New Mexico
Centers may not be a sexy draft pick, but there’s no doubt that they’re integral to offensive success and Kyle Stapley has quietly proven himself to be a workhorse for the Lobos. 2020 will be his third year as a starter and he led UNM in snaps played in both 2018 and 2019; that kind of stability can be a valuable asset in itself.
In the mix: Tyson Dyer, punter; Jacobi Hearn, linebacker; Marcus Williams, tight end
San Diego State
If you’re looking for next year’s Logan Wilson, look no further than safety Tariq Thompson. Incredibly, he’s never made the all-conference first team despite starring in the Aztecs secondary from day one, but he’s had three full years to show pro scouts that he’s a viable and rangy center fielder and there’s no reason to bet against 2020 being his best season yet.
In the mix: Dwayne Johnson Jr., safety; Trenton Thompson, safety
San Jose State
Wide receiver Tre Walker was a sleeper after a 2018 campaign in which he averaged 18.3 yards per catch. After 2019, though, he’s no longer simply a deep threat, finishing first among non-Hawaii receivers in receptions and leading the Mountain West in receiving yards. He also finished with a flourish, catching at least eight passes for over 130 yards in the Spartans’ last four games, so getting up to speed with a new quarterback could help him become the first SJSU receiver to be selected since James Jones and John Broussard in 2007.
In the mix: Bailey Gaither, wide receiver; Nick Starkel, quarterback; Tre Webb, safety
UNLV
Running back Charles Williams finally got his chance to be the Rebels’ lead back and he did not disappoint, averaging nearly six yards per carry while finishing second to Wyoming’s Xzavian Valladay in rushing yards. It’ll be interesting to see whether new head coach Marcus Arroyo gets him more involved in the passing game because Williams has just 13 career receptions, as that could only help his draft stock.
In the mix: Julio Garcia, offensive lineman
Utah State
There probably isn’t another Jordan Love coming out of Logan next year, but there’s definitely some prospects who could become role players in the NFL. Chief among them is Savon Scarver, who might not have been an All-American again in 2019 but still returned two more kicks for touchdowns as a return specialist. It remains to be seen how much of a workload he’ll receive in the Aggies’ reloading passing attack, but his utility on special teams is almost certainly something that scouts will keep their eye on next fall.
In the mix: Demetrick Ali’fua, offensive lineman; Shaq Bond, safety; Nick Heninger, defensive end; Troy Lefeged Jr., safety, Jaylen Warren, running back
Wyoming
Craig Bohl has had a very good run of development over the last few seasons, but it’s a little trickier to tease out who might be the guy in 2020. Javaree Jackson could’ve been a possibility had he not been dismissed from the team in December, so we’ll go with fellow defensive lineman Garrett Crall. He’s been a contributor for three seasons now, racking up 11.5 sacks and 18 tackles for loss from 2017 to 2019, though he’s on the lighter side at 233 pounds.
In the mix: Alonzo Velazquez, offensive lineman
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