by J.T. Toth
Photo courtesy of ESPN.
Draft 412 is ready for Saturday’s games and wants to make sure you are as well. Each week, we will go through the games and the players to watch, on our way to the draft in April 2024.
Here is our preview for - Week 2:
#11 Texas at. #3 Alabama 7:00pm ESPN (SATURDAY)
Line- Alabama (-7)
Draft 412 Prediction- Alabama 31 Texas 21
Alabama’s new quarterback Jalen Milroe gets his first test as the Crimson Tide signal caller against a hungry Texas team that wants to show the world they are back.
Texas - Quarterback - Quinn Ewers
There will be no bigger game in 2023 for Quinn Ewers. This matchup against a stout Alabama defense will give him a chance to show the pundits what he can do against a fast, strong defense. He threw for 260 yards and 3 touchdowns against Rice in week 1 and if he can repeat that performance against Alabama, he can start creeping into that first round of quarterbacks.
Alabama - Tackle - J.C. Latham
Latham looked like a man amongst boys in the week 1 victory against Middle Tennessee, but Texas and Barryn Sorrell will challenge him early and often. Latham is by all accounts a top 3 tackle in this draft class and Draft 412 is excited to see him perform against a fast Texas defense.
Texas - Wide Receiver - Xavier Worthy
Xavier Worthy vs. Kool-Aid McKinstry? Thank you, football gods! Worthy, just like his quarterback Quinn Ewers, needs to take advantage of this week 2 matchup to solidify his draft stock. What better way to create some draft buzz other than performing against the #1 cornerback in the country? With Marvin Harrison Jr. starting slow in Columbus, Worthy can make a statement.
Alabama - Cornerback - Kool-Aid McKinstry
See above. This matchup of two possible first rounders will be fun to watch all night. McKinstry, the best cornerback in the country, can add to his resume if he can shut down Xavier Worthy.
Texas - Tight End - Ja’Tavion Sanders
With Brock Bowers entrenched as the best tight end in the country, Sanders wants to prove himself worthy of a first round pick. Most seasons, a player with Sanders’ talent would be a lock to be selected in the first round. Alabama has a talented and fast defense and having a productive game will go a long way for him.
Others to Watch
Alabama- QB - Jalen Milroe
Alabama- WR - Ja’Corey Brooks
Alabama- RB - Jase McClellan
Texas- DT - T’Vondre Sweat
Texas- DE - Barryn Sorrell
Nebraska at. #22 Colorado 12:00 pm FOX (SATURDAY)
Line- Colorado (-3)
Draft 412 Prediction - Colorado 38 Nebraska 22
Deion Sanders and the Colorado Buffaloes made headlines in week 1 with their upset victory at TCU. Colorado also threw some names in the Heisman ring in the process. Nebraska is coming off a tough loss at Minnesota and wants to bounce back in week 2.
Colorado - Quarterback - Shedeur Sanders
The knock on Sanders before the season was that he was a product of Jackson State’s quirky offense, but after putting up 45 points against a ranked TCU he is making believers out of everyone. He threw for 510 yards and 4 touchdowns and is on the early Heisman shortlist.
Colorado - Cornerback/ Wide receiver - Travis Hunter
As amazing as Shedeur Sanders was in week one, Travis Hunter may have been even more spectacular. Hunter played 144 snaps, had 11 catches for 119 yards, and had 3 tackles and an interception. Hunter is one of those players you want to watch play to see what he can do next and Draft 412 is already profiling the sophomore two-way player.
Colorado - Wide receiver Jimmy Horn Jr.
The junior transfer from South Florida had an electric debut for the Buffaloes hauling in 11 passes for 117 yards and a touchdown. Horn had 959 yards last season for the Bulls and is worth keeping an eye on moving forward.
Nebraska - Inside Linebacker - Luke Reimer
Luke Reimer had an impressive game against Minnesota last week and made plays all over the field. As of now, Reimer is graded out as a late round or free agent linebacker, but with the world watching he has a chance to make some noise against an aggressive Colorado team this week.
Others to Watch
Nebraska - QB - Jeff Sims
Nebraska - RB - Anthony Grant
Nebraska - C - Ben Scott
Colorado - DE - Marshawn Kneeland
Colorado - DE - Sav’ell Smalls
#23 Texas A&M at. Miami 3:30 pm ABC (MONDAY)
Line- Texas A&M (-4)
Draft 412 Prediction - Miami 20 Texas A&M 13
Both teams are coming off blowout wins in week one and want to use this week's game as a springboard for their seasons. Both universities are in rebuild mode and a win here can make some believers out of the college football world.
Miami - Quarterback - Tyler Van Dyke
The 6’4” Van Dyke is one of those fringe quarterbacks who Draft 412 would like to see more consistency out of. Last week against Miami, OH, he threw for 201 yards and a touchdown, but also threw an interception. Van Dyke has the tools to succeed at the NFL level and it will be fun to watch him against a talented A&M defense.
Texas A&M - Wide receiver - Moose Muhammad III
The 6’1” 205 lb. junior receiver was a big play threat in 2022 for the Aggies accumulating 38 receptions for 610 yards and 4 touchdowns. He will have his work cut out for him against a fast athletic Hurricane secondary.
Miami - Guard - Javion Cohen
Cohen, one of the top interior lineman in this draft class, will get to go up against one of the best defensive tackles in the NCAA in McKinley Jackson. Draft 412 is looking forward to the matchup.
Miami - Safety - Kamren Kinchens
Kam Kinchens is a big play safety who had 6 interceptions in 2022. Texas A&M have a trio of talented receivers and Draft 412 is interested in how Kinchens plays in this matchup. He is one of the top free safeties in this class and a possible day one or day two pick.
Others to Watch
Texas A&M - Defensive Tackle - McKinley Jackson
Texas A&M - Wide Receiver - Ainias Smith
Texas A&M - Defensive End - Fadil Diggs
Miami - Defensive Tackle - Leonard Taylor III
Miami - Safety - James Williams