College Football Weekly Risers 2021: Week 3

Matt Corral, Quarterback Ole Miss

What more can be said about Ole Miss quarterback Matt Corral that hasn’t been said over the past three weeks. A breakout candidate heading into the season, Corral had some of the best flashes of any quarterback in the 2022 NFL Draft class… alongside some of the most head-scratching lows. For every great performance, there was a six interception meltdown vs Arkansas. 

We’ve seen a much-improved Corral in 2021, and his week three performance against Tulane was his best game yet. Corral threw for over 300 yards, throwing three touchdown passes in the process. Not a statue in the pocket, Corral also added four touchdowns on the ground. Through three weeks, the junior quarterback from California looks to be the front runner for the Heisman.

Jake Haener, Quarterback Fresno State

Is Jake Haener the next breakout quarterback from the Mountain West? Through four games, Fresno State has been the big surprise of the 2021 NCAA Football season. A team that was viewed to improve on their 3-3 2020 record and competes amongst the Mountain West Conference elite, Fresno State looks to be a real contender, and a big reason is quarterback Jake Haener.

In the Bulldogs 40-37 upset victory over #13 UCLA, two weeks removed from their battle against #10 Oregon, Jake Haener gained the attention of the nation. Battling an injury that left him barely able to stand, the former three-star recruit stood tall and delivered big throws when needed. Haener has surprised with NFL-level throws so far this year and could possibly be the quarterback that emerges from irrelevance to hear his name called in the draft.

Ty Chandler, Running Back North Carolina

There’s the Ty Chandler we were all hoping for! Given the tall task of replacing a backfield that shared two 1,000 yard rushers, Chandler finally had his breakout game in a shootout against the Virginia Cavaliers in a conference battle. Chandler nearly racked up 200 yards and rushed for two touchdowns against Virginia. Chandler has talent and given the workload we’ve seen in recent weeks, he can be one of the more underrated backs in the NFL Draft. 

Jahan Doston, Wide Receiver Penn State

Jahan Dotson needs more hype. One of the most underrated receivers in the nation, Dotson showed once again why he should be considered a top receiver in the 2022 NFL Draft. With the whiteout crowd surrounding him against top opponent Auburn, Dotson delivered a 10 catch 78-yard performance with a touchdown to boot. Dotson is a speedster who can run good routes and make catches he has no business making. He can make some team very happy on draft day.

Drake London, Wide Receiver USC

Drake London was a receiver poised for a big breakout in 2021, and boy is he living up to expectations. The junior receiver has nearly matched his total receptions from last year through three games and is currently fourth in receiving yards. London is a big receiver who plays up to his size, using his large catch radius to make his quarterback’s life a lot easier. He’s a contested-catch monster and should continue to raise his stock in 2021.

Writer

-By: Jacob Keppen