Georgia Tech transfer Jahmyr Gibbs has 585 yards from scrimmage and 5 TDs through five games with Alabama. Photo Credit: Crimson Tide Photos / UA Athletics.
Week 5 in college football had the most ranked games on a Saturday in years and it delivered. Not only was the slate on Saturday full of major matchups, 2023 NFL Draft prospects shining, and a near upset of the Georgia Bulldogs, but it also led to some major firings (Paul Chryst at Wisconsin and Karl Dorrell at Colorado). A great weekend of games was made even better with some Friday night upsets and the AP finally ranking Kansas (and ESPN Gameday heading to Lawrence as a result).
Friday got the party started with Houston falling in overtime to the mighty Tulane Green Wave and No. 15 Washington going down at the hands of Chip Kelly and his UCLA Bruins. Then on Saturday, No. 14 Ole Miss pulled off a win over No. 7 Kentucky in a game full of NFL talent, No. 2 Alabama blew out No. 20 Arkansas despite Bryce Young injuring his shoulder, and No. 5 Clemson’s defense dominated in a win (and cover) against No. 10 NC State.
With the college football regular season nearly halfway through, things are becoming clearer in the 2023 NFL Draft class. Like how there’s probably only three first-round quarterbacks, the wide receiver class is going to stink for the first time in years, the defensive line is going to headline the draft, and there’s going to be a lot of impactful running backs.
Prospect of the Week:
Jahmyr Gibbs, RB, Alabama
When Geoff Collins first got the Georgia Tech job there was some excitement thanks to a couple recruiting wins. A 3-9 debut was made easier to stomach by the fact that the program was transitioning from the triple-option and that they had a talent like Jahmyr Gibbs staying in state, and not in the red and black. Even after two more three-win seasons, the Yellow Jackets were worth watching thanks to Gibbs immediate impact (2,768 total yards and 14 TDs in 19 games). Then, the transfer portal struck, and Gibbs took his talents to Tuscaloosa (and Collins was fired four games into this season).
The instant excitement generated with Gibbs heading to a program that had produced 12 drafted running backs since Nick Saban took over was immense. Viewed as top-three running back in the 2023 NFL Draft class heading into the season, Gibbs has only backed it up since joining the Crimson Tide.
With an inexperienced pass catching room for reigning Heisman winner Bryce Young, Gibbs was predominantly leaned on early for his pass catching chops (which were game changing in Alabama’s tight win over Texas). Through the first four games of the season, Gibbs had more receiving yards (187 on 17 receptions) than rushing yards (172 on 25 carries) and hadn’t had more than nine carries in a single game. Then, Young got hurt against Arkansas and Alabama offensive coordinator Bill O’Brien put the game on Gibbs’ shoulders.
Against the Razorbacks, Gibbs doubled his season high in carries (18) and ran for more yards in the game than he had in the season (206). More importantly, he showed why he’s more than just a satellite back with his explosive home run hitting ability, vision, patience, and willingness to get north-south.
The two carries that stood out the most are the ones he turned into house calls. Up 35-23 after letting Arkansas get back into the game, Gibbs took a carry 72 yards to pay dirt on an outside zone run. He did an excellent job staying patient as he approached the line waiting for a cutback lane to emerge before hitting top speed in an instant. The very next drive, he did it again taking a handoff 76 yards for six, showing his ability to manipulate his pace to follow blocks before cutting up field and exploding by defenders.
The pint-sized Alvin Kamara comparisons are just for Gibbs, who like Kamara, is a natural pass catcher that can line up in the slot or out wide on top of having game breaking long speed and natural contact balance. Gibbs is a top-50 talent.
When Jahmyr Gibbs sees that cutback lane he’s at top speed almost instantly. Such a terrifying playmaker at RB and it’s almost not fair that Alabama has him. Have a hard time seeing him slip out of the top-50 when the 2023 NFL Draft rolls around. pic.twitter.com/le0plA0oLY
— Bobby Football (@Rob__Paul) October 4, 2022
Stock Up:
Jake Bobo, WR, UCLA
Few things are weirder than #Pac12AfterDark on a Friday evening. It’s like entering the twilight zone of college football and anything can happen. In the most recent edition, No. 15 Washington, who had been a media darling early on under first-year head coach Kalen DeBoer, was blown out of the water by UCLA. The final score (40-32) was a little deceptive with UCLA leading 40-16 at one point in the second half.
Both Dorian Thompson-Robinson and Zach Charbonnet (one of the top RB prospects in the country) played phenomenally for Chip Kelly, but the offense’s secret weapon was a player ACC fans are well aware of… Jake Bobo.
The receiver had been one of the rare bright spots at Duke the last few seasons (72 receptions for 794 yards in 2021) but opted to transfer after David Cutcliffe’s tenure with the Blue Devils finally came to an end. With a nice combo of size (6-5, 215 pounds) to go with route running savvy and a willingness to block, it was no shock he quickly found a starting role in LA. But he’s become more than a potential late Day 3 pick in Kelly’s offense and that was proven in the win over the Huskies.
Throughout the night Bobo worked his way open for Thompson-Robinson in key situations and took advantage of a young Washington secondary to finish with 6 receptions for 142 yards and two scores. Down 10-9 in the first half, Bobo scored the first of his touchdowns on a 12-yard post where he completely flipped the corner’s hips with an outside stem to win inside leverage. Then, in the second half he put a dagger through the hearts of Washington fans when he took a deep out 39 yards to the house by breaking a tackle in the open field.
In a weak wide receiver class, Bobo has been a pleasant surprise in his foray to the west coast and a true game changer for the undefeated Bruins. Receivers with his size and fluidity are hard to come by, and if he keeps it up, he’ll be a top-150 lock in April.
Clark Phillips III, CB, Utah
One of the biggest recruiting wins in Kyle Whittingham’s tenure at Utah was landing Clark Phillips III. The No. 51 recruit in the country, he was initially set to head to Ohio State before a late flip. An immediate impact player, Phillips III turned in a stunning sophomore season (13 passes defensed) that put him on the 2023 NFL Draft map thanks to his flawless feet, smooth hips, ability to mirror in man, and closing speed in zone.
When the Utes lost in their opener to Florida, the national spotlight on Whittingham’s squad dissipated. But much like last year, after a slow start they’ve been on a tear. Taking on a tough Oregon State team in Week 5, the Utes got back to business winning 42-16.
The defense was the story of the game, and the biggest of those stories was Phillips III. Not only did he help slowdown Jonathan Smith’s creative and motion-heavy offense, but he intercepted three passes—including a 38-yard pick six that gave Utah an early 14-7 lead.
From the start of this game, it was the Phillips III show. On the second play from scrimmage, lined up on the boundary receiver in off-man, Phillips mirrored him with ease. Slow pedaling on the stop route, he cut under the receiver and in a 50/50 ball situation he ripped it away from the Beaver. That interception led to Utah’s first touchdown of the day.
The second of his interceptions came just a few minutes later in the first quarter, and this time he did the scoring himself. Lining up in off-zone, he stayed on top of the out breaking route patiently waiting to bait the QB into throwing it. Then he showed that terrific closing speed by driving underneath the receiver to undercut the route and make it a house call.
Pick number three was the nail in the coffin—or the dam—for the Beavers. Just five yards away from the end zone, Oregon State tried a slot fade against Phillips III who causally made a leaping interception. Lined up over the slot, Phillips easily flipped his hips while keeping his eyes on the quarterback to track the ball. He then high-pointed the pass in the back corner of the end zone.
For Phillips III, a first-round prospect, this type of game was a good reminder that he has the potential to be the top cornerback in the 2023 NFL Draft.
Still not over the performance Utah’s Clark Phillips III turned in against Oregon State. Three interceptions including this pick six where he stayed so patient to bait the QB before driving under the receiver to undercut the route. pic.twitter.com/ucbO0h1Rej
— Bobby Football (@Rob__Paul) October 8, 2022
Clemson Defensive Line
Say what you will about Dabo Swinney, but the man knows how to spot NFL talent. Clemson is an NFL factory and has been particularly impressive with the sheer number of defensive linemen it has turned pro over the last decade or so. Since 2010, the Tigers have had 15 defensive linemen drafted, including five in the first-round, but haven’t had one selected since 2019. That’s going to change in 2023.
Not only will Clemson have a defensive lineman drafted, they damn well might have five selected (Bryan Bresee, Myles Murphy, Tyler Davis, KJ Henry, and Ruke Orhorhoro). The Clemson defensive line has been the best in the country this season and a major reason they’re currently 5-0. In a top-10 matchup with NC State this past week, their defensive line was the story of the game.
Even without likely top-10 pick Bresee on the field for the battle, Clemson’s front was unblockable. Murphy, Davis Henry, and Orhorhoro combined for 11 tackles, 4 sacks, 2 TFLs, 5 hurries, a fumble recovery, and a batted pass.
Murphy’s power was overwhelming the Wolfpack’s tackles on one side, where multiple times he physically threw them to the ground. On the other side, Henry’s combo of twitch and pass rush plan was too much. Meanwhile Davis looks sprier this season and did a fantastic job shooting gaps while using his get-off and heavy hands to create problems.
Two plays from the D-line that emphasize their impact on the game came in big situations. In the first half with the game tied and NC State at mid-field facing a 3rd and 9, Murphy put the left tackle on his caboose with a long arm move while Henry—lined up off-ball and blitzing—beat the right guard with a club-swim. As Murphy unloaded on poor Devin Leary, Henry leaped up to knock the pass down.
Then, in the fourth quarter while protecting a 10-point lead, the D-line struck again. Murphy came crashing outside with a rip move and Henry beat the right tackle with a club, but Davis provided the key to the play. He defeated the center’s block with a smooth swim move giving Leary nowhere to move up in the pocket as he and Murphy combined for the sack.
Bresee is a no doubt first-round talent, and Murphy will likely join him, while Davis and Henry have taken their games to another level and are viewed as top senior defensive linemen in the country. Most of the Tigers front should hear their names called in April.
The Clemson DL was dominant against NC State. On this key third down Myles Murphy knocks the LT to the ground with a long arm to cause pressure while KJ Henry wins inside with a club-swim and comes away with a batted ball. Nasty. pic.twitter.com/ilLk90X99F
— Bobby Football (@Rob__Paul) October 3, 2022
Stock Down:
Marvin Mims, WR, Oklahoma
When Lincoln Riley and Caleb Williams took their talents from Norman to LA, it was fair to assume that Marvin Mims would head west with them—or at least entertain the idea of the transfer portal. Despite all the talent that left Oklahoma when Riley exited, Mims stayed. He set himself up to be both the leader and go-to playmaker of the offense.
In his first two seasons with the Sooners, Mims showed field stretching ability that would scare any defense. On his way to racking up 1,315 yards and 14 TDs on just 69 catches, he looked like the next highly drafted Oklahoma receiver.
With Williams gone, the Sooners offense has leaned heavily on Mims, and he’s delivered with 438 yards and 3 scores in five games, but he hasn’t leveled up the way that some expected. He’s been the same field stretcher but hasn’t developed his route running nor improved his ball skills.
These issues showed up in Oklahoma’s blowout loss to TCU over the weekend where Mims had just 4 receptions for 41 yards. He also fumbled on the opening drive which immediately led to a Horned Frogs touchdown. Later in the game he dropped a would-be huge completion on a deep shot. To make matters worse, he and Dillon Gabriel (as well as Davis Beville once Gabriel left injured) didn’t seem to be on the same page.
Without the ability to be a consistent threat in the intermediate game and work his way open with precise routes, Mims lives and dies by the deep ball. When it’s not there he can quickly become a non-factor, like he did in Fort Worth.
Jack Campbell, LB, Iowa
When Iowa plays Michigan you can bet your bottom dollar that there will be few points and plenty of punts. Well actually, you can bet that with pretty much any opponent the Hawkeyes play. With a great defense and not much to show on offense, Iowa never really stood a chance against the Wolverines. Without forcing turnovers, it’s hard for this team to compete with the big dogs.
Matters were made worse when Michigan quickly took the lead and spent much of the game pounding the rock. Though the Hawkeyes were able to hold Blake Corum and Donvan Edwards to just 4.7 per carry, it was well above the defense’s season average.
The heart and soul of the Iowa defense, Jack Campbell, had a particularly tough day. Viewed by some as a potential top-five linebacker prospect, Campbell was exposed at times in space (see: Corum’s 20-yard touchdown run). Of more concern though, was his inability to stack and shed blocks. For much of the game, Michigan tight end Luke Schoonmaker was getting on him and taking him for a ride. When he was getting off blocks, Campbell was making non-impactful tackles five to seven yards downfield. Save for one TFL on a screen that he read to perfection (that the force player did a perfect job on), it wasn’t a good look for a linebacker who earns his bread as a run defender.
Without the athleticism to match up in coverage or the skills to provide pass rush, Campbell needs to be an alpha in the run game to be selected on Day 2 of the 2023 NFL Draft. This type of performance won’t help his cause.
Will Levis, QB, Kentucky
Quarterbacks continue to get propped up weekly as the passers who could join CJ Stroud and Bryce Young in the first-round of the 2023 NFL Draft. Stroud and Young are in a league of their own (and the only clear first-round talents), but given the history of the NFL Draft, teams will reach on others. Sitting atop that reach list is Kentucky’s Will Levis.
Unlike some of the other quarterbacks being talked about in the first-round, Levis does make sense. He’s got the physical tools (cannon arm, good athlete), the production (47 touchdowns in 18 games at Kentucky), the experience in a pro-style offense, and the success in America’s best football conference. It’s understandable as to why he’s talked about as QB3 by most major media outlets, but what is harder to fathom is that he’s frequently talked about in an almost sure-thing manner.
Levis is raw and the loss to Ole Miss on Saturday was a perfect example. In his defense, he’s surrounded by new starters, has a new offensive coordinator in Rich Scangarello, and on paper he played well (220 passing yards, 2 TDs, completed 75% of his throws). But he also had two back breaking fumbles and it felt like the Wildcats were playing conservatively in a way that teams with future top-10 picks wouldn’t… unless you’re Mario Cristobal at Oregon with Justin Herbert.
Again, Levis didn’t play horrifically by any means (that TD throw to Jordan Dingle was beautiful), yet, he still seems so far away from more than a Day 2 quarterback with developmental tools. His placement can be sporadic, he struggles to navigate the pocket and remain a passer with the pass rush on him, he relies too heavily on his physical tools at times which leads to turnovers. It just feels like he’s been crowned already as a result of the lack of quarterback talent after the top two.