DQ: Late Night Pacific Prospecting 2 Edition

Are there any future teammates in this weekend’s action for Marcus Mariota in Nashville next year?

#9 Washington at Stanford 10:30 PM Fox Sports 1

- The Huskies travel to The Farm for a special Friday #Pac12AfterDark date with the Cardinal. Washington is coming off a victory over bitter rival Oregon while Stanford is coming off a bitter loss to Washington State. Stanford desperately needs an upset win tonight to stay alive in the North division race. Washington just needs to hold serve until the Apple Cup to clinch the division. Can star running back Bryce Love and the Trees pull off the upset and throw a spanner in the Malamutes’ hopes of a playoff return?

Stanford prospects to watch

1. Bryce Love 5'10 180 RB Junior

- Love is arguably the second best back in the entire nation, regardless of draft class. He has 1,456 yards on just 151 carries. Has faced a ton of stacked boxes due to Stanford's horrid QB play. A great athlete with plus lateral agility and instincts. Reportedly dealing with an ankle issue that has knocked him out for one game. Doesn’t offer much in the receiving department as he’s only logged 27 receptions thus far.

2. Quenton Meeks 6’1 204 CB Junior

- Meeks is the unquestioned leader of the Cardinal secondary and is CB1 material for the lucky NFL team that drafts him. He’s an interesting prospect for a lot of teams looking to replicate the Legion of Boom given his reported measurements and physical traits. Deep speed is something to look for. Can also play safety in a pinch. Not quite the prospect that Richard Sherman was coming out of Palo Alto but he’s close.

Washington prospects to watch

1. Azeem Victor 6’2 222 LB RS Senior

- Victor was having a standout campaign in 2016 before ultimately suffering a season ending knee injury. He’s back to form in 2017. Plus football IQ. Above average athleticism. He’s restored his draft status as a senior. It will be interesting to see how his medicals turn out at the Combine and how it will affect his stock. Possibly the best linebacker in the conference on pure talent alone.

2. Dante Pettis 6’1 195 WR Senior

- Pettis may be the most underrated receiver prospect in this year’s class due to Washington’s low profile. He’s an elite athlete and dynamic return man. Deep speed is something to behold. It can be argued that he is the best senior receiver in the class. Now holds the all-time NCAA record for most return touchdowns, passing the legendary Devin Hester.

3. Vita Vea 6’5 340 DL RS Junior

- Vea is a very big man. At a listed 340, he slots in as a classic nose tackle type. He’s made an impact as such. Probably one of the better defensive tackle prospects this year. Living up to the recent legacy of standout Huskie DTs. He’s likely limited to 3-4 teams that are looking for big body nose tackles in the pros due to size.

Saturday

#19 Washington State at Utah 5:30 PM Pac-12 Network

- The Cougars, fresh off a win over Stanford, visit Salt Lake City to find out if Ricky Rubio’s hot shooting streak is for real. And oh, there’s a game with the notoriously tough Utes as well. Utah is coming off a resounding win over a hapless UCLA team that didn’t show up. Our buddy RavenousUte will be rooting for a Coug’d it moment or three I’m sure.

Washington State prospect to watch

1. Hercules Mata’afa 6’3 250 DL RS Junior

- HM might be country’s most underrated defensive line prospect. He’s a tackling machine and is an impact player regardless of position or size. Fundamentally sound. Above average athleticism. NFL teams will have questions regarding his size and ability to put on weight. Simply put, he’s a machine.

Utah prospects to watch

1. Lowell Lotuleilei 6'2 310 DL Senior

- If the last name sounds familiar, you're right. Lowell is the younger brother of current Carolina Panther DT Star. He's very fundamentally sound as an overall tackle. He's a modern day nose tackle that holds the line for his teammates to make plays. Run defense is a major plus. Isn't the fastest guy but has pass rush ability. Hands are pluses as well. Will likely get drafted high based on name value and consistent college production.

2. Darren Carrington II 6’1 200 WR RS Senior

- A former friend of the Ducks that made his way to Utah after being summarily dismissed from the Oregon program for a multitude of transgressions. He has a lot of talent but couldn’t seem to keep out of trouble. Has been a top weapon for the Utes. He’s a playmaker in every sense of the word. It will be very interesting to see if he gets a Combine invite or a chance to interview with teams during the offseason process.

Bonus games to watch

Arizona State at UCLA 9:30 PM Pac-12 Network

- Can N’Keal Harry and the Sun Devils get a victory over Josh Rosen and the Bruins in Los Angeles? Harry is a big time receiver prospect for the next couple of years.

Where are the Tennessee Titans scouting this weekend?