Draft Quack: Friday Night Lights Edition

Colorado State vs. Colorado 7 PM PDT / 10 PM EDT ESPN

“Rocky Mountain Showdown”

Location: Sports Authority Field, Denver CO (home of the Denver Broncos)

• The annual curtain raiser for both teams (traditionally) features former coordinators from Georgia’s staff. CSU HC Mike Bobo needs to go bowling after a disastrous 2-10 record from last season while CU HC Mel Tucker has more leeway as a debut coach. Can the Rams defense stop all world WR Laviska Shenault? Also a lot of praise has to go to the field management crew in Denver for having the field ready in less than 24 hours after a Broncos home preseason game.

Colorado State prospect to watch

Nate Craig-Meyers 6’2 202 WR RS Junior

• NCM is a former five star Auburn transfer that moved to Fort Collins after a relatively low key career on the Plains. He’s an electric playmaker with the ball in his hands. The medical records will be key for him as he has a knee issue from the past.

Colorado prospects to watch

Nate Landman 6’3 235 LB Junior

• He’s a throwback type of inside linebacker that hits hard but is barely an above average athlete. Instinctive and is generally in the picture. Special teams type of guy at the next level because of his downhill hitting.

Mustafa Johnson 6’2 290 EDGE / DT Junior

• The other Buffs defender that’s getting some draft hype is Johnson. He’s very good at getting after the passer. Also is above average in the run game. Well coached and that should continue with HC Mel Tucker in town.

Laviska Shenault, Jr 6’2 220 WR Junior

• The do everything playmaker for the Buffs on offense. He’s been used seemingly in every conceivable way as a receiver for them. Without him, the Buffs struggled mightily on offense last season. He’s one of the best receivers in college football that isn’t on Clemson or Alabama’s roster.

Oklahoma State at Oregon State 7:30 PM PDT / 10:30 PM FS1

• Mullet Mike Gundy takes his Cowboys into Corvallis to determine whose shade of orange and black is better. There might be a football like substance played as well. Expect a Cowboys win over a still rebuilding Beavers squad.

Oklahoma State prospects to watch

Tylan Wallace 6’0 185 WR Junior

• The heir apparent to current Steelers WR James Washington is finally draft eligible. He’s an improved route runner and a deep ball specialist. A fun player to watch when the Pokes have a decent QB.

Oregon State prospects to watch

Jake Luton 6’7 229 QB RS Senior

• Luton “won” the job out of fall camp after a somewhat serious competition. He fits the physical profile of a pro quarterback but is he one mentally? We shall find out soon.

Jermar Jefferson 5’10 214 RB Sophomore

• Jefferson posted a sensational 239 carries for 1,380 yards and 12 TD line for the woebegone Beavers offense last season. What can he do for an encore? He’s a playmaker. Has the talent to be the RB1 in the conference in 2020.

Isaiah Hodgins 6’4 209 WR Junior

• Expected to carry the load at receiver as he’s the primary target this season. Has NFL physical measurements. Good route running ability. Wait and see on the deep ball skillset.

BONUS game to watch

Purdue at Nevada 6:30 PM PDT / 9:30 EDT CBS Sports Network

- Purdue WR Rondale Moore is #good. Also a chance to scout Oregon's next opponent in Nevada.