Photo Credit: South Carolina Athletics
One of the things that makes college football so special is all the storylines. Across the country there are campuses buzzing about the potential of their programs ahead of the season, a time where everything seems possible. Sure, those dreams could be dashed as soon as dusk hits on September 3, but for now fans are immersing themselves in the what if that comes with each and every college football season.
Everybody loves a good comeback story and that’s why few storylines in college football are met with more praise than that of the player or team returning to the mountain top. Even last year the National Champion Georgia Bulldogs, who have been a perennial power under Kirby Smart, were framed as the underdogs in the title game because they hadn’t won a National Championship since 1980. You best believe the people of Athens found the redemption they’d been looking for in taking down Nick Saban and Alabama.
When it comes to the NFL Draft, there are always prospects who ride the wave of three, or four, years of hype and production to become draft picks. Alternatively, there are also players who at one time or another were viewed as next at their position before stumbling on their way up the mountain (whether it be due to injury, drop-off in play, lack of consistency, etc.) and disappearing into the murkiness below.
Few players have the ability to return to the glory that was once associated with their names before they fell, but again, everyone loves a good comeback story. The producers on college football broadcasts across America are always ready to pounce when there’s a player looking for that redemption and seemingly on their way to attaining it. Which offensive prospects in the 2023 NFL Draft class will be able to redeem themselves the way Jalen Hurts, Nick Chubb, and Mike Williams once did?
Quarterback: Spencer Rattler, South Carolina
A year ago at this time Draft Twitter was drooling over Spencer Rattler. He was coming off a redshirt freshman campaign at Oklahoma in which he threw for over 3,000 yards (completing 67.5% of his throw on 9.6 YPA) while adding 31 total TDs. Surely, he was ready to follow in the footsteps of Baker Mayfield and Kyler Murray as a Heisman winner and first overall pick.
After an up and down start to the season, Lincoln Riley pulled him in favor of Caleb Williams against Texas. Williams stepped in and led a jaw-dropping comeback in the Red River Showdown, and the rest is history.
Nobody would have believed you a year ago if you told them both Rattler and Riley would no longer be in Norman (unless if it were because both took the leap to the NFL), and they certainly wouldn’t believe that Riley took Williams with him to USC over Rattler. Like Hurts before him, Rattler was (rightfully) usurped by a star freshman despite tremendous production and is hoping to put it all together again with a fresh start.
Thanks to his ties to Oklahoma, Gamecocks head coach Shane Beamer won the Rattler sweepstakes and is hoping he can be the missing piece in Columbia. Beamer surprisingly led South Carolina to a seven-win season last year despite having a revolving door at quarterback which is why this might just be the perfect fit.
It’s not hard to figure out why Rattler, a former five-star recruit, was once viewed as a future top pick in the NFL Draft. His arm talent jumps off the screen with his innate ability to rip the ball into tight windows and push it downfield. There are times he makes throws across his body off-platform that have no business being completed but hit his receiver in the chest because he has that type of arm. There are also times he overthrows receivers who have a step downfield by a mile because of his inconsistent touch and accuracy—he missed two 30-plus-yard touchdowns against West Virginia last season due to this.
Moving from Riley’s progressive air raid offense to Gamecock offensive coordinator Marcus Satterfield’s “pro-style” will be an interesting test of Rattler’s ability to adapt his game. Rarely has Rattler carried out play-action from under center and turned his back to a defense, in this system that will be the norm. There were times at Oklahoma he showed an innate ability to navigate the pocket with clean footwork while keeping his eyes downfield and making some “wow” throws; he’ll need to do it far more frequently in Satterfield’s scheme.
While he must elevate his ability to work through progressions and improve his placement of the ball at each level, South Carolina will be able to become a far more aggressive passing attack with Rattler at the helm. Thanks to the system, and his arm, there should be plenty of opportunities for play-action deep shots and if Rattler can just put the ball in play more often, the student section is going to be on their feet a lot.
With an influx of pass catching talent (Austin Stogner from Oklahoma, Antwane Wells from James Madison, Corey Rucker from Arkansas State) joining Jaheim Bell, Josh Vann, and Dakereon Joyner, this offense could quickly become one of the most exciting in college football… but that’s all dependent on Rattler.
There were glimpses of the guy Spencer Rattler was supposed to be last season at OU. Rips one across his body off-platform on the move for a big gain and puts it in his receivers chest. Excited to see how he develop at South Carolina in a more “pro-style” offense. pic.twitter.com/KfILBhwBeP
— Bobby Football (@Rob__Paul) June 25, 2022
Honorable Mention: JT Daniels, West Virginia
Running Back: Eric Gray, Oklahoma
With the advent of the transfer portal, each offseason talented players looking for better opportunities end up in new places—Jordan Addison is a prime example. Running back has become a position where the transition to a new program doesn’t seem overly steep for the most talented—Kenneth Walker in 2021, Khalil Herbert in 2020. That’s why it was so surprising to see a former blue chip recruit and SEC playmaker in Eric Gray not immediately make the leap with the Sooners.
After two seasons at Tennessee, where he split time, Gray showed up in Norman with his 1,680 yards from scrimmage and 11 total TDs (averaging 5.6 per touch) ready to shred up Big 12 defenses. Instead, Gray turned in a solid 641 yards from scrimmage (6.3 per touch) and 4 TDs as a change of pace runner and pass catching threat while Kennedy Brooks carried the load. His mediocre season had more to do with lack of opportunity than overall ability.
Despite starting the first five games of the season, Gray had just two games with more than 10 carries and in the final six games he had just 17 carries to go with 12 receptions. But with Brooks off to the NFL, there should be plenty of touches for him in his senior season.
Set to sit atop the depth chart in 2022, and with new head coach Brent Venables needing to lean on returning players due to all the turnover at Oklahoma, Gray is poised to be a breakout star this season. Marcus Major is the only other returning back on the roster with more than 50 career carries, so Gray can expect a big workload in new offensive coordinator Jeff Lebby’s modern air raid.
Though Lebby’s offense is known for its passing attack, he’s helped numerous running backs put up big numbers with his time at Ole Miss, UCF, and Baylor. Even better, longtime Oklahoma offensive line coach Bill Bedenbaugh is back, and his lines have paved the way for plenty of NFL backs (Brooks, Rhamondre Stevenson, Trey Sermon, Rodney Anderson, Samaje Perine, Joe Mixon). To make matters even better, Oklahoma has a veteran QB in Dillon Gabriel and one of the best and most experienced offensive lines in the country.
This all bodes well for Gray to quickly ascend to being one of the most dynamic playmakers in the country—and build on what we saw for him in the bowl game last season against Oregon. A well built (5-10, 209 pounds) runner, Gray thrives on his ability to explode out of cuts and get north-sound in a hurry.
His short area quickness, elusiveness in space, and contact balance lead to frequent chunk runs, which is why he’s been such a good change of pace back. Now as a lead runner, he needs to improve on his vision and be more willing to take what the defense is giving him rather than try to bounce everything for money runs. When factoring in his natural ball skills as a pass catcher, Gray should be an integral piece of Lebby’s air raid as a safety valve and go-to space player.
Everything is there for Gray to be the guy for the new look Oklahoma Sooners, and if he steps up to the occasion, he could easily be a top 10 running back in the 2023 NFL Draft.
After two flashy seasons with Tennessee, Eric Gray didn’t take the leap everyone expected at Oklahoma but his best game was the final one of the season against Oregon. He frequently showed his contact balance and ability to get north-south with explosive runs. Expect big things. pic.twitter.com/YoVq48h6sb
— Bobby Football (@Rob__Paul) June 21, 2022
Honorable Mention: Mohamed Ibrahim, Minnesota
Wide Receiver: Zay Flowers, Boston College
After seven seasons of mediocrity under head coach Steve Addazio, Boston College fans had hope restored in Jeff Hafley’s first season in charge. Despite dealing with the impact of the pandemic, Hafley was able to direct the Eagles to a 6-5 record, much better than anyone predicted. That was thanks in large part to the emergence of Notre Dame transfer Phil Jurkovec at quarterback and the breakout of receiver Zay Flowers.
Coming off that season, there were plenty of folks in Chestnut Hill ready for the program to win more than seven games for the first time since 2009.
Instead, Jurkovec dealt with a hand/wrist injury during the season and only played in six games as Boston College finished just 6-6 in year two under Hafley. With Jurkovec hurt, Flowers didn’t turn in the All-ACC season fans hoped for with his junior production (44 receptions, 746 yards, 5 TDs) dipping from his sophomore season (56/892/9).
The decision for both Jurkovec and Flowers to spurn the NFL Draft and return to college football this season made a lot of sense. Both have a chance to be viewed among the best at their positions in the class if they stay healthy—and thanks to Flowers opting against transferring for big NIL money (per ESPN)—and they’ll get to do it together as they build on the chemistry that made them so exciting in 2020.
On the surface Flowers might not look like a future NFL receiver at just 5-10, 172 pounds, but the second the ball is snapped he sure plays like one. Few players in the country play with the suddenness he does and it translates from his release repertoire to his route running where next to nobody can stop him from creating separation.
Flowers knows he’s not the most physically imposing player and that’s why he has become a master with his release where his feet and lateral agility can help him beat press. Those same traits translate to his route running where he’s able to stop on a dime and burst in and out of cuts to leave defensive backs in his dust. His quickness has also helped him become a playmaker after the catch in space where he can be elusive with the ball in his hand.
This season, with a healthy Jurkovec, Flowers has a chance to elevate his game another notch by becoming a more impactful player in traffic. At times, he struggles with concentration drops over the middle and coming down with 50/50 balls against bigger cornerbacks. If he can be a bigger threat in combat catch situations he has a chance to rise to the first-round in a similar fashion to that of fellow undersized receiver Jahan Dotson.
A healthy Zay Flowers (and Phil Jurkovec) is a scary thing for ACC defenses this season. He’s so twitchy off the line of scrimmage and after the catch—makes several Seminoles look goofy. Think he can be the Jahan Dotson of the 2023 NFL Draft. pic.twitter.com/kTCI8PX41j
— Bobby Football (@Rob__Paul) June 22, 2022
Honorable Mention: Ronnie Bell, Michigan
Tight End: Arik Gilbert, Georgia
When Arik Gilbert committed to LSU out of high school, not only was he a five-star, but he was the first true tight end to ever win Gatorade National Player of the Year (the award began in 1985) and the highest ranked recruit to ever play the position. Coming off a senior high school season where he caught 105 passes for 1,860 yards and 15 TDs, expectations were high as he joined the defending National Champions.
With LSU losing Joe Burrow, Ja’Marr Chase, Justin Jefferson, and others, there was plenty of pressure on Gilbert to shine immediately. As the Tigers tumbled to a 5-5 record, Gilbert hit the portal and ended up at Georgia where there were rumors he’d move full-time to receiver. Despite being eligible to play last season, Gilbert didn’t touch the field for the National Champions further adding to the mystique around him.
Now, he’s set to return to the field in 2022 and make good on the hype that followed him after a stunning high school career. With the emergence of star tight end Brock Bowers last season and former five-star Darnell Washington flashing in his first two years in Athens, it’s hard to say what exactly Gilbert’s role will be this season.
Knowing how freakishly talented he is, it’s hard to imagine offensive coordinator Todd Monken won’t get him involved—whether at tight end or wide receiver. The hype that came with Gilbert out of high school is surely driving the excitement around him as an NFL Draft prospect, but even in his short time at LSU the ability was obvious.
At 6-5, 248 pounds, Gilbert is dripping with untapped potential thanks to his frame and athleticism. That showed up during his freshman year at LSU when he caught 35 passes for 368 yards and 2 TDs in eight games despite poor quarterback play. As expected with any freshman there were struggles (drops and blocking), but when he was in a rhythm he became a mismatch nightmare lining up in-line, as a slot, and out wide.
He thrived on intermediate routes where he could either outrun linebackers or dunk over defensive backs with his speed and knack for contested catches. Throw on the Missouri game from 2020 and you’ll see the makings of a future top-50 pick. If the opportunities are there in a crowded tight end room, or if Monken elects to use him as a true X-receiver, Gilbert should create headaches for SEC defenses.
There were plenty of flashes of brilliance from Arik Gilbert as a freshman at LSU. Repeatedly showed his ability to win 50/50 balls thanks to his size and body control. Can’t wait to see what he does at Georgia this year. pic.twitter.com/f3PvUbRrRv
— Bobby Football (@Rob__Paul) June 17, 2022
Honorable Mention: Jahleel Billinglsey, Texas
Offensive Tackle: Jaxson Kirkland, Washington
For those who love to read “way-too-early” first-round NFL mock drafts, Jaxson Kirkland’s name is probably a familiar one. The Washington left tackle’s name has been showing up in them for what feels like years. He’s headed into his sixth season with the Huskies, his fifth as a starter, and his third as the blindside protector on the offensive line. That’s a lot of college football for one man.
After two seasons starting at right guard, the buzz began during the 2019 season when he took over at left tackle. It continued after he earned first team All-Pac-12 in 2020, and it really began to build as he headed into his redshirt senior season in 2021. Despite earning first team All-Pac-12 again last season, his struggles against Michigan hurt his draft stock some, and an ankle injury further worsened the dent to his hype.
Even with the negatives, Kirkland opted to declare for the 2022 NFL Draft and was likely set to be a Day 3 pick. That all changed when on February 1, it was reported he opted out of the draft after learning his ankle injury was more severe than previously known. After petitioning the NCAA to play college football for one more season (using his extra COVID year to further his eligibility), Kirkland is back for the Huskies.
One of the most experienced players in the FBS (39 starts), the three-time captain is looking to recapture the hype and play his way back into being considered a top-100 pick. An old school mauler in the trenches, Kirkland excels in the run game where he uses his strong hands to latch on to defenders and drive them off the ball.
Although he doesn’t play with natural bend, the power he has at the point of attack helps him overwhelm smaller defensive linemen with his frame (6-7, 310 pounds). The pop in his hands and strength in his lower half translates to the passing game where he uses his length to fend off rushers and has the ability to anchor down against power.
The issues for Kirkland come with his athletic shortcomings. He’s not a natural mover and that shows up when he needs to reach the second level against linebackers and when handling speed rushers around the edge. With his ankle issues also hindering his ability to reach landmarks and mirror, a move to guard in the NFL makes the most sense for his future.
Overall, a healthy Kirkland could become one of the most devastating run blockers in the country if he improves his ability in space and plays with more consistent leverage. It’s been a long journey for No. 51, and one more season in Seattle could be what he needs to reignite the buzz.
Honorable Mention: Zion Nelson, Miami
Interior Offensive Lineman: Jarrett Patterson
For most of the Brian Kelly era at Notre Dame, the offense was defined by the big boys up front. All-American’s like Zack Martin, Quenton Nelson, and Mike McGlinchey paved the way for the Fighting Irish offense before becoming first-round picks in the NFL Draft. Last season though, the Notre Dame offensive line was a shell of itself for much of the season due to injuries and inexperience.
The man in the middle of that uncertainty was Jarrett Patterson, viewed as one of the top centers in the 2022 NFL Draft entering the season. With the players around him playing up and down, it impacted his play and he ultimately chose to return to South Bend for his fourth straight season as the starting center to build upon the O-line’s strong finish to 2021.
Picked as a preseason All-American and with a once green offensive line now returning five players with starting experience, Patterson is poised to compete for the Rimington Trophy (awarded to the top center in college football).
With a new starting quarterback and running back, new head coach Marcus Freeman and offensive coordinator Tommy Rees will surely lean on Patterson and co. this season. Every opportunity is there for Patterson to be the next Notre Dame offensive lineman to be selected top-100 in the draft.
With a brawling playing-style, Patterson is a run grader who loves to tangle it up with defensive tackles. He understands the importance of leverage as a run blocker and gets underneath bigger trench players with his meat hook hands to knock them off the ball. A cerebral player who has full command up front, his best trait in pass protection is his mind where he rarely lets the front seven beat his boys with blitzes or stunts. Smart physical centers are beloved in the NFL.
To go from fringe top-100 prospect to full fledged Day 2 pick, Patterson must improve when it comes to handling speed. His ceiling will be capped in the pro’s if his lack of lateral agility hinders him against 3-techniques that can shoot gaps in the run game and provide true pass rush on money downs. That coupled with his explosion off the snap to make reach blocks or climb to the second level could be his downfall as a prospect.
Overall, Patterson looks locked and loaded to be one of the best centers in college football yet again and with a more experienced offensive line around him (and two potential future top picks at tackle in Joe Alt and Blake Fisher), the Notre Dame front looks ready to mesh as they look to lead the Irish back to a New Year’s Six Bowl.
Honorable Mention: Emil Ekiyor Jr., Alabama