College football games are going on as I type this out, we made it everyone it really is football season now. Let’s skip past the fluff and get straight into looking over some of the best college football players in the nation. If you want to check out the previous 10 entries on this list, click here.
30. Anfernee Jennings OLB Alabama
2018 stats: 50 total tackles, 13.0 TFL, 5.5 sacks, 1 INT, 11 PD,
#3 in SEC in passes defended
The 5th year senior is going to need to play a big role in this defense after the loss of Dylan Moses for the season. He is a reliable leader on the defense and is very good in pass coverage from the LB position. His consistent play from year to year has been impressive and is needed now more than ever for Alabama.
29. Shaq Quarterman LB Miami
2018 stats: 82 total tackles, 14.0 TFL, 5.0 sacks, 1 INT, 2 PD, 1 FF
One of the best defensive players in the ACC resides in Miami. Shaq’s combination of speed and power is exactly what you look for in the linebacker position. His production is solid, but I feel like he can really step up in 2019 and show why he should be a high round selection in the NFL draft.
28. Ian Book QB Notre Dame
2018 stats: 68.2% 2628 yards, 19 TDs 7 INT
#8 in completion percentage in NCAA
This may be somewhat of a controversial selection, but Book played extremely well in Notre Dame’s 12 game win streak to the CFP (in which he started 9). He did not have a bad game until the national semi-finals against Clemson, which can be understood considering their entire defensive line went in the first round of the 2018 draft. Book’s athletic ability plus his solid accuracy can take him a long way into becoming a top NFL prospect.
27. Shane Lemieux LG Oregon
2018 stats: Graded as the #3 guard in the nation according to Pro Football Focus, Played over 95% of snaps over the course of the season
Lemieux established himself as a dominant force on Oregon’s high octane offense this past season. Has proved to be a durable lineman who is consistent in both pass protection and run blocking. Can win with power and good timing on punches.
26. Eno Benjamin RB Arizona St.
2018 stats: 1642 yards 16 TDs 5.5 ypc, 35 receptions 263 yards 2 receving TDs
Led PAC-12 in rushing yards (#5 in NCAA)
Led PAC-12 in rushing TDs (#9 in NCAA)
Led NCAA in plays from scrimmage
Running back has become a stacked position in college football. A guy like Eno Benjamin gets lost in the shuffle but is a dynamic back who is useful in almost any scenario. I believe if he can work expanding his pass catching ability out of the backfield, he can definitely lead Arizona St. to success in the PAC-12.
25. Curtis Weaver DE Boise St.
2018 stats: 43 total tackles, 15.0 TFL, 9.5 sacks, 1 PD, 1 FF
#2 in MWC in TFL, #2 in MWC in sacks
Weaver is a pass rusher with a high motor and all the tools needed to take over games from the edge. He has long arms and great speed off the snap. I know Boise St. may not be the team they once were back in the mid 2000’s but I would keep an eye on them just to see how Weaver can take over games.
24. Tylan Wallace WR Oklahoma St.
2018 stats: 86 catches 1491 yards 12 TDs 17.3 ypr
Led Big 12 in receving yards (#2 in NCAA)
#3 in Big 12 in TDs, (8 in NCAA)
Super athletic receiver from the Big 12 who has a wide catch radius which means he can catch the ball at almost any point. You don’t want to have to out jump this guy because chances are you aren’t making it that high up. Wallace is a dependable player who can hurt you with quick slant routes or longer post/go routes.
23. Bryce Hall CB Virginia
2018 stats: 62 total tackles, 3.5 TFL, 2.0 sacks, 2 INT, 2 FF, 21 PD
Led NCAA in passes defended
The stingy corner who was formerly a 2 star recruit, exploded onto the scene last year. Not only did he lead the nation in passes defended but was given the highest corner grade by Pro Football Focus at 91.2. He shows a great combination of sure tackling and excellent range which will be sure to lead him to the next level if he continues this level of play.
22. Justin Herbert QB Oregon
2018 stats: 59.4% 3151 yards 29 TDs 8 INT
#4 in PAC-12 in passing yards and yards per attempt, #2 in TDs
A big drop off in completion percentage from 2017 to 2018 definitely is something to keep an eye on. Herbert still is a prospect to watch out for as he can still sling the ball with anybody from college football. His size and tools in addition to the cannon definitely are a big reason for why he’s high up on this list, but if he shows more of the same alarming drop off in completion percentage, we may want to take a step back and evaluate his game more thoroughly.
21. Paddy Fisher LB Northwestern
2018 stats: 116 total tackles, 5.0 TFL, 1.0 sack, 2 PD, 4 FF, 1 INT
#5 in Big 10 in solo tackles, #2 in total tackles,
Led Big 10 in FF (#9 in NCAA)
One of the best run stuffers in the game is back at Northwestern. Fisher is able to do it all on the field but excels in stopping the run with good explosiveness and power when finishing his tackles. He is a guy you need to be the QB of the defense and will be sure to be on your TV’s on Sundays in the near future.
