Week Twelve saw me watch eight games full of 2023 NFL Draft prospects.
Each week, I will look back at the top prospect performances from the games I watched the previous week.
WEEK TWELVE PROSPECT REWIND
WESTERN MICHIGAN AT CENTRAL MICHIGAN
The first half of this game last Tuesday was played in a driving snowstorm.
I see Western Michigan and Central Michigan have elected to play a neutral site game on Hoth.
— Andy Staples (@Andy_Staples) November 17, 2022
Central Michigan’s top prospect is edger rusher Thomas Incoom. The 5th-year player was undisturbed by the playing conditions. Incoom had 2.5 TFLs and a sack against WMU. He should be selected on day three.
Broncos RB Sean Tyler is small (5’8” 185). He has breakaway speed, however. Tyler broke off several long runs against the Chippewas. He finished with 177 yards and a score.
SOUTH FLORIDA AT TULSA
Speaking of big-play running backs, Tulsa’s Deneric Prince certainly qualifies. Prince hit big play after big play against USF. He had 27 touches for 239 yards and two scores.
NORTHWESTERN AT PURDUE
Northwestern edge rusher Adetomiwa Adebawore is a man playing out of position for the Wildcats. He plays more of an underneath defensive tackle and he should be setting the edge. Adebawore will get the chance to show what he can do in the right spot at the Senior Bowl.
The other Northwestern player of note is offensive tackle Peter Skoronski. Skoronski is a smooth operator. The biggest factor for him will be at the Combine when they measure arm length. Many think Skoronski will have to kick inside to guard. The same was thought about former Northwestern tackle Rashawn Slater as well and he has been just fine.
SOUTH ALABAMA AT SOUTHERN MISS
Read more about the prospects in this game on Saturday.
WESTERN KENTUCKY AT AUBURN
Auburn edge rusher Colby Wooden seems to have given the indication that this will be his final season on the plains. This was my first viewing of Wooden so I will have to watch more tape of him. Some think he could be a Top-100 selection.
As expected, sounds like Auburn rJR. DL Colby Wooden plans to enter the 2023 NFL Draft.
Potential top-100 draft pick. https://t.co/kObQtKoCNA
— Dane Brugler (@dpbrugler) November 20, 2022
Another player I think is done at Auburn is running back Tank Bigsby. Bigsby is one of the best breakaway backs in this class. He has been very productive in his career. Bigsby also offers kick-return usage. Against the Hilltoppers, he ran for 110 yards and two scores.
Mobile native DJ James transferred to Auburn from Oregon. Against WKU he had a big impact. James had six tackles (five solos), a PBU, and a pick-six. James has been invited to the Senior Bowl along with four of his defensive teammates: Nehemiah Pritchett, Eku Leota, Derrick Hall, and Owen Pappoe. Leota is the only one to formally accept thus far.
GEORGIA TECH AT NORTH CAROLINA
Yellow Jackets edge Keion White is a tremendous run defender. He singlehandedly ended several North Carolina run attempts. White also gets after the passer. White sacked Drake Maye three times during the Georgia Tech upset win.
I was also impressed by the length and ball skills of 3rd-year CB LaMiles Brooks. Brooks made four solo tackles, broke up two passes, and had an interception.
TEXAS TECH AT IOWA STATE
The Senior Bowl added the best two Cyclone prospects to its roster this week. Edge rusher Will McDonald has been consistently productive in his career. He wins with speed and he can win with power. He finished the game against Texas Tech with three tackles and a strip sack.
His teammate, WR Xavier Hutchinson will also be in Mobile. Hutchinson has been a high-volume target this season. Hutchinson shows good route-running ability and solid hands. He was able to get separation against the Red Raider defenders but is that something he constantly wins with?
Another addition to the Senior Bowl roster was Texas Tech edge rusher, Tyree Wilson. Wilson didn’t play this week but sits right now as a potential top-ten selection.
UAB AT LSU
UAB RB DeWayne McBride didn’t light up the stat sheet (40 yards and one TD). You can still see why he is well thought of in scouting circles. He runs with power and nice balance. I didn’t get to see if he has another gear or not.
Check back on Saturday for another edition of Sun Belt/Small School Scouting.