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2020, NCAA FB, Articles

2020 MAC Football: Final Exams

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As the 2020 MAC football regular season comes to a close this weekend, we give one player from each team our analysis prior to their final exams.


Western Michigan 

76 Jaylon Moore 6’5 315 LT-Senior

Moore has started 31 straight games at the left tackle position (entering 12/9/20).

Moore’s consistency dates back nearly three full seasons. A smooth mover with enough power, he simply needs more consistency with hand placement. He bears a strong resemblance to former Western Michigan tackles Taylor Moton (Carolina Panthers) and Chukwuma Okorafor (Pittsburgh Steelers). Both are former Broncos currently starting at the right tackle position in the NFL.

Ball State

2 Caleb Huntley 6’2 226 RB-Senior

Scouts are impressed that the 225-plus pound barreling ram has continued to improve his footwork in 2020. A recent rib injury has robbed him of the last two games, but his presence provides balance for quarterback Drew Plitt and the Cardinals (4-1). Prior to the injury, Huntley had posted three 100-yard games in 2020.

Central Michigan

8 Troy Brown 6’2 204 LB-Junior

A heat-seeking missile at just 204 pounds, the former safety turned linebacker sifted his way to 16.5 tackles for loss in 2019 (led the MAC). Along the way there was the occasional hiccup (targeting ejection, MAC Championship ’19) but it has not deterred him from continuing to lay the lumber in 2020. He busted loose versus Ball State last weekend (12/5/20) with 12 tackles, 2.5 quarterback sacks and 3.5 tackles for losses.

Toledo Rockets

0 Samuel Womack 5’10 187

Womack (No. 19 pictured, now wears No. 0) led the MAC as a junior with 17 passes defended and ranks second with seven in 2020.

One of the most competitive defenders in the conference, Womack overcomes ordinary size with pristine footwork and a glass half empty, glass half full approach. His gambles are often calculated and timely.  After defending 17 passes in 2019 (2 INTs, 15 PBUs), he has broken up seven passes so far in 2020. The key for him moving forward comes down to timing his opens to run out of his backpedal or in press-man coverage.

 Northern Illinois

3 Tyrice Richie 6’0 193 WR-Senior

The former JUCO product impresses in the intermediate passing game alongside fellow transfer quarterback Ross Bowers. Richie scored a receiving touchdown last weekend against Toledo, but it was not against the aforementioned Womack. Richie has four 100-yard receiving games in five contests, but may not even reach his listed measurements.

Eastern Michigan

99 Turan Rush 6’2 246 OLB-Senior

The 249-pound Rush posted two sacks against Ball State and his pass rush variety is improving. He has been more steady holding the edge in 2020 as opposed a season ago; particularly versus tight ends. The Charleston, West Virginia native has 11.5 quarterback sacks in his career and would benefit from taking advantage of an extra year if allowed to return to school, as he has slowed down in recent weeks.  

Buffalo

49 Taylor Riggins 6’2 255 DE-Senior

Buffalo’s Taylor Riggins, pictured, was supposed to form one of the better edge rushing duos in the MAC this season, but he has not appeared in any games due to an undisclosed ailment.

While teammate Malcolm Koonce get most of the ink, Riggins’ productivity has arguably been just as noteworthy (13.5 sacks over the 2018-19 campaigns). He has, however, been invisible in all of the Bulls contests in 2020 due to an undisclosed ailment. The former UMass transfer may decide to come back in 2021 to finish on a stronger standing.

Kent State

7 Dustin Crum 6’3 207 QB-Senior

Crum (No. 14 pictured in 2019 handing the ball off) understands the value of efficiency. Through four games, the senior signal-caller ranks sixth nationally in QB rating (192.7).

His ball placement continues to shine, particularly on routes that require touch and arc within three yards of the sideline on nine routes or fades down the field. A deft zone read specialist, Crum leads the nation’s second-ranked offense in scoring, No. 1 offense in yards per game and the second-ranked offense  in third down conversion percentage.

Editor’s Note: Crum now wears No. 7 for the Golden Flashes

Miami (Ohio)

51 Danny Godlevske 6’3 300 OC-Senior

While not a dominator, Godlevske gets to most of his spots and has even shown the ability to get out in space when the team uses the screen game. Improvement in his pass pro versus stronger defensive linemen should be his focus down the stretch.  Godlevske opted for the NFL Draft early before the MAC proceeded with its season this fall. He is not as strong of a prospect as fellow senior offensive line mate, left tackle Tommy Doyle, but he could at the least get into an NFL training camp.

Ohio 

47 Austin Conrad 6’2 245 OLB/DE-Senior

Conrad finished with at least six tackles for loss in 2018 and 2019.

His energy never wavers despite a relative lack of size. He fights relentlessly down-to-down. Coaches also lauded his first step. He’s the personal protector on the punt team, competitive versus the run and has even lined up as the three-technique defensive tackle in some of their packages. The Bobcats have only played three games as of press time (12-9-20), so Conrad’s numbers won’t jump off the page.

Akron

Bubba Arslanian 5’9 205 LB-Senior

Arslanian has reigned terror on Bowlling Green the last two seasons, recording 35 tackles, 2 QB sack, 4 TFLs and two forced fumbles. Can he cover well enough to play man-to-man versus bigger tight ends?

There are not a lot of 205-pound linebackers that play as if they’re carrying a boulder on their back. Arslanian averaged over 10 tackles a game in 2019 but has picked up the pace, averaging slightly over 11 in 2020. Most impressively, he’s been able to stay injury-free.

Bowling Green

Quintin Morris 6’4 251 TE-Senior

The former big wide receiver has transitioned positively to the tight end/H-back position after the staff convinced him of the move. He did so while adding weight. The 2019 second-team All-MAC pick brings flex capabilities to the table, with intriguing run after the catch skills.  After a slow start to the season, Morris has posted three consecutive 60-plus yard receiving games.

2020, NFL, 2021, NCAA FB, Draft preview, Articles

Miller Forristall TE- Senior Alabama, 2021 NFL Draft Preview

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2021 NFL Draft Preview: Miller Forristall 6’5 244 TE- Senior Alabama 

What makes this player NASTY…(Strengths): One of the better Wham blockers in college football. Shows the ability to come in motion and stonewall bigger defensive lineman and linebackers (UGA ‘20). While he doesn’t look as filled out as other tight ends, the willingness and technique is solid as a blocker. In his few targets, Forristal exhibits the skill to make acrobatic grabs. Large catch radius. Efficiency as a blocker allows him to lull defenders to sleep and then get behind linebackers (TD, Citrus Bowl ‘19).

Weaknesses: The plethora of injuries are a major concern. Two seasons were cut short by knee injuries. (https://www.si.com/college/alabama/bamacentral/coming-off-knee-injury-tight-end-miller-forristall-happy-to-take-a-hit-again-TwwQEARd5U-0q2ppi46O-Q). He also has dealt with throat, ankle, shoulder and groin injuries in consecutive seasons. 14 combined games played in his first four seasons. Lack of production (31 total receptions as of midway through the 2020 campaign). 

Forristall is averaging 14.1 yards per reception through six SEC games in 2020.

Other Notes:  Attended Cartersville High School (GA) and played alongside Clemson QB Trevor Lawrence • Forristall played QB during his junior season and was rated the No. 11 tight end nationally by Scout.com • Suffered a season-ending knee injury in 2017 and in 2018 • 2016 (3 games): 5 receptions, 73 yards • 2017 (1 game): 1 reception, 7 yards • 2019 (8 games): 15 receptions, 167 yards, 4 TDs• 2020 (6 games): 10 receptions, 141 yards, 1 TD

Time to get NASTY (Our Summary): Alabama has been an NFL factory and they’ve been able to get a number of late round picks onto professional rosters despite a lack of college production. Wide receiver Cam Sims (Washington Football Team) and tight end Hale Hentges (Indianapolis Colts) are some recent names that come to mind. Forristall has the blocking chops to join fellow Crimson Tide tight ends Irv Smith Jr. and O.J. Howard in the NFL. His Wham blocking skills reminds us of former Washington Redskins tight end Don Warren, who was used primarily as a blocker in Joe Gibbs’ offensive schemes, but did end his career with 244 receptions (seven TDs). Chicago Bears offensive coordinator Bill Lazor comes from the Joe Gibbs coaching tree and his single back offense would be attractive for a player with Forristall’s skill-set. 

NFL, 2020, 2021, NCAA FB, Draft preview, Articles

Austin Trammell WR-Ret Rice, 2021 NFL Draft

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DN SNAPSHOT

Trammell has averaged 28.5 yds/KR through two games for the Owls in 2020 to go along with five receiving touchdowns. In 2018, he posted a 27.4 yd/avg on kickoff returns and posted a 9.3 yd/avg on punt returns in 2019. In addition, he has posted back-to-back 60-catch seasons for the team (2018-19).

Rice wide receiver/returner Austin Trammell may rank as quicker than fast, but he is efficient and strong with the ball in his hands. The former Klein High School (TX.) product broke his shin as a senior at the prep level, but his durability concerns have not shown up at the collegiate level. In fact, he has yet to miss a game for the Owls. Versus Middle Tennessee in 2020, he had a rare muffed punt near the end of the third quarter (1:53 mark).

This belies his down-to-down consistency in the return aspect of his game. Trammell catches kickoffs coming forward, which often allows him to get on top of kick coverage units when the team uses double teams. His shiftiness nearly allowed him to score on a 34-yard punt return versus Wake Forest in 2019.

As a receiver, he is capable of executing on the post-corner-post pattern and is fluid on stop routes outside the numbers. His footwork allows him to be effective on option routes in the slot. He understands how to work the leverage points of defensive backs. Last season, Trammell averaged 13.2 yards per reception on third downs. In the Wake Forest contest (2019) referenced earlier, he did drop an out route from the No. 2 slot position. There is also some slight stiffness in the lower half.

Trammell is known for his backflips around the Rice program (https://twitter.com/RiceFootball/status/1324833265702871042) but his coaches agree that his overall impact has moved the team forward.

While at Klein HS (Tex.), Trammell set the school record for stolen bases as a member of the team’s baseball squad. He has been both a three-time C-USA Honor Roll member and All-C-USA performer.

“He is a role model for everything we want our program to be,” said former UNC-Central head coach and current Rice offensive coordinator Jerry Mack back in 2019.

We feel his playing style carries similarities to former New York Jets wide receiver Wayne Chrebet, who entered the NFL as a lightly-regarded undrafted prospect out of the now-defunct Hofstra football program. Chrebet finished his Jets career with 580 receptions for 7,365 yards and 41 touchdowns.

Through just two games in 2020, Trammell has already set a career-high in touchdown receptions (5) and is currently averaging 21.9 yards per reception.

2020, NFL, 2021, NCAA FB, Draft preview, Articles

Chauncey Manac LB-Louisiana: 2021 NFL Draft

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DN SNAPSHOT

After totaling 7 QB sacks and 13.5 TFLs in his first two seasons for the Ragin’ Cajuns, Manac (No. 17 pictured with late OL coach DJ Looney’s name on back of jersey) has posted 3.5 tackles for losses in 2020 (through five games).

The former Georgia Bulldog’s agility can leave offensive tackles grasping for air when aligned in either a two-point stance at outside linebacker or four-point stance at defensive end. He has satisfactory length and enough flexibility to occasionally drop into coverage on some of the team’s zone blitzes. His quick snap-count reactions have enabled him to make a number of plays behind the line of scrimmage over the last two seasons (4th QTR/3:34, Arkansas State ’19). He proved against Iowa State (2020) that he is strong to set the edge versus tight ends and some offensive tackles. At times, however, he tends to lead with his shoulders to hold gap control can be flattened as a result when spiking into inside line gaps (Georgia State ’20). So far this season, Manac has yet to match either his 2018 or 2019 production for the Ragin’ Cajuns.

2020, NFL, 2021, NCAA FB, Draft preview, Articles

2021 NFL Draft Preview: James Skalski 6’0 235 LB-Senior Clemson

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What makes this player NASTY…(Strengths): Leader of the Clemson defense. Correctly aligned the front seven in the pre-snap. Lines up late to disguise blitzes and rallies to the football. Frequently seen in every frame of the film (Boston College ‘19). Excellent anticipation. Takes solid angles to the football. Versus inside zone run schemes, he attacks downhill to fit his gap control and will fight OL (offensive linemen) to react back to the action. At his best working off of OL when coming forward on designed run blitzes. Dips underneath climbing OGs to make tackles on the second level (vs. Davis, 2nd QTR, Ohio State ’19). Sifts through inside crossing traffic over the middle to get to the running backs in the flats (Virginia ‘20). Special teams standout. 14 tackles his freshman season on 20 snaps (eight on special teams). 

Weaknesses: Showed he can use his hands inside on the neck and sheds offensive linemen (Citadel ‘20), but can he do this consistently at the next level? As a blitzer, he brings the noise but exposes his chest on some of his one-on-one pass rushes vs. RBs. Leads with his shoulders as opposed to leading with his hands to ward off OL. Buys some false keys on split zone action, steps forward and takes a couple of steps to fall back (Dobbins long run, 1st QTR, Fiesta Bowl ’19). Benefited from a strong defensive front and wasn’t forced to hit and shed often. Will have to win with anticipation and film study, due to the fact he lacks natural lateral quickness.  Gets his depth in zone coverage but can he roam efficiently from side-to-side? Ejected in the 2020 National Championship game for targeting against LSU. Redshirted in 2018 due to a toe injury. Recent groin injury (2020) forced him to have surgery and will sideline him for a number of games (https://www.charlotteobserver.com/sports/article246747536.html).

Skalski (No. 47 pictured) had 9 tackles, 1/2 QB sack and a half-tackle for loss in the 2019 Fiesta Bowl versus Ohio State.

Other Notes:  Attended Northgate High School (Ga.) and handled kicking duties for his football team while graduating as an all-state linebacker  • Also played soccer at the prep level, often playing day-long soccer tournaments the day after Friday night games (https://www.greenvilleonline.com/story/sports/college/clemson/2019/07/30/james-skalski-3-things-you-may-not-know-clemson-football-linebacker/1493033001/) • Sister, Brenna, played softball at Georgia State. Father, John played football at Oklahoma • 2016 (7 games): 11 tackles, 6 solo tackles, QB sack, 2 TFLs  • 2017 (12 games): 31 tackles, 16 solo tackles, 0.5 QB sack, 2 TFLs • 2019 (15 games):  90 tackles, 40 solo tackles, 3.5 QB sacks, 6.5 TFLs, 3 PBUs, FF, FR

Time to get NASTY (Our Summary): Skalski on tape will remind scouts of throwback linebackers from the 1980s and 1990s, as evidenced by his trademark neck roll. However, like the stereotypes surrounding those linebackers of yesteryear, he can be susceptible to sharp lateral movement. In addition, he can be isolated to unfavorable match-ups in the passing game. Improving his pass coverage skills could ultimately determine his pro longevity. Skalski’s competitiveness allows him to fend off larger offensive lineman on occasion but his stack-and-shed capability is inconsistent. Look for him to start his career as a two-down linebacker and special teams contributor.

2020, NFL, 2021, NCAA FB, Draft preview, Articles

2021 NFL Draft Preview: Chazz Surratt 6’2 225 LB- UNC

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What makes this player NASTY…(Strengths): Excellent closing speed. Grades well against read option (App St ’19) and as a QB spy (Syracuse ‘20). Trusts his eyes and gets to the ball in a hurry. Fluid hips. Has the ability to pick up running backs on option routes and/or cover slot receivers in short space (Clemson ’19). Hustles to the football and plays through the whistle. Doesn’t cross his legs on front side run schemes but instead chops his feet so he can play the back side cutback if needed. Special teams contributor. Plays on the kickoff team as well as the field goal block unit. 

Weaknesses: Can be picked up by backs when blitzing (Clemson ’19). Surratt is a converted QB and has limited reps as a linebacker although he did play safety in high school. At times he gets caught in the wrong gap or overpurses. Needs to get more violent with hands in order to get off blocks of bigger players. Played in one game in 2018. One of 13 Tar Heels suspended for selling team issued shoes in 2018 and missed four games (https://www.newsobserver.com/sports/article216175450.html). Missed seven games later that year with a right wrist injury. 

Other Notes: Attended East Lincoln High School (NC.) • Named state Gatorade Player of the Year and broke the state record for career total yards (16,593) • First-Team All-ACC (2019) and runner up for ACC Defensive Player of the Year  • Passed for eight touchdowns, six interceptions and 1352 yards as a QB in two seasons (10 games) • Brother, Sage, plays wide receiver for Wake Forest  • 2017 (9 games): 1342 passing yards, 210 rushing yards, 5 rushing touchdowns,  8 passing touchdowns, 3 interceptions, 58.5 completion percentage • 2019 (13 games): 66 total tackles, 49 assisted tackles, 15 tackles for loss, 6.5 sacks, 1 interception, 1 forced fumble, 1 fumble recovery, 2 pass deflections. 


Time to get NASTY (Our Summary): If you go back and watch the 2019 Clemson tape, Surratt jumps off the screen. Clemson’s offense stresses the eye discipline of opposing linebackers with its formation variety (bunch sets, etc..), which can lead to defenders overthinking and playing a step slow. Surratt didn’t have that problem and arguably played one of his better games. The Tar Heels converted QB will be judged by his ability to learn the intricacies of the position, but in a short time he has shown the raw talent is there.

2020, 2021, 2020, NFL Draft film room, NCAA FB, Video, Articles

Justus Reed 6’3 255 DE-Senior Virginia Tech: ‘Eight-Mile Road?’

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Justus Reed (who now wears No. 9 for Virginia Tech) opened up the 2020 campaign with a solid outing against NC State’s veteran-laden offensive line. He was able to split two blockers (RT Justin Witt and RG Joe Sculthorpe) early in the contest versus turn protection to post the first of his two sacks on the evening. In addition, his right-handed pole move (from the LDE spot) long-armed Witt and got him off-balance a couple of times.

On the downside, he was inconsistent once staying frontal versus a gap-schemed run when having to spill the football versus the pulling guard (1st half, NC State ’20). Reed also lost contain on the quarterback during the first half of the contest.

Justus Reed (No. 97 pictured above at the six-technique DE spot vs. Michigan in the 2016 Buffalo Wild Wings Citrus Bowl posting a tackle for loss on this play) got off to a huge start for Virginia Tech this past Saturday.

Nevertheless, his five-tackle, two-sack, two-tackle for loss performance versus the Wolfpack all started with a seventh year of eligibility.

Reed initially signed with Florida as the 285th-ranked player in the ESPN300 Class of 2014. The former Clearwater Central Catholic High School (Fla.) star posted two tackles for loss in 2015 for the Gators (see video above). The two tackles for loss in that season were sandwiched in-between a normal redshirt season in 2014 and a medical redshirt in 2016.

Injuries in Gainesville led him to leave the school for Youngstown State, where he was solid in 2017 (5 QB sacks, 6 TFLs) despite missing four games due to an arm injury (https://www.ysusports.com/sports/fball/2018-19/bios/reed_justus_swjx?view=bio). Reed finished his three-year run for the Penguins with 58 tackles, 17.5 quarterback sacks, 25 tackles for losses, four forced fumbles, two fumble recoveries and three pass break-ups.

VTScoop did a piece in April 2020 chronicling the cavernous journey of Reed’s career (https://247sports.com/college/virginia-tech/Article/Justus-Reeds-Perilous-Journey-leads-to-Virginia-Tech-146165755/), which included a medical redshirt for an Achilles injury in 2018.

Reed (who now wears No. 9 at Virginia Tech) played three seasons at both Florida and Youngstown State before arriving in Blacksburg, Virginia.

NFL scouts may be put off by the extensive injury history, but pass rushers find a way to get home. In Reed’s case, getting back on the field was home plate. He broke down his own personal satisfaction after the Penguins win over Illinois State on November 17, 2019:

“Worked really hard this offseason (2019). Shout out to Terry Grossetti (Youngstown State strength and conditioning coach),” Reed said with a smile. “Just came out and did everything I could do. So it feels good.” (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Tb7Geymqq3I)

Now that Reed has gotten this far, the only question is whether or not he will stay on Virginia Tech’s campus for an unprecendented eighth year.

Due to the current Covid-19 pandemic, this season will not count against any player’s eligibility. Reed became just the fifth player to earn a seventh year of eligibility this century when he opened the 2020 season in the ACC. In 2021, he will have yet another opportunity to take advantage of that rare seventh year next fall.

So could the current Hokie actually add another mile to his seven-mile hike?

For now, the 24-year old is attempting to make another lengthy topic take over the headlines.

“I think I have pretty good length, my arms are pretty long. I can’t remember when, but we had scouts come, and they were freaking out because my arms are so long. I’ve been told I’ve been good with my hands. Converting speed to power using my long arms. Doing whatever I have to do to get back there,” Reed said in the aforementioned VTScoop piece (https://247sports.com/college/virginia-tech/Article/Justus-Reeds-Perilous-Journey-leads-to-Virginia-Tech-146165755/).

If he can continue to get to the quarterback in the ACC, then the former Florida Gator may not have to go down the eight-mile road.

Photo Galleries, 2020, 2020, NCAA FB, Articles

Miami (Fla.) vs. Florida State game preview, 9-26-20 (Gallery): Five for Five

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Assuming everyone is healthy, we picked five prospects (click pictures for write-ups) to keep an eye on in tomorrow night’s Florida State versus Miami (Fla.) contest in Week 4 of the 2020 college football season. One of the potential key matchups could be between Florida State defensive tackle Marvin Wilson and Miami (Fla.) offensive guard D.J. Scaife, Jr. It is a battle that could get grimy between the two talented linemen. In addition, there is a big challenge for FSU safety Hamsah Nasirildeen -if available- versus Hurricanes tight end/H-back Brevin Jordan.

2020, 2020, NFL, 2021, Articles, NCAA FB, Draft preview, Articles

2021 NFL Draft Preview: Sage Surratt 6’3 215 WR- Wake Forest

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What makes this player NASTY…(Strengths): Big and physical target. Surratt has the ability to get on top of smaller corners and “stacks” them in order to gain leverage in the deep passing game (FSU ‘19). Makes a number of possession routes as a No. 2 slot WR crossing the face of DBs with pure strength (Rice ’19). Uses subtle hesitation (nods) to set up his post corner patterns (Virginia Tech ’19). High-points the ball and has strong hands. A legitimate red zone threat (15 touchdowns in two seasons). Willing blocker in the read option game (Louisville ‘19). Punt return capability (91 return yards on 12 returns). 

Weaknesses: Struggles at times to get separation in shorter routes. How quick can he get in and out of breaks? Plays his best in a straight line. Scouts will watch his shuttle times at his Pro Day and Combine. Works his way to top speed, not naturally explosive off the ball. Suffered a season-ending shoulder injury in November 2019 against Virginia Tech. 

Surratt, pictured, scored 11 touchdowns in 2019 despite not playing in the season’s final four games.

Other Notes: Attended Lincolnton High School (NC.) and was the school’s valedictorian • Played basketball in high school and finished second in North Carolina high school basketball history with 2,951 points scored. Named the state’s Player of the Year in basketball and football • Set state records for receptions (366), yards (5,926) and touchdown receptions (80) • Brother, Chazz, plays linebacker for UNC • 2018 (10 games): 41 receptions, 581 yards (14.2 YPR) and 4 TDs  • 2019 (9 games): 66 receptions, 1,001 yards (15.2 YPR) and 11 TDs  • Career:  107 receptions, 1,582 yards and 15 touchdowns.  

Time to get NASTY (Our Summary): Surratt has prototypical NFL size for an outside receiver. He could immediately translate into a red zone threat. Like most young receivers, his success will be measured by his ability to master the entire route tree. Look for Surratt to be a Day 2 prospect, but it would have been intriguing to see him produce for a full season in school after missing the last four games of the 2019 season.

2020, NCAA FB, Articles

2020 NCAA FB, Week Two Standouts: ‘Who got Nasty?’

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In a weekend full of defensive standouts in college football, Tulane’s bookends -Cameron Sample (6’3, 280) and Patrick Johnson (6’3, 255)- perhaps gave a preview of things to come for the American Athletic Conference in 2020. They were joined by two Sun Belt defenders who thrived in terms of versatility.

5 Cameron Sample
6’3 280 DE-Senior
Tulane

Most of the Green Wave’s attention from NFL scouts has been centered on defensive line mate Patrick Johnson. On Saturday, Johnson posted two sacks to take his career total to 16.5. However, Sample’s performance in the fourth quarter of Saturday’s game versus South Alabama gave credence to the feeling that this will be his breakout year.

In the past, his lower body extremity issues have limited his development. Transformative weight gains have taken him from a 245-pound high school senior into 280-pound behemoth. The Snellville, Georgia native described the process in an interview with www.nola.com back in August 2019 :

“It was just a little bit of everything — God, genetics and hard work,” he said. “Eating, working out and my trainer back home helped me out by getting me working with NFL guys. I started really taking it seriously and just blossomed.”

Sample, pictured, posted 9 tackles, QB sack and 2.5 TFLs versus Ohio State in 2018.

While he has played some as an inside-shade defensive end, the team is now using him to stand up and rush (as has it has in the past) with his hand in the dirt. His increased feel of influencing the offensive tackle off of his third step up the field now complements his unique combination of power and hand usage.

For his efforts on Saturday, Sample was named the AAC Defensive Player of the Week (https://tulanegreenwave.com/news/2020/9/14/football-sample-named-american-athletic-conference-defensive-player-of-the-week.aspx).

Saturday impact:
7 tackles, 2 QB sacks, 3.5 TFLs, FF

94 Jeffrey Gunter
6’4 260 DE/OLB-Junior
Coastal Carolina

Gunter is yet another defensive lineman/outside linebacker who takes a backseat to a teammate. Gunter plays the Bandit position for the Chanticleers. Fellow DE Tarron Jackson actually set a Coastal Carolina record with 10 quarterback sacks in 2019 and also recorded a quarterback hurry and tackle for loss in Saturday night’s 38-23 win versus Kansas.

It was Gunter, however, who made the types of plays on Saturday that will catch the eyes of scouts. In the second quarter, the team’s Bandit linebacker jumped up to tip a pass to himself off the edge to make an athletic grab for an interception. His linear frame allows him to cloud passing lanes.

Back in 2018, Gunter posted five quarterback sacks and 14 tackles for loss for the Chanticleers before transferring to NC State for the 2019 campaign. The Riverside High School product decided to return to Coastal Carolina in 2020 and got off to a fast start this past weekend. HIs fluidity on line games stands out when filtering inside to slither through gaps.

Saturday impact:
4 tackles, QB sack, 2 TFLs and INT

10 Traveion Webster
5’11 209 LB-Senior
ULM

How could a player who participated in a 37-7 blowout loss versus Army make this list?

It’s easy. He was simply the player with the most energy of any of the Warhawks on Saturday afternoon. Up until this season, his career-high in tackles was just 27 (2019). In fact, he had not been a legitimate starter in any of his previous three years on campus.

HIs ferocity stood out in the second quarter of the game on an outstanding kickoff cover down the field. In Saturday’s contest, he flashed an ability to time delayed blitzes, scraped well to handle some of Army’s triple option schemes and overall flashed explosiveness on contact throughout the contest.

Saturday impact:
11 tackles, QB hit