2021 NFL Draft Weekly Risers: Conference Championships Edition
What a strange regular season of college football it has been. From teams coming out of nowhere to become contenders, to regular contenders dropping into mediocrity, this season had it all. There have been many players making a name for themselves over the past few months, here are your weekly risers from the Conference Championships week.
1. Desmond Ridder, QB, Cincinnati
Desmond Ridder is one of the most intriguing quarterback prospects in this draft class. He has been a top player in college football this season, leading the Bearcats to a 9-0 record with his dual-threat play. He is one of the most electric runners in college football with over 600 yards rushing and 12 touchdowns on the ground. His passing game keeps improving every year too. He has a lively arm and is showing more accuracy this year. In the AAC Conference Championship game against fellow ranked opponents Tulsa, the junior quarterback threw for 269 yards and a touchdown. He had 83 yards and a touchdown on the ground. There is tremendous upside with Ridder, who could be a steal at quarterback this year.
2. Trey Sermon, RB Ohio State
Trey Sermon has been an underrated back all year. Despite splitting carries, Sermon seemed to make the most out of every carry earlier in the season. For example, he had 112 yards and a touchdown on only 10 carries in his previous game against Michigan State. In the Big 10 Championship game against Northwestern, Sermon was given the keys to the Buckeyes offense. He took over the game with 331 yards and a touchdown in a victory over the Wildcats, breaking Ohio State’s single-game record for rushing yards. Sermon is an extremely fun back that refuses to go down. A grad transfer from Oklahoma, Sermon might be playing himself into a top 5 spot at running back this year. Trey Sermon looks to be a vital part of Ohio State’s National Championship campaign. They round out the New Year’s Day Games with their playoff matchup against Clemson.
3. Jahan Dotson, WR Penn State
On a season to forget for the Nittany Lions, wide receiver Jahan Dotson has been one of the lone bright spots in Happy Valley. The junior leads the Big 10 in receiving yards with 884, as well as in touchdowns with 8 to end the regular season. He dazzled in possibly his last game for Penn State, with 189 yards and a pair of touchdowns. Jahan Dotson has wowed viewers with his tremendous speed and catching ability. With such a stacked wide receiver class this year, don’t forget about Dotson.
4. Amari Rodgers, WR Clemson
Amari Rodgers is a player you might see skyrocket in the next couple of weeks. The Senior wide receiver is currently in the top 3 for both yards and touchdowns in the ACC. In the ACC Conference Championship game against previously undefeated Notre Dame, the underrated Rodgers made his mark. A 67-yard touchdown in the 1st quarter set the scene, Rodgers finishing with 8 catches for 121 yards and a touchdown. Amari Rodgers gets open and is dangerous with the ball in his hands. With the college football playoffs coming up, as well as the Senior Bowl, look for Rodgers to potentially rise further up draft boards.
5. Mohamed Ibrahim, RB Minnesota
Despite a loss to Wisconsin this past weekend, running back Mohamed Ibrahim did his job. The junior finished with 151 yards on 26 attempts. Ibrahim has been a steady back for the Golden Gophers this year, with 1160 yards and 9 touchdowns this season. Ibrahim is a wrecking ball. A tough and physical runner, it usually takes two defenders to bring him down.
Writer
-By: Jacob Keppen