Given the Eagles’ current disposition, it feels like we might already be looking ahead to the offseason. With the NFL Draft being a never-ending source of hope for the future, there is good reason to watch college football every weekend for the rest of the season. Here are some players I’m keeping a close eye on this week. All listed times Eastern.
Darian Mensah, Quarterback, Miami v. Pittsburgh (12 PM on ESPN): It is highly possible, if not likely, that the Eagles will be in the quarterback market
this spring. If they are, this is a great class to need a quarterback in. For my money, Darian Mensah has emerged as the QB1 in this group midway through this season. Mensah, on his third team in three years, has gotten better every season as a quarterback. He is decisive with a strong arm and great accuracy. Last week was the first time he and Miami faced any adversity all season and Mensah responded by delivering in the clutch to keep the Canes unbeaten. Pittsburgh is a feisty squad that has a great habit of pulling off upsets. Mensah will need to stay locked in to keep his Heisman campaign afloat and Miami unbeaten.
Kingston Lopa, Safety, Cal v. SMU (12 PM on CW): If the East Coast could stay up a bit later, Kingston Lopa would be a household name. He has linebacker build at 6’5” and 210 pounds but he moves and covers like a safety. With five interceptions midway through the season, Lopa is one of the best playmaking defenders in the country. SMU’s offense has big play potential on any snap, meaning Lopa will need to be at his best against the pass and the run.
KJ Duff, Wide Receiver, Rutgers v. Northwestern (12 PM on Peacock): The best receiver in the country not named Jeremiah or Malachi might be in New Brunswick, New Jersey. KJ Duff is massive at 6’6” and 225 pounds. His size allows him to dominate above the rim, but he is a great athlete that can separate downfield. If he played in a more stable offense, Duff would be a household name outside of the Northeast. Duff is coming off a dominant game where nine catches and two scores helped Rutgers beat Maryland in a rivalry game. Now he faces a much tougher test in Northwestern. Can he stay hot and show everyone he can ball out on a bigger stage?
Greg Johnson, Guard, Minnesota v. Iowa (3:30 PM on FS1): Let’s talk big boys. The Eagles need ‘em and college football has ‘em. Greg Johnson is a massive, mauling guard for a scrappy Minnesota offense this year. Now the Golden Gophers have a shot at taking down a ranked Iowa squad. Johnson will have his hands full with a physical Iowa defensive line, but he can further prove himself as one of the best linemen in the country.
Wayshawn Parker, Running Back, Utah v. Houston (10:15 PM on ESPN): Another Eagles need is getting younger and more explosive in their backfield. While Howie Roseman has never valued running backs enough to draft them higher than the second round, Wayshawn Parker strikes me as a Day Two player who could come in and contribute immediately. Parker has a strong blend of toughness, vision, and explosiveness. He was underutilized in the Utah passing game through his first two years, but has really shown out as a true three down back in his junior season. He’s a do-it-all player who will get to show out against a tough Houston team this weekend.
