Rising Stock Week 3: Who are my Guys?

Ken Noble

We’re back for the week 3 installment of my guys, where we discuss the top performers from week 3. Remember, this column only focuses on draft eligible players. Ones who helped their draft stock for some reason or another.  This week had a lot of players ball out. We saw some big names struggle, while a few climbing stars continued to rise. So who caught my eye headed into week 4 of the NCAA football season?

Nik Bonnito, Edge, Oklahoma Sooners

In week three against the Nebraska Cornhuskers Bonnito started out slow. If you were watching the game you didn’t hear his name much until the second half of the game. That isn’t because he wasn’t doing his job though. Bonnito did exactly what he was supposed to do.

Oklahoma Sooner Nik Bonnito (11).

Defensive coordinator Alex Grinch had Nik set as a spy on Cornhuskers dual threat quarterback Adrian Martinez, who thanks to Bonnito was held to just 34 yards on 17 attempts. That’s only 2 yards per carry. Much less than his usual 85 yards per game. Bonnito ended the day with 3 tackles for loss along with 2 sacks and the pressure that caused the bad throw which led to the interception I’m sure you’ve already seen on ESPN.

Bonnito came into the year on a plethora of watch lists, including the preseason All-American team. He needs to continue to show he can generate pressure off the edge and win with his slightly undersized frame. Games like this week are sure to catch the eyes of NFL scouts. He didn’t just show off his athleticism, he showed he has the smarts to do more than just rush the passer.

Next week Oklahoma faces an upbeat West Virginia team fresh off their upset of Virginia Tech. Bonnito needs to continue to play smart football and showcase his athleticism. At this point he may be just warming up.

Matt Corral, Quarterback, Ole Miss Rebels

This week Corral and the Rebels had to face a Tulane team which gave Spencer Rattler a ton of trouble just two weeks prior. The Tulane defense held Rattler to only one passing touchdown to go along with two interceptions in their almost upset of the Sooners. One would be safe to think Matt Corral and the rest of Ole Miss may have some issues too, or would they?

Ole Miss QB Matt Corral.

Matt came out firing leading the offense down the field with authority drive after drive. In only three quarters of action he completed 74.2% of his passes for 335 yards and 3 TD’s. If that wasn’t enough he contributed another 68 yards and 4 TD’s on the ground. Yes, that’s right seven touchdowns in just three quarters against the same defense that stifled the preseason Heisman favorite Rattler.

It may be safe to say the Heisman is Corrals to lose at this point, but it is still very early. If Matt can continue to play at this high level against the rest of the SEC I believe he should be the first quarterback taken next April.

We have to wait till October second for their next game, but what a game it will be. The Rebels will be facing Alabama to establish who controls the SEC this season. This is a must watch game.

Charleston Rambo, Wide Receiver, Miami Hurricanes

Maimi WR Charleston Rambo.

Rambo is an ex Oklahoma Sooner. He joined the Hurricanes after transferring and started the year quietly. He had 12 catches for a modest 86 yards over the first two weeks. None of that mattered against Michigan State though, when he brought in 12 receptions for 156 yards and 2 scores.

Rambo has always had the talent but he needs to show scouts what he can do. It’s rumored he runs the 40 in the low 4.4’s and sometimes he looks even faster. If the redshirt senior can produce like he did in his sophomore campaign, or do even better, he should sign his meal ticket as an NFL receiver. I just hope average quarterback play doesn’t hold him back.

Next week Miami has an easy game against Central CT St. I would look for Rambo to get the ball, but in what may be a blowout the passing game could be grounded early. In that instance, I will watch the blocking and leadership abilities of Rambo.

Tyler Goodson, Running Back, Iowa Hawkeyes

In a class that seems to have a lot of running back talent I don’t know that there is a clear cut number one just yet. Before the season, I would have stomped my foot for Breece Hall. Given the start to the season I’m seeing a lot of backs have improved and may deserve to have their name at the top.

Tyler Goodson, RB, Iowa Hawkeyes.

Tyler Goodson of Iowa is one of those players. All he did in week three was carry the ball 22 times for 153 yards and 3 touchdowns. He has good vision and patience and allows his line to set up blocks and make lanes. Goodson has caught two passes in every game this year as well. He isn’t the fastest, but has good burst through the whole and is a positive earner, meaning he rarely falls backwards.

I’m far from saying he is the top running back in the 2022 class, but I am saying he has caught my attention and if your NFL team needs a running back keep an eye on this kid. I expect Iowa to keep playing well. If Goodson can keep producing he may find himself in the playoffs with a shot to make an even bigger case for himself as a Sunday player.

Iowa has Colorado State next and can’t afford to get complacent. I’m watching to see if Goodson can build upon his solid week 3 and continue to improve. I’m also watching to see if he can contribute more as a receiver. Later in the year they have some games against stiffer competition. In those games I’ll be watching to see his pass block and pre snap recognition abilities as well.

Armani Marsh, Cornerback, Washington St. Cougars

WSU CB Armani Marsh

A relatively unknown name at this point, Marsh plays nickel corner for Washington State. He caught my attention during their loss to USC. He did get beat for a touchdown by a much larger receiver when left on an island, but outside of that he showed great ability.

Armani stands 5-10 and weighs 190 lbs. On the touchdown he gave up the receiver was six inches taller. When in the slot he played bigger than his measurements suggest. He came up and tackled well at the line and had a grittiness to him I enjoyed. He also added an interception and a fumble forced.

These are the types of things that make players like him later round selections. I will be adding Marsh to my watch list. Next week they have the Utah Utes and I will be checking to see if this was a one game fluke for Mr.Marsh or not.

Honorable Mention

Kenneth Walker, Running Back, Michigan State Spartans

Walker only earns honorable mention because he headlined this list in week one. He did it again in week 3 though. Against the Hurricanes he ran for 172 yards on 6.4 yards per carry and added 3 catches for 17 yards and a touchdown. I had mentioned two weeks ago I need to see him contribute as a receiver. If he can continue to improve there and keeps racking up gaudy numbers who knows where we will have him ranked by season end.