Prospect Pulse: Week Three

Welcome to Prospect Pulse: Week Three, 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 delve into the thrilling journey of these young athletes, game by game.

This week we talk about nine matchups and 30 different players that are looking to make a statement to begin the 2024 college football season.

Game Scheduled for Friday, September 13 at 7PM (EST)

UNLV – Wide Receiver – Ricky White

White showed out in week two after a week one performance that he wanted to forget. In week one he finished with two receptions for 11 yards. He is the best wide receiver on the field for UNLV, some may have forgot after week one. White reminded everybody in week two that he was. Last week he caught five of six targets for 111 yards and three touchdowns. The Kansas cornerbacks know how to cover better than any defense White has faced up to this point. Mello Dotson will likely be guarding him all game, so White could be in for a long day. However, White has the tools to stretch the field with his speed. Plus, he has a nice catch radius that could be the advantage this game as it is likely some of his targets will be contested. This is a game where he will need more than six targets if UNLV wants any shot at winning.

Kansas – Running Back – Devin Neal

An underrated back in the 2025 class, Neal might end up being the day three steal at the position. This year he already has back-to-back games of over 100 rushing yards, but the Jayhawks need more from him after gaining their first loss of the season last week. Neal did get over 100 yards again, but he failed to find the end zone with his longest run of the day being a 26 yard gain. His stat line was not the disappointment, but the results were. In week one he showed his elusiveness and speed by finding the end zone twice and breaking out a 55 yard gain. This past week, his production took a slight dip in terms of what he was able to do with the balls in his hands. The Illinois defense was ready and closed in on him not allowing big gains. Neal will look to keep his momentum of 100 yard games against UNLV this week.

Game is Scheduled for Friday, September 13 at 8PM (EST)

Arizona – Wide Receiver – Tetairoa ‘Tet’ McMillan

After an impressive week one (Best wide receiver week in the nation) McMillan was kept in check from a surprising defensive performance. Northern Arizona held McMillan to two receptions for 11 yards. This was after his massive week one performance of ten receptions for 304 yards and four touchdowns. Luckily, Arizona was still able to come out with the victory, but it was not pretty. They had to fight and scratch for every yard. McMillan still leads the nation in receiving yards, but if Northern Arizona can contain him then so can others. This week McMillan will have his hands full trying to beat a pair of Kansas State defensive backs that hardly allow big plays.

Kansas State – Defensive Backs – Keenan Garber and Jacob Parrish

Both, Garber and Parrish will be called upon to stop McMillan, or at least contain him from breaking away. Garber and Parrish have allowed 118 yards and one touchdown to receivers this season. They are not lock down corners by any means, as both have allowed more than 70 percent completion when targeted. However, they both have great closing speed not allowing much after the catch. Only 39 percent of receivers yards came from after the catch when Garber or Parrish is guarding them. Kansas State would be wise to keep them rotating off McMillan to keep their legs fresh against the star receiver. If they cannot contain him and allow him to run wild like he did in week one then it will be a long day for the Kansas State defense.

Game is Scheduled for Saturday, September 14 at Noon (EST)

Alabama – Running Backs – Jam Miller and Justice Haynes

The Alabama coaching staff has done an excellent job at keeping their running backs fresh. Miller and Haynes are practically splitting the workload almost right down the middle. Haynes has been the explosive back, or at least in week one he was after busting out and 85 yard gain. On the other hand, Miller has shown the consistency in his hitting his gaps quickly. He even had his own big gain with a 56 yard gain in week two. The Crimson Tide backfield will be dangerous as both running backs become more comfortable in the offense. Both running backs will look to maintain their efficiency of rushing for over eight yards-per-carry against a Wisconsin team that utilizes different packages to have multiple defenders attack the line.

Wisconsin – Linebacker – Jaheim Thomas

Both of Wisconsin safeties (Hunter Wohler and Preston Zachman) spend their time within the box helping to stop runs at the line of scrimmage. However, transfer linebacker, Jaheim Thomas, has been the teams force with his closing speed and ability to identify gaps. He attacks the line with velocity not allowing running backs to bust out big gains through the middle. The best thing about Thomas is that he rarely misses tackles too! He does have a tough matchup this week, however, between him closing the middle and his safeties on the outside it may be more difficult for the Alabama running backs to gain momentum. Regardless, of the outcome, one thing is fore sure, Thomas is a solid linebacker that will be a contributor to Wisconsin’s success this season.

Game is Scheduled for Saturday, September 14 at Noon (EST)

LSU – Quarterback – Garrett Nussmeier

After an upsetting loss to USC in week one, Nussmeier had to get some things off his chest. For his second straight week he threw for over 70 percent completion while having over 300 yards through the air. Additionally, Nussmeier threw six touchdown passes with no interceptions. Three of those six were to wide receiver Kyren Lacy. Both the quarterback and receiver will have their hands full against a South Carolina defense filled with heavy hitters. The Gamecocks defense will look to force Nussmeier into some uncomfortable throws hoping to gain the turnovers. Luckily, for LSU, Nussmeier stands calm and collected in the pocket, can take big hits while delivering the ball down field, and is not afraid to take shots because he trust his wide receivers. This game might favor LSU, but it will be a close matchup. As a rising prospect, Nussmeier will have eyes on him all season. Especially, since this 2025 quarterback class looks a little slim with the QB1 spot being open. Can Nussmeier pull off another game of more than two passing touchdowns?

South Carolina – Quarterback – LaNorris Sellers

Sellers looked better in his second game despite having pressure on him for majority of the game. He threw with just over 73 percent completion. Sellers is a dual-threat type of quarterback and his pocket awareness to escape the pass rush was on display against Kentucky. His footwork and confidence in the pocket allow him to move around while still delivering down the field. Along with his stellar completion percentage, Sellers also had a pair of touchdowns with one interception. The interceptions will come, LSU has good defenders that will bring the heat right off the snap. This is where Sellers will need to shine by extending the plays and not making avoidable turnovers. Nussmeier has the arm, Sellers has the playmaking ability, but both have wide receivers that will look to get open against stout defenses. This game has the makings to be game of the week with the fire power that both teams possess on both sides of the ball.

Game is Scheduled for Saturday, September 14 at Noon (EST)

Memphis – Quarterback – Seth Henigan

The Memphis quarterback is throwing with precision with 70 percent completion and three touchdowns this season. Through two weeks he has 469 yards, however, his top two wide receivers (Roc Taylor and Demeer Blankumsee) have no touchdowns. His three have gone to his tight ends. Florida State has lost two straight games, and they do not want to start the season off at 0-3. They will look to do whatever they can to disrupt Henigan’s passing lanes to create turnovers. Henigan will need his receivers to step up, but he will also need to lead his receivers to soft spots in zone coverage to move the chains. Luckily, Memphis had a good running game this past week, so maybe that elevates some pressure off Henigan. Either way the Memphis quarterback will need to get receivers involved in the end zone too.

Florida State – Quarterback – D.J. Uiagalelei

Time is slipping away from Uiagalelei as he now has the Seminoles 0-2. His poor completion and lack to deliver down field do not help his situation. None of his wide receivers have stepped into the alpha role. He needs one because he is not a quarterback that will feed the ball around. Uiagalelei stands in the pocket, locks into his go-to-guy, and delivers to that receiver. It seems right now the offense lacks chemistry between the quarterback and the receivers. Last season, Florida State got snubbed by not being considered a playoff team, but this season we are seeing they are not. Yes, the players are different, but the system has not changed. Uiagalelei needs to get his team on track and deliver in what should be a win this week. On the other hand, due to recent games, it would not be surprising to see Florida State start the season with zero wins and three losses.

Game is Scheduled for Saturday, September 14 at 3:30PM (EST)

Texas A&M – Quarterback – Conner Weigman

Weigman has looked great, but he has also made his mistakes. We saw those mistakes against Notre Dame. The Aggies at this point in time do not have a strong contender for the alpha wide receiver role. Maybe it’s Cyrus Allen, he is leading the team in terms of receptions and yards. However, Noah Thomas and Jahdae Walker both have a good catch radius and ability to stretch the field. Unfortunately, Walker and Thomas have not been asked to utilize their skills as much as Allen. Weigman cannot do this by himself. He needs his wide receivers to step up more. The SEC is filled with stout defenses and if at least one receiver for A&M does not step up then the season will be long for Weigman and the Aggies.

Florida – Quarterback – D.J. Lagway

The freshman came in and delivered in his first official start. He completed 18 of 25 passes for 456 yards and three touchdowns. Lagway was confident and composed as he stood in the pocket. He looked good on his drop backs and evaded the pressure when he needed to. His precision was seen while he was throwing dimes to his receivers. If Lagway starts again (he should) then Florida as a whole is a team to monitor. The offense looked better with Lagway at the helm. It seemed like they believed and wanted to fight for him. The freshman got started earlier than expected, but if the Lagway train is about to take off then it would be wise to grab a seat before the trains fills up. Right now, he is competition for the QB1 of the freshman class.

Game is Scheduled for Saturday, September 14 at 6PM (EST)

Virginia Tech – Wide Receiver – Ali Jennings

Ali “Popcorn” Jennings needs more targets. It is that simple. He is the Hokies best wide receiver, however, through two weeks he only has six targets. Jennings is a crafty wide receiver that makes smooth cuts and has excellent body control when going up for the catch. The key to success for Virginia Tech is to get him involved. In week one he had 91 receiving yards off two catches, and in week two only three targets. It does not make any sense to why plays are not being designed for him specifically. Jennings is a playmaker when the ball is in his hands. Old Dominion is his former team and last season in his only game played it was against Old Dominion. In that game he had five receptions for 72 yards and two touchdowns. Can Jennings repeat that performance? The short answer is yes, but the offense needs to get him involved.

Old Dominion- Safety – Patrick Smith-Young

Smith-Young leads the team in tackles. He is a lockdown safety when targeted, but can also play at the line. Through two weeks he has only allowed three yards when targeted. Plus, he already has one interception. When he plays at the line, which is often, he does an excellent job causing pressure on opposing quarterbacks by drawing their attention towards him allowing teammates to make the plays. Virginia Tech’s quarterbacks will have a tough day while trying to avoid Smith-Young up front or in the secondary. Smith-Young could be the game changer in this matchup. It will be interesting to see how many targets are thrown his way, but it would be wise for Virginia Tech to try to avoid him completely.

Georgia @ Kentucky

Game is Scheduled for Saturday, September 14 at 7:30PM (EST)

Georgia – Wide Receivers – Arian Smith, Dillon Bell, and Dominic Lovett

Quarterback Carson Beck has done a good job at spreading the ball around to his receivers. Through two games no wide receiver is above the others. Smith leads in all categories, but Lovett and Bell both have one less target. Bell has one less catch. The upside is Smith is brilliant after the catch making the most of his opportunities. The bust has been Colbie Young as he has failed to connect with Beck on five of eight targets. The race for the WR1 for the Bulldogs is a tight one. Smith should have the opportunity to run away with it being the slightly favored receiver. On the other hand, this Kentucky defense just brought the pressure when facing a more mobile quarterback in Sellers. Beck has more experienced and with that comes more confidence. The pressure might not disrupt Beck as it did Sellers, but regardless for Beck to succeed his wide receivers need to be on point through four quarters.

Kentucky – Wide Receivers – Dane Key, Ja’Mori Maclin, Barion Brown

Key has been the main target leader with ten targets to Maclin’s and Brown’s six targets each. On the other hand, Brown has two touchdowns while Key and Maclin have none. Maclin is their speedster, slot wide receiver that can control the middle. Key is their deep red-zone target with a nice catch radius. Brown is their technician that can cut the defense in half when given the opportunity. Quarterback Brock Vandagriff needs to up his game because he has three wide receivers that can be efficient in every category. He needs to be able to connect with each them allowing them to utilize their strengths. Eyes are on Vandagriff, but also on his receivers and how they can make plays. They all have playmaking ability but we have yet to seen it this season.

Colorado @ Colorado State

Game is Scheduled for Saturday, September 14 at 7:30PM (EST)

Colorado – Defensive Back/Wide Receiver – Travis Hunter

Colorado has played DJ McKinney and Preston Hodge heavily at defensive back too. This is likely to not strain Hunter as much even though he is second at the position in terms of snaps. Hunter is a good wide receiver, but Colorado State has a good wide receiver too that will require attention from any teams best defensive back. It is possible that McKinney shadows Horton knowing that McKinney has been their best coverage defensive back as of late. On the other hand, Hunter has allowed the least amount of yards when targeted showing his ability to close in quickly. Hunter is a special talent, but if he is going to play both sides it may be games like this where he can make more of an impact as a defensive back than a wide receiver. However, it does not help that he leads the team with 17 receptions and 242 receiving yards. Other wide receivers need to step up if Hunter wants to continue to play both sides of the ball.

Colorado State – Wide Receiver – Tory Horton

Horton has been a non-factor for the most part through two weeks. Through two weeks he only has 74 yards off 7 receptions. Horton is a playmaker with the ball in his hands with just less than 50 percent of his yards coming after the ball is in his hands. As mentioned, Colorado has some defensive backs that they can rotate between to see who gives them their best coverage against Horton. However, when Horton is clicking with his quarterback it becomes difficult to stop him. Last year this game was a shootout. In that game, Horton had one of his best performances of the season having 16 receptions for 133 yards. In week two, Horton did get banged up with a groin injury, however, he is hopeful to play in this in-state battle. If Horton is unable to go then look for sophomore wide receiver Caleb Goodie to be the primary focus in the passing game.

That concludes my week three 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!