Top Performers NCAA Football Week 4
By Ken Noble
Who caught my eye in week 4 of the NCAA football season? These players helped their 2022 NFL Draft stock with solid performances. Some players are well known top NFL propsects, some may be more of a sleeper. Either way, they earned their fifteen minutes of fame this week. Let us know who you think should have made the cut.
Treylon Burks, Wide Receiver, Arkansas Razorbacks
Treylon Burks isn’t an unknown name like some others I have included in my weekly rising stock, but he made me more of a believer this weekend. Many scouts have him higher on their watch list than I do and after he lit up Texas A&M to the tune of 6 catches for 167 yards and a touchdown, I’m taking more notice.
Arkansas WR Treylon Burks.
The Razorbacks came into the game the underdogs according to many, but you wouldn’t believe it if you watched the way Burks played. He played as if he knew he was better then the man across from him. After a relatively slow start against Rice and Texas in weeks one and two Burks has produced 294 yards and 2 TDs over his last two outings. These included two receptions of over 85 yards.
Burks uses his big body, 6’ 3” 225 lbs, to block out smaller defensive backs, but he also has a smooth ability to get open or the speed to run past the defender as well. You can see that here when he beats the A&M defensive back for an 85 yard touchdown. Burks still isn’t in my top five wide receivers for the 2022 draft. However, he is climbing my ranks.
Next week Burks and team will visit Georgia. Georgia currently has the number one overall defense in the country. On top of that they allow only 115.8 yards per game passing according to ESPN. I will be watching to see if Burks can use his size and abilities to help his team yet again. If Burks manages another big or even good game against Georgia, then keep an eye on my positional rankings, because he will have earned some more recognition.
Breece Hall, Running Back, Iowa State Cyclones
Another big name here. Breece Hall was already my number one running back so how can I say he helped his draft stock? Well after a shaky start to the NCAA football season for the Cyclones, I had began questioning that ranking. I needed to see something from Hall or he was on the verge of losing a lot of ground in the rankings.
Iowa State RB Breece Hall.
This week Hall finally showed his abilities with 190 yards and 2 touchdowns on 27 carries against Baylor. It wasn’t those gaudy running numbers that did it for me though. Many other scouts see Hall as a two down thumper in the NFL, but I have remained steadfast he can catch too. He added another 5 receptions for 51 yards and a TD receiving as well.
Just like the forementioned Burks, Hall had struggled the first two weeks and turned on the jets the last two. On the year Breece now has 428 yards and 6 TDs, to go with 14 catches for 106 yards and that lone receiving touchdown. If he can keep showing scouts his hands, despite poor quarterback play, he should solidify himself as the front runner for top running back in the 2022 NFL Draft.
With the Kansas Jayhawks next I expect Matt Campbell to feed Hall. The Jayhawks are giving up 143 yards per game on the ground so far this season. Hall should top that number, but I’m more intrigued with how they will continue to incorporate him in the receiving game.
Jake Haener, Quarterback, Fresno State Bulldogs
Fresno State QB Jake Haener.
If you follow me at all you know I’m a huge supporter of Matt Corral and think he is the front runner for the Heisman. But who else deserves to be in that conversation? Well how about Fresno State quarterback Jake Haener. Haener has done nothing but shine for the Bulldogs in 2021. After leading them to an early 3-1 record with their only loss being a close game against Oregon, who is now ranked #3 in the country. Haener continued his dominance with another 378 yards and five touchdowns against UNLV.
Haener now has thrown for 1,842 yards and 15 TD’s to only 2 INT’s on the season. The senior signal caller is building upon a strong 2020 to put his name in the minds of NFL scouts. Haener doesn’t posses the dual threat ability of some, but he can really whip the ball around. He plays with poise and never seems shaken. This is a trait many consider unteachable. Can you think of any NFL quarterbacks that you’ve heard that about before?
I’m not a big fan of Spencer Rattler and I’m not sold on Malik Willis, as I haven’t seen him play any elite teams yet. Haener has cracked my top 5 QB board headed into the 2022 NFL Draft. With Hawaii next week and a relatively unimpressive schedule the rest of the way, Haener needs to dominate to hold onto that spot. He can’t afford to just coast.
Marcus Jones, Cornerback/ Returner, Houston Cougars
If you aren’t from Texas you may be saying who? Heck if you look at his stats you might be saying who? Jones has just seven tackles and no turnovers caused this season. Yet he is firmly on my radar. NFL coaches love versatile playmakers. Well look no further than Marcus Jones. Jones is that dynamic player that can do it all. This last week he may not have had a big interception, but he played solid defense in coverage. On top of that he added three receptions, yes receptions, and 1 touchdown as a wide receiver.
Houston defensive back Marcus Jones.
Is that all? No! Jones also added 3 punt returns for 82 yards and another touchdown. His all around ability is undeniable. Will Jones be the first corner taken in April? Not even close, but he will have his name called. The more games he has like this weekend the more coaches will salivate over the possibilities. Every snap he plays whether offense, defense, or special teams helps him move up draft boards a bit.
With all his talents he doesn’t lack as a corner either. He had an impressive start to his career playing at Troy before transferring to Houston. He had two INT’s each year and played tough against the run despite his small frame. Jones made a killer play against Texas Tech early this year too that stopped a TD. We already know he is an elite return man (First Team ALL-American in 2020), but I’ll be watching to see if he can continue to contribute as a wide receiver. I’m also watching to see if he can fit the mold of a Kenny Moore in the NFL.
Xavier Henderson, Safety, Michigan State Spartans
Michigan State safety Xavier Henderson.
Henderson continues to be a solid safety for the Spartans. I really noticed him against Miami last week when he just continued to show up on film. Players that catch your eye when you are watching someone else stand out in a good way. Henderson seems to always be in the right place against the run.
This week he continued to shine with a modest 17 tackles against Nebraska. In just four games he has 42 tackles and 2 sacks along with 1 INT. He has even added 4 tackles for loss. Standing 6’ 1” and weighing in at 210 lbs Henderson is the type of safety that loves to tackle.
With the Western Kentucky Hilltoppers next, I will be watching to see how Henderson does playing more coverage. The Hilltoppers like to throw the ball. On the season they average 426 yards per game through the air. I want to see Henderson show play making ability with the ball in the air as well.
Honorable Mention
Zach Charbonnet, running back, UCLA
Will McDonald, defensive end, Iowa State
