Zach Charbonnet vs Stanford
Charbonnet was a big breakout name last season while making his first appearance after transferring to Los Angeles. Many scouts and media figures were singing his praises and were shocked to see he didn’t capitalize on that momentum by returning to school for another season. Charbonnet has drawn comparisons to the Green Bay Packers’ back AJ Dillon and the comparisons seem obvious. A big bruising back who has a thick lower half and deceptive burst for his size. He also has the same question marks Dillon did at Boston College with a lack of receiving production (even though he does have more than Dillon did in his collegiate career).
In week 9 Charbonnet will be going against a familiar PAC 12 opponent in the Stanford Cardinals. Stanford’s run defense this season has been woeful when putting it lightly. They rank tied 113th in both yards allowed and yards per game to the run game. Charbonnet should have plenty of running room and may be able to put up a ridiculous stat line that launches his name into the headlines. Stanford will need to look to contain Charbonnet and not let up 5.21 yards per rush which is their average on the season.
Gervon Dexter vs Georgia
Gervon Dexter is on pace to surpass his season totals for all stats from 2021 entering week 9. Dexter is a massive defensive tackle prospect in the mold of Eagles rookie Jordan Davis who went 13th overall in the 2022 draft. The 6’6″ 300 plus pound defender brings a rare amount of athleticism to a player already hard to move based on his size alone. Dexter offers an elite talent at holding up against multiple blockers to stuff running lanes and making splash plays in the backfield. Dexter has the opportunity to grow into one of the top prospects in this class with continued development of pass-rushing moves to show that he has the versatility to stay on the field in obvious passing situations.
This week his Gators run into the Georgia Bulldogs, a college football powerhouse for the past few seasons and one that has NFL talent throughout their program. Averaging 196.7 rushing yards a game, good for 29th in the nation, the Bulldogs will present a good challenge for the run-stuffing nose tackle from Florida. If Dexter is able to make his impact on early downs he will get a big boost in his national coverage. In addition to his main skill set Dexter could have an even bigger standout game if he is able to put pressure on quarterback Stenson Bennett. The Georgia offensive line has only allowed 7 sacks this year and would be a large plus for Dexter if he can add to that total Saturday.
Hendon Hooker (QB – Tennessee) vs Will Levis (QB – Kentucky)
The fifth-year quarterback Hendon Hooker has received a ton of draft hype over the past week after the Volunteers upset Alabama. This week will be another test for Hooker against a top 2023 NFL Draft QB prospect in Will Levis. Hooker has flashed athletic ability, size, and deep ball touch passing to garner some supporters. His age, offense, and at times inconsistent accuracy will be knocks against him. However, a proven winner at the QB position with production and measurables will always appear on NFL radars. Especially when you’re winning in the SEC. He needs to continue to win to have any first-round chances.
For Levis, there will be a bit more scrutiny. There’s not nearly as much talent on his Kentucky team, but he’s widely viewed as a top 10 NFL prospect in this year’s draft. The Wildcats’ transition to a more pro-style offense has helped Levis. Nearly 20% of his snaps this year have been under center which is actually extremely high for college. Elite quarterback tools and more NFL-ready experience have solidified his status, but he can push higher on boards with a marquee performance or two. Here’s a chance to get one.
Jacob Cowing (WR – Arizona) vs USC
USC’s defense has unsurprisingly been a problem for the Trojans this year. The expectation this week should be that Caleb Williams and company can out-score Arizona. For the Wildcats to have any chance they’ll need their best player in Cowing to be on his game. Based on past Trojan defensive performances, we could see a national breakout game for this slot player.
Cowing is one of the most productive receivers in college football right now. Through seven games he has over 700 receiving yards and seven touchdowns. A transfer from UTEP last year, there’s been no drop off in his play at the power five level. Though undersized at 5’11’ and 170 pounds, he’s found ways to win both from in the slot and out wide. Specifically, Cowing is a great middle-field target. This is something NFL scouts don’t see enough of from receivers – especially smaller ones.
