The final weekend of the regular season of college football is rivalry weekend. Teams playing their biggest rivals makes all the games intense, even those that appear to be lopsided mismatches on paper.
Oregon QB Bo Nix kicked it off nicely in leading his Ducks to a Civil War win over Oregon State. Here are five other prospects for the 2024 NFL draft who are on the spot to deliver on rivalry weekend.
Tre'Veyon Henderson, RB, Ohio State
Henderson is in the conversation for being the top running back prospect for 2024. He’s got a knack for making tacklers miss in short areas with quick feet and exceptional balance through contact.
Henderson and the Buckeyes are at Michigan, home of the Wolverines and PFF’s top-graded tackling defense in college football. Last year, Henderson missed the big game with an injury, but he did run for 74 yards on 14 carries and scored a TD in the 2021 edition.
Xavier Legette, WR, South Carolina
Legette has exploded into the upper reaches of the WR prospect rankings with a dynamic 2023 season. He’s a bigger target at 6-foot-3 and 227 pounds and a style that is too physical for most DBs in man coverage.
One area where Legette thrives is in avoiding tackles after the catch. His speed, strength and running vision all stand out. That will be tested against Clemson, a team with an experienced secondary that plays well together and speedy LBs who don’t relent in pursuit off shorter routes. Special attention to when Legette and Tigers CB Nate Wiggins, another potential first-rounder, face off against one another.
Keon Coleman, WR, Florida State
Florida State and Florida is always an intriguing game. For Coleman and the Seminoles receivers, it’s also a chance to prove they can thrive without starting QB Jordan Travis, who suffered a nasty leg injury last week.
Coleman has been a big-play target since transferring from Michigan State, but the production has been inconsistent. Turning in a big game with an unfamiliar QB against the Gators would help ameliorate some concerns about Coleman. Likewise, staying engaged and sharp in his assignments even if he’s not getting touches is also something scouts will be watching, too.
Cam Ward, QB, Washington State
Ward’s draft stock appears to be all over the map. Many analysts (I’m one of them) love his strong arm, play-action ability and pinpoint accuracy on quick, short throws. Others bristle at his decision-making when his primary read is taken away, his propensity for running himself into sacks and Ward’s sporadic downfield touch.
Ward and his Cougars wrap up the regular season in need of a win to get bowl-eligible, and facing No. 4 Washington to do so is a daunting task. EDGE Bralen Trice and a speedy secondary will be a challenge for Ward, one that will help determine if he’s a late Day 2 pick or heading toward UDFA status.
D.J. James, CB, Auburn
James currently projects in the 75-to-125 overall range as a sticky cover man with good length but a light build (he’s 6-foot-1 and 164 listed pounds). He’s played very well in recent big games against LSU and Arkansas, giving him some buzz heading into the Iron Bowl.
Alabama and young QB Jalen Milroe have been playing much sharper recently, which will be a challenge for James and his Auburn secondary mates. Making a play or two on a ball in the air, and also not missing any tackles, would be a nice way for James to cap his final college season.
