Prospect Pulse: Week Five

Welcome to Prospect Pulse: Week Five, your premier source for tracking the Top Devy Prospects throughout the 2024 football season. Each week, we will spotlight key games and the standout players poised to make an impact, providing in-depth analysis and insights into their performances. Whether you are a fan, a scout, or just curious about the future stars of the NFL, “Prospect Pulse” will keep you updated. Stay tuned as we track the thrilling journey of these young athletes, game by game.

This week we talk about eight matchups and 15 different players that are looking to make a statement to begin the 2024 college football season.

Ohio State (3) @ Michigan State

Game is Scheduled for Saturday, September 28 at 7PM (EST)

Ohio State – Running Backs – Quinshon Judkins & Tre’Veyon Henderson

Judkins and Henderson are arguably the best duo in the backfield for college football. Each one is capable of being a premier back for any offense. Both backs are currently averaging more than eight yards per carry. Plus, they have a combined 25 missed tackles force with 252 yards after contact. At any time, the ball is in their hands they can gain significant yardage. The Buckeyes’ strategy of rotating them keeps their legs fresh and allows them to maintain peak performance throughout games. This approach keeps opposing defenses on their heels. Alone they are a threat to any opposing defense. However, together they become a nightmare for defenders to prepare for.

Through four games the Spartans have allowed fewer than 100 rushing yards per game. As a defensive unit, Michigan State has missed less than 15% of their tackles. Judkins and Henderson will present a significant challenge to Michigan State’s strong run defense. Their ability to break tackles and consistently gain yards after contact will test the Spartans’ tackling ability. The combination of Judkins’ power running style and Henderson’s speed, and agility makes them a versatile and unpredictable threat out of the backfield. Ohio State’s balanced rotation of these two elite backs not only keeps the offense in rhythm but also ensures that defenses are constantly on the back foot, struggling to adjust to their fresh legs and relentless running style. As they prepare to face a tough Michigan State front, the Buckeyes’ backfield tandem will continue to be a prominent feature in their offense.

Ohio State – Wide Receiver – Jeremiah Smith

Smith has been exactly what we thought he would be. Brilliant. Phenomenal. Unmatched. Ohio State’s freshman wide receiver has been turning heads during his true freshman campaign, showcasing the kind of talent that makes him a constant threat on the field. Smith’s 77.8% completion rate when targeted highlights his reliability as a receiver. His speed and playmaking ability make him a dangerous option at any moment. Averaging 20.1 yards per catch, Smith’s knack for creating explosive plays downfield is evident. His agility and elusiveness allow him to turn routine catches into game-changing moments. Notably, 41.9% of his yards come after the catch. As he continues to develop, Smith’s blend of speed and agility allow him to be a consistent threat against any secondary.

Michigan State – Wide Receiver – Nick Marsh

The big play wide receiver missed last week’s game against Boston College. Marsh is a strong field stretcher with great hands. Through his 3 games played he has 11 receptions off 14 targets for 232 yards. It seemed Marsh was beginning to develop chemistry with quarterback Aidan Chiles and looks to be one of the next great Michigan State receiver recruits. The hope is Marsh can suit up this week as the Spartans will need all the help they can get against a strong Ohio State secondary. 

Michigan State – Defensive Back – Charles Brantley

Brantley faces a tough test against Ohio State’s talented receiving corps, but he has proven to be up to the challenge so far this season. Brantley has been lights out in coverage, allowing less than 40% completion when targeted. He can blanket receivers and shut down passing lanes. His excellent tackling mechanics ensure that he rarely misses an opportunity to bring down ball carriers. Additionally, Brantley’s playmaking skills have been on full display with two interceptions and three pass deflections through four games. While Ohio State’s receivers will undoubtedly test his skills, Brantley’s strong start to the season indicates that he’s more than capable of holding his own against elite competition.

Game is Scheduled for Saturday, September 28 at 11PM (EST)

Oregon – Wide Receiver – Evan Stewart

Stewart has the skills to gain separation. Unfortunately, most of his receptions come when a defender is shadowing him making it hard for him to gain yards after the catch. He is not a physical receiver, winning only a third of his contested catches. Luckily, the Ducks have depth at the position, but Stewart was deemed a top transfer prospect this past offseason. We have seen glimpses of his explosiveness. However, his full potential still seems to be locked at this moment. Once Stewart gets things going this offense can be taken to new heights.

Oregon – Edge – Jordan Burch

He has currently played the most snaps of the defensive front seven with 152. The secondary has been great this season with none of their top four defensive backs allowing more than 50% completion when targeted. Oregon’s struggles have been their inability to stop the run and part of that starts with Burch to put added pressure off the edge for Oregon. Their goal this year was to show their physicality, and they have been yet to do so, at least for a full game. That physicality starts with Burch making an impact on the defensive front.

UCLA – Running Back – T.J. Harden

Harden has had a tough start to the season, averaging just 2.6 yards per carry through the first three games, a significant drop from his 5.3 yards per carry last year. His struggles have been a major factor in UCLA’s inconsistent offensive performance. The Bruins have been unable to establish a reliable ground game. His diminished production has put more pressure on the passing attack, making the offense one-dimensional and easier for opposing defenses to handle. With each game, the pressure mounts on Harden to rediscover his form and provide the spark UCLA desperately needs in the run game. This week’s matchup against Oregon presents an opportunity for Harden to turn his season around. Oregon has shown vulnerabilities against the run, and if Harden can exploit those weaknesses, he could play a pivotal role in leading UCLA to an upset. Establishing the ground game will be key to controlling the clock.

Game is Scheduled for Saturday, September 28 at Noon (EST)

Oklahoma State – Running Back – Ollie Gordon

Gordon has struggled to find his footing early in the season. Despite rushing for over 100 yards in the season opener, Gordon has not been able to replicate that success, failing to surpass 50 rushing yards in any game since. This decline is unexpected for a player who led the nation in rushing yards last season while averaging an impressive 6.1 yards per carry. Gordon’s early-season struggles have made it difficult for the Cowboys to establish their offense, limiting their ability to control games and forcing them to rely more on the passing attack. When Gordon is effective, the entire Oklahoma State offense benefits. He brings the ability to wear down defenses with his power running style. However, this week presents another tough challenge, as Kansas State’s run defense has been stingy, allowing just 83.25 rushing yards per game.

Kansas State – Running Back – D.J. Giddens

Giddens has an opportunity to prove he belongs among the top running backs in this class as the spotlight falls on his matchup with Oklahoma State’s Ollie Gordon. While much of the attention will be on Gordon, Giddens has quietly put together an impressive start to the season. He is averaging 6.1 yards per carry. Through four games, Giddens has forced 17 missed tackles, showing his ability to make defenders miss. What is most impressive is that 63.5 percent of his rushing yards have come after contact, demonstrating his physicality and relentless running style. Giddens is not just a complementary piece but a focal point of the Wildcats’ offensive game plan and shutting him down could severely disrupt Kansas State’s ability to move the ball. His ability to consistently gain tough yards and keep the chains moving allows the Wildcats to control the tempo and keep pressure off their quarterback.

Arkansas @ Texas A&M (24)

Game Scheduled for Saturday September, 28 at 3:30PM (EST)

Arkansas – Running Back – Ja’Quinden Jackson

Jackson’s transfer to Arkansas is already proving to be a brilliant decision. He is currently averaging an impressive 6.8 yards per carry. His physical running style has made him difficult to tackle, as evidenced by his 25 missed tackles forced this season. Jackson’s punishing runs and relentless drive have quickly made him a standout performer for Arkansas. His 289 yards after contact highlight just how effective and elusive he has been. Plus, his ability to churn out yards after contact has made him one of the most reliable weapons in Arkansas’ offense. Jackson’s early success suggests that he has found the perfect fit in Arkansas’ system, where his combination of power and agility can be fully utilized.

Texas A&M – Defensive Front – Taurean York & Nic Scourton

York and Scourton have been the mainstays of the Aggies’ front seven, consistently logging high snap counts and anchoring the defense. However, their impact has been somewhat muted. York does lead the team in total tackles with 23, but 15 have been assisted. They have combined for just 12 total pressures and 15 run stops, numbers that highlight their struggle to consistently disrupt opposing offenses. Despite these modest stats, both players have displayed sound tackling mechanics, by missing minimal tackles and showing the ability to wrap up opposing ball carriers effectively. This reliability in tackling has helped limit big plays, but their occasional difficulty in shedding blockers has been concerning. The challenge for York and Scourton will be stepping up against Arkansas, where their ability to break free from blockers and make plays in the backfield will be crucial. If they continue to struggle to penetrate the offensive line, Arkansas’ star running back Ja’Quinden Jackson could exploit the gaps, as he has averaged 118 rushing yards per game this season.

Cincinnati @ Texas Tech

Game scheduled Saturday September 28, at 8PM (EST)

Cincinnati – Running Back – Corey Kiner

Kiner will be looking to continue his hard-nosed running style in a critical Big 12 matchup against Texas Tech. His powerful runs could be key to the Bearcats’ offensive success. Kiner has been a force in the backfield this season, bursting through lanes with explosive speed and using his strength to break tackles, making him one of the toughest backs to bring down in the conference. His physicality is evident, with 30 missed tackles forced and an astounding 335 of his 404 total rushing yards coming after contact—an impressive 82.9 percent. This ability to gain extra yards even when defenders make contact sets Kiner apart and allows Cincinnati to keep moving the chains. Kiner’s impact goes beyond just his yardage; he embodies the heart and soul of Cincinnati’s ground attack, acting as the juggernaut that propels their offense forward. Once he gains momentum, Kiner becomes increasingly difficult to tackle.

Texas Tech – Running Back – Tahj Brooks

Brooks is a vital component of the Red Raiders’ offense, using his powerful, bowling ball style of running to bulldoze through defenders with remarkable strength and control. He runs with his shoulders low, making him a nightmare to tackle as he charges ahead with pure force. His physical running style is evident in his 213 yards after contact. Brooks’ ability to plow through defenders sets the tone for Texas Tech’s offense allowing them to establish a strong ground presence. Averaging 126 rushing yards per game, Brooks’ dominance on the field is clear. He consistently moves the chains and keeps the Red Raiders’ offense on schedule. When Brooks is pounding the ball between the tackles, the entire offense benefits. His success on the ground opens opportunities in the passing game and helps maintain possession. Plus, it grants Texas Tech the ability to control the tempo and wear down opposing defenses making him an invaluable asset.

Colorado @ UCF

Game Scheduled for Saturday September 28, at 3:30PM (EST)

Colorado – Wide Receiver – Travis Hunter

Hunter is a game-changer. He has dynamic athleticism allowing him to be a star on both sides of the ball. As a receiver, Hunter has been a reliable target for Colorado, catching 84.1 percent of his passes. His exceptional speed and route-running skills make him a constant threat. For UCF, containing Hunter will require quick reactions and sound tackling, as any hesitation could allow him to use his burst of speed to beat defenders downfield.

On the defensive side, Hunter’s impact is just as significant. He excels at shutting down opposing receivers with his elite closing speed and coverage skills. He has the instincts to shadow the best receivers, often matching their movements stride for stride and disrupting passing lanes. Hunter’s instincts and quick reactions allow him to break on the ball with precision. This makes it difficult for quarterbacks to find open windows when targeting his side of the field. His presence forces offenses to carefully consider where they throw the ball. As both a receiver and a cornerback, Hunter’s versatility and playmaking ability is always crucial for Colorado to find success in games.

UCF – Running Back – R.J. Harvey

Harvey could very well be the key to how the Knights beat Colorado. Through their first four games, Colorado has allowed over 150 rushing yards per game, exposing a vulnerability that Harvey could exploit. With his impressive speed and elusiveness, Harvey has averaged 149 rushing yards per game over three games this season. His performance has included 262 yards gained after contact and a total of eight touchdowns. He finds his gaps and has the capacity to push through tackles and keep drives alive. Harvey’s superb contact balance makes him a challenge for any defender, allowing him to shake off tackles and gain extra yards consistently. As he continues to establish himself as a centerpiece of the UCF offense, his contributions could be crucial in dictating the tempo of the game against Colorado.

North Carolina @ Duke

Game Scheduled for Saturday September 28, at 4PM (EST)

North Carolina – Running Back – Omarion Hampton

Hampton has established himself as the best weapon in the Tar Heels’ offense. He consistently utilizes his power and strength to dominate opposing defenses. With 28 missed tackles forced and an impressive 399 of his 563 rushing yards coming after contact—representing 70.8 percent—Hampton has proven he can break through tackles and keep the chains moving. His current averages of 140.75 yards per game and 6.6 yards per carry highlight his effectiveness and ability to produce. However, as demonstrated in last week’s loss to James Madison, simply having great production is not enough for North Carolina to find consistent success. The team needs Hampton to elevate his performance even further to ensure victory.

This week, in a significant rivalry game against Duke, the stakes are higher, and Hampton’s role becomes even more critical. To lead the Tar Heels to a much-needed win, he must elevate his current level of production. This could mean increasing his involvement in the passing game or making more explosive plays on the ground. If Hampton can take over the game and assert his dominance, it could set the tone for a monster year ahead. As the team looks to bounce back and regain momentum, all eyes will be on Hampton to deliver a standout performance that could redefine their season.

Duke – Quarterback – Maalik Murphy

Murphy has been instrumental in leading his team to a strong 4-0 start, showcasing his impressive arm strength while averaging 254 passing yards per game. His ability to stretch the field has made him a dangerous threat as a passer. Plus, his 64.3 percent completion rate indicates that he has the potential to be a consistent playmaker. However, his performance has been marred by some inconsistencies, particularly with turnovers, as he has thrown an interception in every game this season. Murphy’s struggles with reading complex defenses can lead to costly mistakes which could become problematic as Duke faces tougher opponents down the road.

Looking ahead to the highly anticipated rivalry game against North Carolina, these flaws could be exposed. The last time North Carolina lost to Duke was in 2018, during the era when current New York Giants quarterback Daniel Jones was under center for the Blue Devils. If Murphy can sharpen his decision-making and minimize mistakes, he has the potential to lead Duke to a memorable victory in this heated rivalry matchup.

Georgia (2) @ Alabama (4)

Game Scheduled for Saturday September 28, at 7:30PM (EST)

Georgia – Quarterback – Carson Beck

Beck is set to lead his team into one of the most challenging environments in college football as they face Alabama in Tuscaloosa. The atmosphere will be electric, with Crimson Tide fans eager to see their team return to the national championship stage. Beck, known for his game management skills, will need to remain composed under the pressure of Alabama’s hostile home crowd. His 68.3 percent completion rate this season reflects his confidence and precision in the pocket. He calmly surveys the field and delivers accurate throws to his receivers. Alabama’s run defense has shown vulnerability recently, allowing over 130 rushing yards in back-to-back games, which could play into Georgia’s hands. This trend might force the Crimson Tide defense to prioritize stopping the run, potentially opening up opportunities for Beck in the passing game. If Alabama stacks the box to contain Georgia’s ground attack, Beck could find favorable matchups.

Alabama – Quarterback – Jalen Milroe

Milroe has been nearly flawless this season, guiding the Crimson Tide to a 3-0 start with his playmaking ability. His poise in the pocket, combined with his athleticism to extend plays, has made him a nightmare for opposing defenses. Completing 66 percent of his passes, Milroe has shown that he can make accurate throws under pressure while also using his legs to escape collapsing pockets and create opportunities downfield. His dual-threat capability has kept defenses off balance.

This week, Milroe and Alabama face a tough test against a Georgia defense known for its physicality and disciplined play. Georgia’s defense will be challenged to contain Milroe, as his ability to extend plays and improvise outside the pocket forces defenders to cover longer. If Milroe continues his strong form, he has the potential to disrupt Georgia’s defensive schemes and lead Alabama to a victory in this SEC matchup.

That concludes my week five Prospect Pulse. Stay tuned for more Prospect Pulse articles highlighting different prospects each week. Follow me on X @thepprshow for daily and weekly recap threads. If you enjoy fantasy football then do not forget to subscribe to our Fantasy Football Universe YouTube page. Plus, for more articles like this on our website fantasyfootballuniverse.com. Thank you for reading!