Led by WR Jalen Tolbert and QB Jake Bentley, South Alabama took control of this one in the first half, and then they finished off Southern Miss, 31-7.
I was at this game live covering it for Draft Countdown.
Our managing partner @DeepFriedDraft is live at Hancock Whitney Stadium for the South Alabama-Southern Miss game. Follow him for updated tonight. pic.twitter.com/1Sy62nck8J
— Draft Countdown (@DraftCountdown) September 4, 2021
Let’s look at the 2022 NFL Draft prospects from this game.
SOUTH ALABAMA JAGUARS
13 QB Jake Bentley Sr 6-3 223
At one time, Jake Bentley was considered odd because he entered college after his junior year of high school. But now he may as well be ancient. Bentley started at South Carolina in 2016. He played at Utah last year. Now, the Van Wilder of QBs suits up for South Alabama.
Anyone who has followed Bentley’s career will not be shocked this his first pass attempt was almost intercepted. He rebounded nicely after that. Bentley threw a great ball to the far hash right after he completed a deep pass to Tolbert. Bentley played probably the most complete game I have seen from him since the 2016 Birmingham Bowl. This includes a beautiful pass down the left sideline to Tolbert. Bentley finished 17-22 for 269 yards and two TDs. He also added a rushing score.
I will also never question Jake Bentley’s toughness. He can take a beating.
8 WR Jalen Tolbert Sr 6-3 215
The reputation of Jalen Tolbert is justified. The South Alabama wideout took a simple hook pattern, turned upfield, and dashed for a 49-yard gain. He followed that up later with a 50/50 ball from Bentley for another 30+ yards. Tolbert is the real deal. If he can get the Bentley that played tonight then he could be in for a monster season.
Tolbert caught five passes against USM for 168 yards.
SOUTHERN MISS GOLDEN EAGLES
29 CB Camron Harrell Sr 5-10 178
Harrell plays nickel for USM. He had a couple of nice plays filling in on the run. Harrell also recovered a fumble in the red zone during the second quarter. Harrell finished with four tackles (three solos).
68 G Bryce Foxworth Sr 6-3 307
Foxworth was overwhelmed for most of the first quarter. It didn’t really get any better throughout the rest of the evening.
1 WR Jason Brownlee Sr 6-3 192
Brownlee has quick feet but can’t separate to save his life. He had four targets but did not catch a pass.