Which Underclassmen From The G5 And Below Declared For The Draft: Defensive Edition

As is the case in any off season, players make the decision to stay or forgo their final year of college football and head to the NFL Draft. Some make it while others fizzle out due to lack of talent, a bad fit, or other circumstances.

We have already taken a look at the offensive side of the ball so it is only fair to take a look at defense. Led by All-American Ed Oliver, there are 15 underclassmen defensive players looking to make an NFL roster via the draft.

Defensive Line: (8)

• Ed Oliver, DT, Houston: 192 tackles, 53.0 tfl, 13.5 sacks, 11 pd. 1 fr, 5 ff in 32 games played. Two-time All-American, 2017 Outland Award winner. 2017 AAC Defensive Player of the Year. #2 ranked interior lineman according to USA Today. 
• Maxx Crosby, DE, Eastern Michigan: 162 tackles, 41.0 tfl, 8 ff, 20.0 sacks, 1 int in 37 games played. 
• Trysten Hill, DT, Central Florida: 71 tackles, 20 tfl, 6 sacks, 1 ff in 33 games played. 
• Darryl Johnson, DE, North Carolina A&T: 106 tackles, 41 tfl, 19 sacks, 5 ff, 2 fr. 
• Youhanna Ghaifan, DT, Wyoming: 135 tackles, 27 tfl, 11 sacks, 5 pd, 4 ff in 30 games played. 
• Sutton Smith, DE, Northern Illinois: 139 tackles, 58.5 tfl, 30 sacks, 4 pd, 6 fr, 7 ff, 3 TD in 37 games played. Two-time MAC Defensive Player of the Year. 2017 All-American. 
• Sean Adesanya, DE, Central Michigan: Transfer from Illinois. 10 tackles, 1 tfl, 1 sack in 6 games at Illinois. 29 tackles, 7 tfl, 3 sacks in 12 games at CMU. Led nation in tfl and sacks in 2017. Led nation in tfl in 2018. 
• D'Andre Ferby, DE, Western Kentucky: 344 carries for 1,297 yards and 20 TD in 34 games. Listed as a DE in NFL information, so a position change looks to be imminent. 

Let's start with the obvious and discuss Ed Oliver. The junior from Houston is one of the most physically gifted player to come out of college football in a long time. Every defensive lineman gets compared and falls well short of Aaron Donald, but Oliver is a good comparison. I will get into the similarities in a later article. Oliver is the truth and I believe he will be the best of the best in one of the best defensive lineman groups in NFL Draft history.

While not a household name like Oliver, Sutton Smith is no slouch. He put up mind boggling stats at NIU and deserved every accolade thrown at him. The biggest issue with Smith is how he will be used in the NFL. His size mandates a move to linebacker and question abound about his ability to defense the pass. The combine will make or break his draft ranking.

Crosby, Hill, Ghaifan, Adesanya, and Johnson will not hear their names called early, but have the chance to make a roster. For those players, it is all about the fit they show within a defensive scheme. It may be better if some do not get drafted so that they can find the right fit in free agency.

Linebacker: (2)

• Jeff Allison, LB, Fresno State: 267 tackles, 11.0 tfl, 2 int, 2 ff, 2.5 sacks in 34 games played. 2018 MWC Defensive Player of the Year.  
• Josiah Tauaefa, LB, UTSA: 255 tackles, 22.5 tfl, 11.5 sacks, 1 int, 1 fr, 2 ff in 32 games played. 

Of the two G5 linebackers adding their names to the draft list, Tauaefa is the more explosive player. He is a hybrid DE/OLB that may need to find his true position at the NFL level. Can he cover backs and tight ends or is he an undersized pass rusher in a 3-4 scheme?

Allison may not make as many splashy plays in the backfield as other linebackers, but he is a smart and instinctive tackler. He is always around the ball and makes plays in the passing game when needed. Think of a player like Wesley Woodyard when you think of Allison. A leader in the huddle and during play.

Secondary: (5)

• Mike Bell, S, Fresno State: 199 tackles, 9.0 tfl, 4 int, 1 ff, 0.5 sacks in 37 games played.  
• Sean Bunting, CB, Central Michigan: 104 tackles, 3.5 tfl, 9 int, 4 ff in 35 games played.
• Clifton Duck, CB, Appalachian State: 158 tackles, 8.5 tfl, 1 sack, 12 int, 10.5 pr average on 31 returns in 38 games played. 
• Malik Gant, DB, Marshall: 190 tackles, 14.0 tfl, 1 sack, 2 int, 13 pd in 29 games played. 
• Xavier Crawford, CB, Central Michigan: Transfer from Oregon State. 87 tackles, 2 tfl, 1 sack, 1 int, 12 pd in 17 games at Oregon State. 24 tackles, 3 tfl, 1 int, 12 pd, 2 fr at CMU. 

This is a not so ready for the NFL group of players, except for Clifton Duck. The junior has shown up since his freshman season in big games and has the play-making ability that NFL teams love. He can make plays and isn't afraid to take a chance or two in order to change a game. If he does not hear his name called in the first 100 picks, I would be very surprised.

Honestly, the rest of the group will need to have very good pro days and combines, if they are invited, to get on the NFL radar. Choices like Xavier Crawford smell of a player ready to leave college behind and see what happens rather than being truly ready for the NFL.

Ten Mountain West Non-Conference Games To Watch:

Always full of compelling matchups including both the G5 and P5, the MWC knows how to schedule. Of course, Boise State leads this list with three mentions, but there are several others quality games like New Mexico-Tulsa and UNLV-Idaho that will keep the masses entertained. If you are willing to stay up late or catch a Friday night matchup, you will not be disappointed.

• Boise State at BYU (October 6): An annual series since the 2012 season, the Cougars and Broncos are destined to put on a show. Even if it is a 7-6 final like in 2012, it is a fun game that is worth the watch. Last season was a wild show with Boise State doing everything possible to give BYU the win before coming up with a blocked kick to hold on for the win. That turned into BYU’s only loss in their final nine games. The Cougars lost four games by a combined EIGHT points last fall. This is another battle of star quarterbacks as Rypien matches up with Tanner Mangum.  

• Virginia at Boise State (September 22): This game just jumps out as one that must be watched. Virginia head coach Bronco Mendenhall is looking to turn the program around after the first season that saw them lose to a terrible UConn squad and Richmond of the FCS. He is quite familiar with the Broncos from his time as head coach of BYU. Boise State is coming off of a year that seemed one step off in every possible way. They blew multiple chances to win the MWC and eventually played right out of a chance at winning their division. Despite Virginia being much improved from 2016, this should be a game the Broncos control throughout and win convincingly.

• Toledo at Nevada (September 9): What this game could have been if James Butler decided to stay with the Wolfpack. The star running back took advantage of the graduate transfer rule and headed to Iowa in the offseason. Instead of Butler, the Wolfpack will likely rely upon Alabama quarterback transfer David Cornwall to light up the Rockets defense. Toledo has players to replace (especially at running back and tight end), but there are players on the roster to fill the gaps. I can’t see anyone handling wide receiver Cody Thompson in man coverage. Expect the Rockets to roll.

• Troy at Boise State (September 2): The first matchup of two historically excellent G5 programs, this game should be a treat. The Trojans are stacked on offense with the Sun Belt’s top two returning receivers, an excellent running back, and arguably the best quarterback in the conference. The battle of Brandon Silvers and Brett Rypien is easily worth the viewing. Boise State head coach Brian Harsin is very familiar with the Trojans from his time at Arkansas State.

• Colorado vs. Colorado State (September 1): Typically a close matchup with nine of the last 15 meetings settled by a touchdown or less, this is always a game to watch. We finally get both teams on the upswing at the same time, keeping us from falling prey to another 44-7 drubbing. It wouldn’t surprise me to see the Rams head into Denver and make this a compelling game, but I do not think they have the weapons to pull out a win.

• UNLV at Idaho (September 9): In a magical 2016 season that saw the Vandals return to a bowl game, it was this game that seemingly turned the corner. Idaho pulled out an overtime win in the third of three straight road non-conferences games before Sun Belt play. UNLV was all over the place last season, losing to San Jose State while beating Hawaii and Wyoming. The Rebels have a ton of promise but have to take a step forward this season.

• Oregon at Wyoming (September 16): Last season saw these two teams head in completely different directions. Wyoming head coach Craig Bohl entered the season on the hot seat and nearly won the MWC to retain his job. He has who some are calling the eventual #1 pick of the NFL Draft under center and some weapons ready to replace the losses from last season. Oregon has a new head coach in Willie Taggart. They have a lot of work to do to fix the multiple issues that resulted in a disappointing 4-8 season.  

• Stanford at San Diego State (September 16): Despite lacking the 5-star commits of USC or the exotic schemes of Washington State, all Stanford does is win. The Cardinal is coming off of another 10 win season last fall, but lose a game changer at running back for this season. The Aztecs feel their pain as they attempt life after Pumphrey. Luckily, they have a more than capable replacement in Rashaad Penny. It is on defense where SDSU is capable of being exposed this fall.

• Oregon State at Colorado State (September 23): Has it really been 42 years since these two teams met previously? Colorado State is coming off of a season that started terribly but found its groove once the offense started humming. The Beavers had a tough 2016 season under Mike Riley, but are hedging their bets on Idaho quarterback castoff Jake Luton to fix their offensive woes. Luton has the physical tools and could blossom into a star under the right coaching.

• New Mexico at Tulsa (September 23): Love them or hate them, you have to give credit to Tulsa. They are happy to play any G5 team as evidenced by a non-conference slate that includes Louisiana (Sun Belt), New Mexico (MWC), and Toledo (MAC). The Golden Hurricane sport a bruising running game that includes three potential first team All-AAC offensive linemen. The Lobos are no stranger to the run game with head coach Bob Davie leading an option attack. If you love the run game and points scored, this is the game for you.

Others to watch: Hawaii at UMass, USF at SJSU, Wyoming at Iowa, Nevada at Northwestern, Boise State at Washington State, NMSU at New Mexico, SDSU at Arizona State, Utah State at Wake Forest, NIU at SDSU, Air Force at Navy, Army at Air Force. 

2017 Mountain West Top Returning Offensive Players

Rushing:

1. Tyrone Owens, New Mexico: 137/1,097/7TD
2. Diocemy Saint Juste, Hawaii: 165/1,006/3TD
3. Rashaad Penny, SDSU: 135/1,005/11TD
4. Dalyn Dawkins, Colorado State: 161/919/4TD
5. Tonny Lindsey, Utah State: 148/763/6TD

Others to watch: Charles Williams UNLV (141/763/3TD), Izzy Matthews CSU (153/734/13TD), Timothy McVey Air Force (83/708/10TD), Dontel James FRESNO STATE (208/697/5TD), Richard McQuarley UNM (143/656/18TD), Lexington Thomas UNLV (124/642/8TD).

As much as Conference USA loves to light it up in the air, the MWC is all about the ground and pound. It has to be considering two teams run the option. While the MWC will again put together a great season on the ground, it will be with a new set of faces. Gone are Pumphrey, Hill, McNichols, Butler, and Gipson. Tyrone Owens is the top returning rusher and his finished sixth in the conference last season with 1,097 yards, nearly 200 less than teammate Teriyon Gipson.

The name to watch is Aztec running back Rashaad Penny. He broke the 1,000-yard mark as a backup last fall and is poised to have an outstanding season with an increased workload.

Passing:

1. Brett Rypien, Boise State: 244-394/3,646/24TD/155.7 Efficiency
2. Josh Allen, Wyoming: 209-373/3,203/28TD/144.9 Efficiency
3. Dru Brown, Hawaii: 209-335/2,488/19TD/139.3 Efficiency
4. Kent Myers, Utah State: 211-361/2,389/10TD/118.7 Efficiency
5. Chason Virgil, Fresno State: 166-322/2,021/13TD/111.4 Efficiency

Others to watch: Christian Chapman SDSU (1,994/20TD), Nick Stevens CSU (1,936/19TD), Ty Gangi NEVADA (1,301/8TD), David Cornwall NEVADA (Transfer), Lamar Jordan UNM, Arion Worthman AIR FORCE.  

While the overall class is not that outstanding, the cream of the crop behind center is among the nation’s best. Between Rypien and Allen, you are looking at two potential first round picks, with Allen’s name thrown around as a possible #1 overall pick. Don’t sleep on Dru Brown and the invigorated Hawaii offense. Brown was outstanding in his first year as a starter and could put up some monster numbers this fall.

A name to pay attention to is David Cornwall at Nevada. He is looking to break a string of Alabama quarterback transfer misses but will have his hands full holding off Gangi for the starting job.

Receiving:

1. Michael Gallup, Colorado State: 76/1,272/14TD
2. Cedrick Wilson, Boise State: 56/1,129/11TD
3. Keesean Johnson, Fresno State: 66/773/6TD
4. Devonte Boyd, UNLV: 45/746/4TD
5. Jamire Jordan, Fresno State: 45/713/2TD

Others to watch: Wyatt Demps NEVADA (53/686/9TD), John Ursua HAWAII (53/652/3TD), Justin Holmes SJSU (36/613/3TD), Olabisi Johnson CSU (28/613/4TD), Ron’quavion Tarver UTAH STATE (46/602/3TD), Mikah Holder SDSU (27/581/5TD), Tre Hartley SJSU (33/572/4TD).

Simply put, the MWC is not a pass happy league like CUSA or the Big 12. No one in the conference puts up astounding numbers, although a few have been able to break the glass ceiling. Michael Gallup is one of the few receivers that would look just as at home on WKU’s roster as Colorado State. He is explosive and talented and should put up great numbers in the Ram’s offense.

I have been on the Devonte Boyd wagon for what seems like forever. For a variety of reasons, he has yet to take a step into the elite receiver category that I pegged him years ago. Here is his one last chance to take the conference by storm and he will have to do so with a redshirt freshman quarterback.

Next week, we will take a look at defense and special teams for the Mountain West Conference before rolling out conference previews. 

Mountain West Week Five Review

Another week is in the books for the 2015 college football season with the Mountain West Conference going 5-7. Conference play kicked into gear with four MWC games played. Let's take a look at the good, bad, and ugly of week five Independent football action.

Who is the most disappointing G5 team this season?

There are always surprises and disappointments in any college football season. Tomorrow we will talk about the biggest surprises, but today is all about disappointment. Here are my choices for the most disappointing G5 teams so far this season.

Mountain West Conference Week Four Review

Another week is in the books for the 2015 college football season with the Mountain West Conference going 6-4 with two conference games taking place (New Mexico-Wyoming, Fresno State-San Jose State). Let's take a look at the good, bad, and ugly of week four MWC football action.

Mountain West Week Four Preview

Week four of the college football season get underway tomorrow with Cincinnati and Memphis getting a seat on the big stage. Mountain West action kicks into gear with the Boise State-Virginia on Friday night.

Mountain West Week Three Review

Another week is in the books for the 2015 college football season with Mountain West going 2-10 with no conference games taking place. Let's take a look at the good, bad, and ugly of week three Mountain West football action.

Week Three Scoreboard:

• Boise State 52, Idaho State 0
• Arizona State 34, New Mexico 10
• Michigan 28, UNLV 7
• Michigan State 35, Air Force 21
• Texas A&M 44, Nevada 27
• Washington 31, Utah State 17
• Colorado 27, Colorado State 24 (OT)
• Oregon State 35, San Jose State 21
• South Alabama 34, San Diego State 27 (OT)
• Washington State 31, Wyoming 14
• Utah 45, Fresno State 24
• Hawaii 47, UC Davis 27

Who/What Looked Good:

• Brian Hill, Wyoming: The sophomore running back has been one of the few bright spots for a Cowboys team that is 0-3. In the last two games, Hill has carried the ball 41 times for 381 yards and two touchdowns.
• Rashard Wiggin’s Health: After missing the loss to Minnesota due to injury, Wiggins was again his impressive self with eight catches for 125 yards and a touchdown versus Colorado. The Rams might easily be 3-0 if not for his injury.
• Hawaii: Say what you will about the win over UC Davis, but Hawaii is 2-1 with a win over a team that beat UMass and Colorado State. Max Wittek (43-86/541/5TD) bounced back from a poor showing at Ohio State with his second 200+ yard passing game of the season.

Who/What Looked Bad:

• Non-conference Woes: The MWC went 2-10 in non-conference play during week three and has no non-conference wins over FBS competition since week one. For a conference expected to be among the best in the G5, the start to this season has been disastrous.
• San Diego State’s Defense: The biggest question mark for the Aztecs was on offense heading into the season. Instead, the vaunted defense was the one to disappoint in week three, with South Alabama racking up over 500 yards of total offense. SDSU is playing on a razor’s edge with a bad offense and cannot afford to play like that one defense.
• Utah State’s Offense: The Aggies are struggling badly with only 14.3 points per game, under 300 yards of total offense per game. Injuries have played a major role, but this could get ugly before the season ends.

Week Four Schedule:

• Boise State at Virginia
• New Mexico at Wyoming
• Nevada at Buffalo
• San Diego State at Penn State
• Colorado State at UTSA
• Hawaii at Wisconsin
• Idaho State at UNLV
• Fresno State at San Jose State

G5 Season Leading Rushers: Post-Week Two

Two G5 rushers have broken the 300 yard mark with Ray Lawry actually breaking 400 yards for a FBS leading 438 yards in the first two weeks of the season. The Mountain West Conference and Conference USA lead the way with 3 players making the top 10 a piece, followed by the Sun Belt with 2, American with one, and Army with one. The MAC has none.

Top 10 G5 Receiving Yards: Week One

Known for their strong running game, Northern Illinois surprised everyone with the nation's only 200+ yard receiving performance of Week One.

Mountain West Week One Preview

With 12 games being played by Mountain West teams to start the 2015 season, Week One should be a very good start to the season as I have all but two teams winning their season opener.

2015 MWC Football Schedule

With games on 25 different dates this fall, the Mountain West Conference is in line for a big season this fall. Let's check out the season schedule.

Fall Previews 13 of 63: Wyoming

Wyoming:

Ranking In Order Of Watchability Of The MWC Week One Games

Mountain West Conference Week One Games Ranked:

Wyoming's FBS non-conference record

Looking at each of the MWC teams, the non-conference record versus current FBS teams is an excellent indicator for all-time success as a program. Next on the list is Wyoming with a total of 140 FBS non-conference games. Some of the opponents may have been conference foes in the past but are now in different FBS conferences.

NFL Draftees

With the 2015 NFL draft in the books, the MWC, MAC, Sun Belt, Conference USA, and Independent programs saw 24 players drafted by NFL teams with many more signing UDFA contracted with teams.

Wyoming roster with 2014 stats

Wyoming:

Mountain West Players in the NFL

The Mountain West Conference is churning out players that end up on NFL rosters at an incredible rate lately with 106 MWC players on NFL rosters. Fresno State (17), Boise State (16), San Diego State (13), San Jose State (11), Nevada (15) and Utah State (12) all have double digit players in the NFL currently.

Wyoming Recruiting Outlook

Wyoming:

Mountain West Recruiting 6-15-13

The Mountain West Conference has secured 27 commitments from the 2014 class. San Diego State has been on fire with nine commitments and eight of those commits being 3-stars. SDSU has the 40th ranked class in the nation according to 247 sports. New Mexico, Fresno State, Utah State, and UNLV have not secured a commit yet.