Three College Football Players the Eagles Should Watch

Who should Eagles fans keep an eye on during this week’s games?

By Chris Jastrzembski· 11/26/2016, 8:00 a.m.

Quincy Wilson. (USA TODAY Sports)

It’s the best week of the college football season, rivalry week. It’s also the final week of regular season games before conference championship games take place. Some teams are fighting for spots to get into those title games, while others may just be trying to get that sixth win to become bowl eligible. There’s four Top-25 matchups this week, which includes a colossal top-three showdown at Ohio State.

Here are three players Eagles fans should keep a close eye on during today’s games.

1. Quincy Wilson, CB, Florida
This week’s opponent: @ No. 14 Florida State — 8 p.m. (ABC)

We’ve already previewed Wilson’s teammate, Teez Tabor, earlier in the season. But Wilson is the better of the two corners, and maybe one of the best corners in the nation. Although Tabor may have more of the hype surrounding him, Wilson is better in nearly every area. The junior has three interceptions so far this season and has the ideal size, length, and ball skills to play in the professional level. However, there is concern about his speed when he has to cover the deep pass. If he declares early, he’ll be a high first round pick in the NFL Draft.

2. Curtis Samuel, RB, Ohio State
This week’s opponent: vs. No. 3 Michigan — Noon (ABC)

Some have compared Samuel to former Florida receiver Percy Harvin in his playmaking abilities. He’s an H-Back in Urban Meyer‘s offense, and has been their best offensive player outside of quarterback J.T. Barrett. He’s rushed for 650 yards and seven touchdowns, but has also caught for 790 yards and another seven scores. He’s shined this year as a junior after being behind Ezekiel Elliott for the past two seasons. With his skills as a pass catcher, there’s a strong chance he’ll convert into a wide receiver whenever he enters into the NFL. He could be available late in the first round or even into the second round if he declares early.

3. Courtland Sutton, WR, SMU
This week’s opponent: vs. No. 25 Navy — 3:30 p.m (ESPNU)

Sutton has become a must-know wide receiving prospect in the past few weeks, and his performance last week against South Florida was a big reason for his draft stock rising. He caught 13 passes for a career-high 252 yards and two touchdowns, upping his season totals to 1,186 receiving yards and nine touchdown grabs. He has a big body, and has been compared to Terrell Owens due to his build. He uses his size to box out his defender and uses stutter steps as well. He’s also big on route deception to gain separation. But he has some concerns with him, such as a lack of high speed, lack of aggressiveness, and his overall effort. That comparison is very similar to Dorial Green-Beckham, and just like DGB, the potential is there. He just needs to work harder if he wants to enjoy success in the NFL. Games like he put up against South Florida will help his stock rise from his current spot as a mid-round pick.

Game Of The Week: No. 3 Michigan @ No. 2 Ohio State — Noon (ABC)

It’s a no-brainer. ESPN’s College Gameday expanded to a five-hour show beginning at 7 a.m. this morning compared to the usual 9 a.m. start. It’s a rivalry game, and it pits two of the best teams in the entire nation. The winner should have a spot in the College Football Playoff locked up, while the loser is out of the CFP picture. The outcome of the game will also affect No. 7 Penn State. If Ohio State wins and the Nittany Lions win their game against Michigan State (3:30 p.m., ESPN), Penn State will play in the Big Ten Championship game next week against No. 6 Wisconsin. That in itself could be for a possible spot in the College Football Playoff.

Honorable Mentions: No. 13 Auburn @ No. 1 Alabama (3:30 p.m., CBS); Mississippi State @ Ole Miss (3:30 p.m., SEC Network); No. 22 Utah @ No. 9 Colorado (7:30 p.m., FOX); No. 15 Florida @ No. 14 Florida State (8 p.m., ABC)

Here are the players we’ve previously highlighted:

November 19

Corey Davis, WR, Western Michigan

Adoree’ Jackson, CB, USC

Christian McCaffrey, RB, Stanford

November 12

Wayne Gallman, RB, Clemson

Juju Smith-Schuster, WR, USC

Cameron Sutton, CB, Tennessee

November 5

Sidney Jones, CB, Washington

Tarean Folston, RB, Notre Dame