by J.T. Toth
Photos courtesy of Canes Warning, Tomahawk Nation, ESPN, Tiger Rag, Auburn University Athletics, and Bowling Green State University Athletics.
Each week during the 2023 college football season, Draft 412 will take a look at six players who helped their draft stock with solid performances. As the season progresses, Draft 412 will start to zoom in on first round talent.
Here is the six pack from this past week:
Miami, Fla- WR- Jacolby George
The 6’0” 176 lbs. junior had a huge game this past weekend against #4 Florida State. Jacolby George kept the Hurricanes in the game with his 5 catches for 153 yards that included 2 touchdowns, including an 85 yard catch and run. Though Miami lost 27-20, George showed the NFL that he is a name to watch in 2025. This is the first season he has gotten consistent playing time and has 46 receptions for 707 yards and 7 touchdowns. George could declare for the NFL after this season, though Draft 412 thinks coming back and producing next season will benefit his draft stock.
Florida State- LB- Kalen DeLoach
#4 Florida State got a bit of a scare this past weekend from their longtime rivals, Miami Hurricanes. Linebacker Kalen DeLoach was a big reason they were able to squeak out a 27-20 win with his pure dominance all day long. DeLoach had 10 tackles, 2 tackles for a loss and 2 sacks and always seemed to be there to stop a potential Hurricanes comeback.
DeLoach is having his best season as a Seminole with 59 tackles and 10 sacks and is a riser on most draft boards. He started this season as a UDFA prospect but is now making his way into day three of the draft. Where he stops may be based on how this season plays out and how well he performs at the NFL Combine. Thought to only be a pass rusher, DeLoach has improved his coverage skills and has become more of a total package.
To see more of Draft 412’s profile on Kalen DeLoach…
https://www.draft412.com/post/nfl-draft-prospect-preview-kalen-deloach
UCF- DB- Demari Henderson
UCF pummeled #15 Oklahoma State on Saturday and sophomore safety Demari Henderson was a big reason why. Henderson picked off two passes to go along with 4 tackles in the Knights' upset victory. This is Henderson’s first year with regular playing time, and he is showing scouts that he may be a name to pay attention to in 2025 or 2026. Only 160 lbs., he will need to get bigger and stronger and have more big games like he did this past weekend against the ranked Cowboys.
Auburn- LB- Jalen McLeod
The Junior transfer from Appalachian State had a career game this past Saturday at Arkansas in a 48-10 Tigers victory. McLeod spent most of his day in the Razorbacks' backfield, collecting 9 tackles, 4 for loss, and 3 sacks.
The 6’1” 237 lbs. linebacker will most likely come back to Auburn for his senior season and has some interesting skills that could make him a 2025 NFL Draft prospect. McLeod has speed and effective pass rushing moves to go along with instincts to make plays in the backfield.
LSU- QB- Jayden Daniels
Jayden Daniels keeps ascending up draft boards and is now on the outer edge of round one. Though he does not get named with the likes of Caleb Williams or Drake Maye, he is embedded in the next group of signal callers.
Against Florida this past Saturday, Daniels was electric, going 17-26 for 372 yards and 3 touchdowns in their 52-35 victory. On the season, Daniels has completed over 70% of his passes and has thrown for over 3,000 yards, 30 touchdown passes while only throwing 4 interceptions. His pre-snap reads and long ball accuracy continue to improve and Daniels has the look of a first round passer.
To see Draft 412’s profile on Jayden Daniels…
https://www.draft412.com/post/nfl-draft-prospect-preview-jayden-daniels
Bowling Green- RB- Ta’Ron Keith
The “stat line that came out of nowhere” award goes to Ta’Ron Keith, a junior running back for Bowling Green. In the Falcons' 49-19 win at Kent State, Keith ran for over 100 yards and caught 8 passes for over 100 yards as well while scoring 2 touchdowns. Coming into the game, Keith’s rushing high for the year was 69 against Liberty in their season opener. The part time running back took advantage each time he touched the ball on Saturday in racking up 233 total yards. Keith is not considered a draft prospect at this moment but more performances like this will have Draft 412 and other scouts paying close attention to him.