The third week of the college football season is here and the Colorado Buffs bandwagon is at full capacity. Deion Sanders and the Buffs have jumped out to a 2-0 start and College Gameday will be in Boulder for the Rocky Mountain Showdown.
The “battle” between the Buffs and Rams is the headliner for the week three slate. Let’s take a look at six prospects that Green Bay Packers fans should be watching on Saturday.
Tyler Nubin, S, Minnesota
If Nubin had declared for the 2023 NFL Draft, he likely would have been a Top 100 pick. Nubin has gotten off to a stellar start for the Gophers this fall. In the season-opening victory against Nebraska, Nubin picked off two passes, including an interception that helped set up the game-winning field goal for the Gophers.
NFL fans who aren’t happy with their starting safeties heading into opening day need to remember the name of @GopherFootball playmaker Tyler Nubin (@TylerNubin). pic.twitter.com/cpyjysPUiH
— Jim Nagy (@JimNagy_SB) September 1, 2023
A former high school wide receiver, Nubin showcases plus ball skills. He displays good route recognition and has disciplined eyes. He has the downfield burst to quickly close on ball carriers and takes proper angles.
Nubin will be challenged by Drake Maye and the UNC aerial attack. Can he make a game-changing play or two to help the Gophers upset the Tar Heels?
Minnesota plays UNC on ESPN at 2:30 p.m.
Jo’Quavious Marks, RB, Miss State
Marks enters Saturday’s matchup against LSU one reception away from becoming the program’s all-time leader in receptions. That is not an error. The Mississippi State Bulldog running back has caught a reception in every game he’s played in and currently has 199 career receptions to his name.
Highest graded SEC Running Backs from Week 2:
1️⃣ Jo’quavious Marks: 88.9
2️⃣ Montrell Johnson Jr: 85.1
3️⃣ Jaylen Wright: 83.5 pic.twitter.com/XNk1PRYbM2— PFF College (@PFF_College) September 12, 2023
Marks is a shifty athlete and incredibly elusive. In two games thus far this season, Marks has already forced 12 missed tackles (PFF). With his ability to impact the passing game and ability to create explosive plays, Marks could be an attractive option for the Packers as they look for options at running back with AJ Dillon set to hit the open market and Aaron Jones nearing 30 years old.
The Bulldogs will take on LSU at 11 a.m. The game will be broadcast on ESPN.
Malachi Corley, WR, Western Kentucky
The matchup between Ohio State and Western Kentucky will have four wide receivers that will likely all go in the Top 100 of the 2024 NFL Draft. On one side of the field, the Buckeyes have two of the Top Two wide receivers in Marvin Harrison Jr and Emeka Egbuka. Julian Fleming is no slouch either and would be the No. 1 wide receiver on most teams in the country.
On the other side of the field, the Hilltoppers have Malachi Corley, arguably one of the most dangerous YAC threats in college football. According to Pro Football Focus, Corley racked up 975 yards after the catch last season and has 1,373 yards after the catch over the past two seasons. Corley has outstanding contact balance and is hyper-competitive with the ball in his hands.
If you’re looking for an elite WR showcase in #CollegeFootball Week 3, Ohio State vs WKU in the ‘Shoe.
Marvin Harrison Jr (and the rest of the #Buckeyes WR room) against Malachi Corley 🎥
In Corley’s absence vs HCU, Easton Messer did the business too. pic.twitter.com/jD9m7yYXux
— Oliver Hodgkinson (@ojhodgkinson) September 11, 2023
After leaving the season-opener with an injury, Corley is expected to return to action against the Buckeyes.
Western Kentucky and Ohio State square off at 3 p.m. The game will be aired on Fox.
Jaylon Carlies, S, Missouri
Carlies is a versatile defensive back. He can line up in the slot, on the boundary, in the box, or deep.
This is what Missouri S Jaylon Carlies can offer in pursuit. Quickly recognizes the motion and has the range to track Wan'Dale Robinson across the field. Then explodes into contact and levels the WR.
Carlies *attacks* as a tackler. Long, rangy, physical — a great combo to have. pic.twitter.com/9dIXod3aRq
— Ian Cummings (@IC_Draft) August 4, 2022
He’s a well-rounded prospect, who is capable of wearing multiple hats for a defensive coordinator. He flies downhill and arrives at the ball carrier with bad intentions. He’s a lanky athlete, who showcases good range.
Missouri will take on Kansas State at 11 a.m. The game will be aired on SEC Network.
Tory Horton, WR, Colorado State
A Nevada transfer, Horton has good quickness off the line of scrimmage and has the speed to win vertically. He tracks the ball well downfield and has outstanding body control. If the Rams are going to pull off the upset against the Buffs, Horton is going to have to turn into a monster game. Against Washington State, Horton reeled in nine receptions for 81 yards.
Tory Horton rising up 📈 pic.twitter.com/KyuWwFzk42
— Kevin Lytle (@Kevin_Lytle) August 5, 2022
The Rams take on Colorado at 9 p.m. The game will be aired on ESPN.
Kingsley Suamataia, OT, BYU
The BYU tackle checks the boxes with his size, strength, and movement skills. The Oregon transfer started at right tackle during his first season at BYU and yielded zero sacks and 11 pressures. He made the move to left tackle this season and through two games, Suamataia has given up zero sacks and three pressures.
I think we’ll be talking about BYU RT Kingsley Suamataia as a 1st round prospect in a year or so…
Only RS-Freshman. 5-Star, Oregon transfer. Really strong season when you focus on him… pic.twitter.com/wlAUbtvXxl
— Ben Fennell (@BenFennell_NFL) December 21, 2022
BYU will take on Arkansas at 6:30 p.m. The game will be televised on ESPN2.