown. Higgins will be tested against a high caliber SEC secondary.
Top Matchups
AJ Terrell vs. A&M Receivers
AJ Terrell has become one of, if not the best corners in the NCAA. Saturday will be one of the biggest tests of his career as he will be forced to take on one of the best passing attacks in the country. The A&M receivers also have the chance to impress against one of the best defenses.
Mond vs. Lawrence
You could not ask for much better of a quarterback matchup this early in the season. Mond flirts with being considered a legitimate NFL draft pick, while Lawrence is already everyone’s top pick for the 2021 Draft. Mond still has a lot to prove, but the chance to outshine Lawrence on national television would work wonders for his draft stock.
Young Guns
Along with Trevor Lawrence, there are several other underclassmen who will eventually be drafted to the NFL. A&M’s true freshman Running Back, Isiah Spiller, has already flashed signs of greatness to go along with his 6’1” 220 lbs frame. Fellow A&M Running Back Jashaun Corbin, a sophomore, has also played at a high caliber worthy of an NFL Draft Pick. Clemson Wide Receiver Justyn Ross has a phenomenal championship game and is certainly on the NFL radar.
Prediction – Clemson 35, Texas A&M 30
This game could be one of the best of 2019, as you can clearly see from the combination of talent discussed above. Both programs have done a terrific job of recruiting over the past several years and we will be spoiled with the flair on the field. I think the combination of Lawrence, Etienne and Higgins will be too much for A&M’s defense to handle, but I still would recommend A&M against the spread of 17.5.
