Kentucky Wildcats defensive tackle Deone WalkerMichael Hickey/Getty Images
1. DT Deone Walker, Kentucky
Not many opponents can stack up with the Georgia Bulldogs’ physicality at the line of scrimmage. Kentucky’s Deone Walker proved up to the task. In a close contest, Walker made multiple pushes into the backfield, particularly during the first half.
“The sell for Walker is pretty simple: Guys with his size (6’6″, 345 lbs) aren’t supposed to move the way he does,” Holder said. “Walker’s physical traits allow him to be disruptive in the trenches, and that’s what we saw during the first half against Georgia last Saturday. However, conditioning was one of his biggest issues last year and that also showed up in the second half last weekend.
“The Wildcat has plenty of size to spare and could afford to slim down a bit to get in better shape and help keep his pads down consistently throughout the game. And if he does that, Walker could be a disruptive player at the next level.”
2. OG Tyler Booker, Alabama
Alabama’s Tyler Booker is one of the top guard prospects. But he began his junior season at left tackle before finally moving back inside in Week 3. A world of difference could be seen in his play between the two positions.
“After making it work at left tackle in place of injured starter Kadyn Proctor, Booker went back to his natural guard spot against Wisconsin and put on a show with the amount of displacement and knockdowns he was able to dish out,” Thorn said. “Booker is a massive, thickly built blocker with a nasty demeanor and the power to back it up.
“There is a bit of a wild element to his play style that shifty, quicker defenders can exploit that exposes middling recovery skills. Against most competition, Booker’s strengths shine and did in a major way last weekend.”
3. RB Kalel Mullings, Michigan
Even as reigning national champs, the Michigan Wolverines didn’t truly have an identity entering this season. Head coach Jim Harbaugh left. Quarterback J.J. McCarthy declared for the NFL draft. They also lost Blake Corum, Roman Wilson and several offensive linemen.
The Wolverines needed an offensive reset and found a focal point in running back Kalel Mullings.
“Mullings has been a bright spot through three games,” Parson said. “He is tied with Donovan Edwards in carries but has rushed for 120 more yards and one more touchdown. The 6’2”, 233-pound Mullings boasts NFL size and runs with every pound on his frame. He has strong contact balance to absorb defenders’ hits and stays upright to keep his legs driving forward for extra yardage.
“Mullings is also fleet-footed to string together multiple cuts and spin moves as he evades defenders in the open field. The former linebacker (22 games played) has made the transition to running back look effortless.”
4. S Nick Emmanwori, South Carolina
Hybrid prospects tend to fall into one or two categories. Either they go on to become defensive weapons (e.g., Derwin James) or NFL defensive coordinators fail to employ them correctly (e.g., Isaiah Simmons). It’s important to have a plan for versatile defenders.
South Carolina’s Nick Emmanwori will be the next test for an organization.
“The 6’3”, 227-pound Emmanwori brings an imposing frame. As a big safety who excels in the run game, he also shows very good athleticism when working in space. Emmanwori does a great job of fitting the run with physicality at the point of attack when taking on blocks and tackling.
“In the few games so far, he has shown the ability to play from depth but can easily move down to the Will linebacker position.”
5. QB Kurtis Rourke, Indiana
Everyone better take notice of Indiana Hoosiers football, because head coach Curt Cignetti appears to be working his magic at yet another program.
Quarterback Kurtis Rourke, who transferred from the Ohio Bobcats program, is a big reason it’s working so far.
“Rourke has been one of the best-kept secrets to the early portions of this season,” Parson said. “He tends to play mistake-free, smart and efficient football, though he did get away with one ill-advised pass against the UCLA Bruins.
“In three games, the former MAC Offensive Player of the Year completed 73.3 percent of his passes for 755 yards, seven touchdowns and zero interceptions. Rourke brings a savvy veteran feel to the passing offense, takes what the defense gives him, rarely puts the ball in harm’s way and distributes the ball to his playmakers in space. His awareness and navigation in the pocket are outstanding. He steps and slides up to allow his offensive tackles to wash edge-rushers around the arc.
“At 6’5″, he has no issues seeing over the offensive line and finding his receiving options at every level of the defense.”
