College IDPs to Watch This Season

As crazy as it seems, college football season is closing in fast like an Alabama edge rusher against a DIII quarterback. Soon we’ll be busting out the sweatshirts from the alma mater and grilling brats in the crisp autumn air.

Did you really think we’d let you head into football season without a list of players to watch? We wouldn’t do that. We’ve got you.

Linebackers

Dylan Moses, Alabama, Jr.

College football begins and ends with the Tide, so why mess with that? Moses stands at 6-foot-3, 232 pounds and is your classic Alabama chase-and-tackle middle linebacker. I would expect to hear his name called in the first two days in the 2020 NFL Draft.

Shaq Quarterman, Miami, Sr.

I touted Quarterman last season too, but he just isn’t making major steps forward. If he wants to go before day three, he’s going to need to wow this year.

Micah Parson, Penn St., So.

He’s not draft-eligible, but he’s touted as the next great Nittany Lions linebacker. He checks in at 6-foot-3 and 241 pounds.

Daniel Bituli, Tennessee, Sr.

He’s a heat-seeking missile at outside linebacker, but he doesn’t rush the passer much. That could cap his upside in the NFL’s eyes. If he can approach seven-ten sacks, he should rocket up boards.

Isaiah Simmons, Clemson, Jr.

He’s a safety/linebacker hybrid. USA Today named him the top CFB linebacker heading into the season, so we’ll tag him the same way. He’s a little light at 6-foot-3 and 225 pounds, but he’s got really nice range.

Adam Anderson, Georgia, So.

Again, he’s not draft eligible, but he was Rivals’ number 12 prospect heading into his freshman season, so he should see plenty of playing time.

Edge

Terrell Lewis, Alabama, Sr.

This year we are going to throw the Edge designation out there, just for giggles. Lewis has amazing athleticism for a man his size (6-foot-5, 251 pounds).

AJ Epenesa, Iowa, Jr.

He’s been building steam from his freshman season. He’s country strong to go with checking in at 6-foot-5 and 270 pounds.

Chase Young, Ohio St., Jr.

He’s the young man who took over for Nick Bosa after he shut down his season. Justis Mosqueda said he has “Jadeveon Clowney-like potential.”

Defensive Ends

Daelin Hayes, Notre Dame, Sr.

He was touted as someone with first-round potential, but he was pretty pedestrian last year. A couple of multi-sack games in a nationally televised game would do wonders for his reputation.

Rashard Lawrence, LSU, Sr.

He’s a big man for playing on the end (6-foot-3, 301 pounds) but he’s quicker than advertised.

Xavier Thomas, Clemson, So.

What? You didn’t think the Tigers were all out of elite defensive linemen, did you? Thomas was Rivals’ number five overall prospect last year and has nice bend.

Defensive Tackles

Raekwon Davis, Alabama, Jr.

Quinnen Williams stole the spotlight last season, but Davis has plenty of potential.

Darvin Taylor II, Florida St., RS Sr.

He won the team’s ‘most improved’ last season.

Neville Gallimore, Oklahoma, Jr.

He’s raw and inconsistent, but when he’s on, he’s tough to block.

Marlon Davidson, Auburn, Sr.

He plays both inside and outside for the Tigers.

Safety

Grant Delpit, LSU, Jr

Everyone’s number one safety, Delpit can do it all. His introduction was laying the wood to Derrius Guice in the spring game before his freshman season.

Khaleke Hudson, Michigan, Sr.

He plays the “Rover” role for the Wolverines. He took over for Jabrill Peppers when he left school. He’s a passionate leader which many NFL teams like.

JR Reed, Georgia, Sr.

He is the son of former Minnesota Viking Jake Reed.

DeCalon Brooks, Florida St., Jr.

He’s the son of NFL Hall of Fame linebacker Derrick Brooks, though he’s definitely smaller than his father, clocking in at 5-foot-10 and 195 pounds.

Cornerback

Marcus Strong, Washington St., Sr.

Strong is a ball hawk who plays bigger than his size (5-foot-9, 185 pounds). At that size, you’d expect him to be a liability around the line of scrimmage, but that is not the case.

Bryce Hall, Virginia, Sr.

He led the nation with 21 pass breakups last season.

AJ Terrell, Clemson, Jr.

He has extra-long arms. You may remember him from his interception of Tua Tagovailoa early in the game during last season’s National Championship game.

Richard LeCounte III, Georgia, Jr.

He has all the talent in the world, but he struggles at times mentally. This is a make or break season for his draft stock.