Future Stars returned in week 0 and was the perfect appetizer to the new college football season. Well, it is now time to take a seat at the table because there is plenty of College Football to dine out on this weekend.
Future Stars brings you the 2022 NFL Draft Prospects you should keep your eye on each and every week across the televised games in the UK, throughout the college season and into next year’s Draft.
Week 1 sees a feast of games available to viewers in the UK, with 6 games on Saturday alone. Games have already taken place across the BT Sport channels and will continue through the beginning of next week.
Today you can watch
| 17:00 | WESTERN MICHIGAN at MICHIGAN | BT SPORT 3 |
| 17:00 | OKLAHOMA at TULANE | BT SPORT ESPN |
| 20:30 | ALABAMA at MIAMI | BT SPORT ESPN |
| 00:00 | TEXAS TECH at HOUSTON | BT SPORT 3 |
| 00:00 | GEORGIA at CLEMSON | BT SPORT ESPN |
| 03:30 | BYU at ARIZONA | BT SPORT 3 |
Of course keep an eye on your TV guide for any scheduling changes!
Here are your Future Stars in week 1!
FUTURE STARS
ERIC GRAY – RB – OKLAHOMA
All the talk has been about Spencer Rattler this off season. In the quarterback factory that is Oklahoma there are, rightly, big things expected of Rattler this season. But, the Sooners have worked the transfer portal really well in recent years and the transfer of Eric Gray from Tennessee will make a notable difference to this offence.
Gray brings potential and production to Oklahoma. Gray ran for over 1300 yards and 8 touchdowns at his time at Tennessee. But, he also contributes in the passing game. Gray amassed over 350 yards and 3 TDs on 43 receptions.
It is that work in the passing game that really elevates Gray as a top running back prospect and why he was so converted by Lincoln Riley. Gray has a lot of the intangibles and what Gray can do once he is in space really stands out.
He has the ability to turn defenders inside out and is really elusive. He has an excellent turn of pace and fantastic contact balance. What Gray brings has to be accounted for on every play and will bring an extra ingredient to the buffet that is the Sooners offence.
Gray will still be looking to improve his blocking ability and he needs to improve his work between the tackles. He can get caught in the back of offensive lineman when the play breaks down.
There is no doubt Gray has the potential to be a Future Star and should be considered towards the top of this running back class. It will be really interesting to see how this Sooners offence will evolve with a player with Gray’s skills.
AIDAN HUTCHINSON – EDGE – MICHIGAN
Hutchinson is a player who could well have heard his name called in last year’s draft, but after fracturing his leg last November opted to return for another season at Michigan.
Before the injury Hutchinson showed that he is a smooth athlete who plays with control. He can be explosive off the edge and offers versatility across the line. He has the ability to overwhelm offensive lineman and possesses a really high ceiling.
One thing isn’t in doubt, Hutchinson has freaky athleticism. So much so he was ranked No. 2 on Bruce Feldman’s Freak List over at the Athletic. Reportedly Hutchinson can do the 3-cone drill in 6.54. That’s quicker than Kwity Paye who topped the Freak List one year ago. Hutchinson can also reportedly run a 4.64 40 yard dash and a 36” vertical jump.
There are a couple of things Hutchinson needs to work on though. Translating his athletic ability and production. Hutchinson needs to start converting that unworldly athletic ability onto the field. You don’t always see the athletic ability in game and seeing him transfer that into production this year will be really exciting.
NAKOBE DEAN – LB – GEORGIA
After playing the last 8 games of season with an injured shoulder, it is expected that Nakobe Dean will take a step forward this season.
Dean is an ultra aggressive inside linebacker who plays every down like it is his last! He has an unrelenting motor and plays without fear. Dean possesses superb speed and is really instinctive. He will be a 3 down linebacker at the next level with his ability to be effective on run and passing downs.
Dean’s aggressive play is what allows him to make the flashy plays but it also means he can play a little out of control at times. He will pick up penalties for being overly aggressive so cutting them down this season would be nice.
If Georgia is to put pressure on Clemson’s new star quarterback DJ Uiagalelei then Dean will have to have a big game as Georgia’s only returning starter at linebacker.
TYLER ALLGEIER – RB – BYU
With Zach Wilson now in the NFL, it will be fascinating to see how the BYU offence will transition away from him. One constant will be RB Tyler Allgeier who has the ability to really make a name for himself this season.
After switching between both running back and linebacker, Allgeier announced himself as a top RB in 2020 with 1130 yards and 13 touchdowns.
Allgeier is the type of running back who will run you over. He plays with great strength and power and will likely be the focus of the BYU offence. Allgeier has a good one cut move, he is plenty quick and plays with explosiveness.
If Allgeier can continue his trajectory then he will only rise up boards heading throughout the season.
JOHN METCHIE III – WR – ALABAMA
In an Alabama team that is always stacked with Future Stars picking a player to feature is an impossible task.
John Metchie III is the choice for week 1 and for good reason. With so many receivers leaving for the NFL Metchie should be the premier pass catcher for new QB Bryce Young and establishing that connection early will be important.
Metchie has managed to have success and production over the last couple of seasons, even with all the talent that has been on offer at Alabama. It tells you everything you need to know about the attitude, talent and character of Metchie that Nick Saban would trust him among all the other talent.
On tape it is Metchie’s excellent route running that really strikes you. He has unbelievable change of direction and controls his speed really well. He has high football IQ and has the ability to create separation in many different ways.
It will be really interesting to see how Metchie will manage as the next guy up for the Crimson Tide and seeing how he is able to connect with Bryce Young is definitely something we will have our eye on this week.
Which Future Stars will you have your eye on this week? Let us know over on Twitter @NinetynineYards and @Owain_Jones_