Wolverines & Cowboys showcase NFL Talent: Top 15 draft Prospects Collide in Michigan-Oklahoma Showdown
ANN ARBOR, MI – Saturday’s highly anticipated matchup between No. 2 Michigan and Oklahoma State isn’t just a battle for college football supremacy; it’s a prime showcase for a wealth of NFL Draft prospects.Scouts are descending on Ann Arbor to evaluate a class brimming with potential, and several players could significantly boost their stock with strong performances.Here’s a breakdown of 15 players to watch, ranked by current draft projections:
1. Olu Fashanu (Michigan, OT): Widely considered a top-five pick, Fashanu’s pass protection skills are elite.He’ll be tested against Oklahoma State’s edge rushers.
2. J.J. McCarthy (Michigan, QB): The Wolverines’ signal-caller has steadily climbed draft boards. His accuracy and decision-making will be under scrutiny.
3. Blake Corum (Michigan, RB): A powerful and explosive runner, Corum is a perfect fit for gap schemes and possesses the vision to bounce runs outside. He demonstrated this early in the season with 16 carries for 159 yards and three touchdowns against New Mexico, including a 59-yard score.
4. Junior Colson (Michigan, LB): after backing up during Michigan’s national title run, Colson has emerged as a key run stopper. His improving nose for the football and movement skills make him a linebacker to watch.
5.Kris Jenkins (Michigan, DT): A true “big fella” at 6-1 and 320 pounds, Jenkins boasts a great anchor, active hands, and surprising movement for his size. He excels as a run stuffer.
6. Will Johnson (Michigan, CB): A big and fast defensive back at 220 pounds, Johnson is a former high school receiver transitioning to a full-time role. He combines run-stopping ability with ball skills in coverage.
7. semaj Morgan (Michigan, WR): A dynamic receiver with the potential to be a game-breaker.
8. Kenneth Grant (Michigan, DT): A disruptive interior defender who consistently penetrates the backfield.9. Michael Hall (Ohio State,DT): A long and explosive interior defender who has added 25 pounds during his college career,now playing at 292. He maintains a destructive ability to knife into the backfield.
10. Deion Burks (Oklahoma State, LB): A former high school safety/receiver who began his college career at safety before moving to linebacker. He’s a productive player learning the nuances of his new position.
11. Alan Tisdale (Oklahoma State,LB): A hyper-athletic inside linebacker prospect who previously played at Nebraska.He became just the fifth true freshman linebacker to start in Nebraska history in 2022.12. Danny akinwale (Oklahoma State, RB): A powerful cutter with good open-field vision.
13. Tyrone Sampson (Oklahoma State, S): A versatile defensive back with the ability to contribute in multiple phases.
14.Jayden Jernigan (Oklahoma State, WR): A promising receiver with the potential to develop into a reliable target.
15. Anthony Smith (Oklahoma State, DT): A solid run defender who consistently occupies blockers.
This game offers a crucial opportunity for these prospects to showcase their skills on a national stage, possibly solidifying their positions in the upcoming NFL Draft. Scouts will be closely evaluating not only individual performances but also how these players perform against top competition.
