College Football Weekly Risers 2021: Week Four

What a week it was for college football fans! Five teams in the top 25 were knocked off of their perch, including #9 Clemson receiving their second loss of the season to NC State. Top 25 schools BYU, Fresno State, and Oklahoma were taken to the limits by unranked teams. It seems anything can happen on any given Saturday in 2021. Here are five prospects who managed to impress the most in week four.

Jayden Reed, WR Michigan State

Executive director of the Senior Bowl Jim Nagy always says the best way for college receivers to separate themselves is through special teams. Reed proved this once again last week against Nebraska, returning a punt for a touchdown that tied the game for the Spartans. Reed also caught a touchdown in the second quarter. Averaging over 20 yards a catch and providing good value on special teams, the junior receiver is one of the more underrated threats in the Big Ten.

Sincere McCormick, RB UTSA

If you don’t know who Sincere McCormick is, now is the perfect time to become acquainted with the UTSA back. McCormick has been one of the most productive rushers in college football over the past year, reaching over 900 yards in each of his first two seasons. The Roadrunners trust the junior so much, he’s averaging around 25 carries a game, despite McCormick only receiving seven carries against FCS outlet Lamar. 

McCormick led UTSA in their 31-28 upset over Memphis with 184 yards (on 42 carries!) and three touchdowns. If there is a small school running back to keep an eye on this year for the draft, it certainly is Sincere McCormick.

Jalen Cropper, WR Fresno State

A lot has been made of Fresno State and their great offense this year. Averaging 42 points a game, good for 13th in the nation, Fresno State has one of the most potent passing attacks in the game today. While most of the attention has gone to quarterback Jake Haener, top receiver Jalen Cropper has been sensational this season too.

Do you like receivers that score touchdowns? If you do, Jalen Cropper is your guy. In only five games this season Cropper has reached the end zone eight times. In the Bulldogs thrilling victory over UNLV, Cropper scored four times while also putting up over 100 yards. Cropper has incredible body control and hands and will finish as one of the top receivers not only in the Mountain West but in the NCAA.

B.J. Baylor, RB Oregon State

It is rare that a team like Oregon State loses an NFL prospect at a position and somehow doesn’t get worse. Jermar Jefferson was one of the most electric backs in the nation over his collegiate career, and replacing the 7th round pick seemed like a tall task. A task seemingly not too tall for fourth-year junior B.J. Baylor.

For three years B.J. Baylor waited his turn. He could’ve easily transferred but he stayed and finally got his chance in his fourth year, and what a job he has done so far. He has four touchdowns and is averaging nearly seven yards a carry. Baylor is a physical back who invites contact but don’t mistake him for a slow battering ram. He has the speed to kill defenses and can be a name to watch out for.

Yasir Abdullah, LB Louisville

Louisville linebacker Yasir Abdullah has been a breakout star in the ACC this year. Abdullah lived in the backfield against Florida State, recording 3.5 tackles for loss and two sacks. Abdullah has been a lot more consistent this year as a full-time starter, using his good athleticism to bullet past linemen to make tackles in the backfield. Watch for Abdullah to build off his strong game.

Writer

-By: Jacob Keppen