The College football season is nearing a close, and plenty of the best players are switching their focus to the next NFL Draft. Fans will see quite a few of them on show in the 2024 season, including most, if not all of the players named below.
Keep reading to find out who they are.
Marvin Harrison Jr. - WR, Ohio State
Marvin Harrison Jr. is an impressive wide receiver who makes catching seem like a work of art. He has exceptional movement skills for a player of his size, standing at 6'4" and weighing 205 pounds.
And, although he tends to play a little high at times, he has rare foot speed and agility, making him a smart and poised route-runner who maximizes his athletic tools. Harrison has electric speed and is at his best on vertical routes, flying off the line of scrimmage and using his hands and movement skills to stack down the sideline.
He possesses exceptional ball skills and has a way of snatching the ball cleanly every time, extending his long arms to pluck it from the air as soon as possible. Harrison also boasts remarkable spatial awareness, always finding ways to keep himself in position to stay in bounds without sacrificing his ability to attack the ball.
The only negatives with Harrison are mostly related to his frame, as he is on the skinnier side of things for a player his height, making it difficult for him to burst through press coverages. While he is expected to declare for the draft, some believe it isn’t a sure thing.
Caleb Williams - QB, USC
Caleb Williams is a box-office quarterback who has a unique way of playing. He has incredible arm talent and can spin the ball really well, flicking it 50 yards downfield effortlessly.
Williams has pretty consistent accuracy across the board, and what makes his arm special is the elasticity in his throwing motion. He generates a ton of torque seemingly out of nowhere, making him a lethal thrower of the football.
The QB also loves to run and, while his speed in the open field is nothing threatening by NFL standards, he is an efficient scrambler. Like Kansas City Chiefs star Patrick Mahomes, he has a knack for hanging onto the ball and hunting for the big play, delivering in those moments with unique angles and faith in his arm.
Ray Davis - RB, Kentucky
Ray Davis is a versatile running back who can run and catch the ball effectively. He recently announced his plan to enter the 2024 NFL draft and is a standout prospect. He has broken the program record for most touchdowns in a single season, and his well-rounded skill set makes him a top prospect.
Should he make it to the NFL, Davis is expected to be a major draw for fans using Kentucky sports betting apps, especially with the recent introduction of new legislation in the state that has legalized sports betting.
Brock Bowers - TE, Georgia
Brock Bowers is a rare, explosive threat from the tight end position. He has exceptional acceleration and speed and is able to tear away from most defenders as he seldom gets caught from behind. Bowers has rare vision and balance for a tight end, weaving through the second and third levels of the defense with ease.
He is a complete ball carrier with rare potential to generate explosive plays. Bowers is excellent before the catch as well, being a quality route-runner and at his best on routes that exploit his athletic tools. At the catch point, he is a formidable snatcher who is also able to box people in spite of his size.
His ability to operate in extra coverage is really what sets him apart from other college TEs. Bowers' frame is the only cause for concern as far as blocking goes, but he's feisty and works his tail off in the run game. He is far more useful as an on-the-move blocker out in space or at the second level.
Bowers sustained a bad knee injury back in October, but there was potential to return in time for the SEC Championship Game.
Jared Verse - DL, Florida State
Jared Verse is a coveted defensive lineman who transferred to Florida State from Albany ahead of last season and has since made a name for himself. He has a blend of strength and athleticism, putting offensive tackles on their heels with his ability to turn speed to power as a pass-rusher.
Verse makes very good use of hands, coupling that with the bend to win his duels using finesse moves like a cross chop or arm over. He is also a plus-run defender with his physicality at the point of attack and ability to get off blocks.
Although most of Verse's weaknesses are correctable, he hasn't shown the high-level athleticism to drop into coverage at the next level, leaving him best suited to the hand-in-the-ground defensive game in even fronts.