10 college football players to watch in Week 5

Keeping an eye on NFL Draft prospects.

Week 5 of college football gives us another Saturday full of great games and new tests for NFL Draft prospects. Here are some names to keep a close eye today.

Derion Kendrick, Cornerback, UGA v. Arkansas (12 PM ET on ESPN)

This SEC showdown is going to be loaded with NFL talent, but Derion Kendrick will be under the spotlight against an Arkansas offense that can run and pass the football with ease. Kendrick will face up against one of the better receivers in the nation while also being asked to come up a few times a game for run support. This is a huge opportunity to show off his whole skill set as an NFL-ready cornerback.

Treylon Burks, Wide Receiver, Arkansas v. UGA (12 PM ET on ESPN)

On the other side of the ball will be Treylon Burks, as dangerous a receiver as there is in college football. Georgia has a tough, physical secondary that will challenge Burks and the Razorbacks with every drop back. Burks will need to make some plays, big ones, to give Arkansas a chance at an upset.

Kyle Hamilton, Safety, Notre Dame v. Cincinnati (2:30 PM ET on NBC)

Kyle Hamilton will be an X-Factor in this battle of the undefeated teams. Cincinnati has an explosive offense and Notre Dame isn’t the type of team to win in a shoot out. Kyle Hamilton will need an elite performance, up to the standard he has established through the first few weeks of the season, to keep the Bearcats at bay.

Matt Corral, Quarterback, Ole Miss v. Alabama (3:30 PM ET on CBS)

Matt Corral has emerged as one of the more exciting quarterbacks in the nation and a legitimate Heisman contender. His big arm and aggressive play style has been a huge factor fort the Rebels and has NFL teams noticing. Alabama will be his biggest test of the season and a strong showing against the Tide will vault him in the discussion of top quarterback prospect in a class looking for the number one guy.

DeAndre Square, Linebacker, Kentucky v. Florida (6 PM ET on ESPN)

With Jamin Davis in the NFL, DeAndre Square has stepped up as the leading tackler for the WIldcats. Square is a smaller linebacker with good quickness and instincts to keep him around the ball. The Florida offense can challenge a defense in a variety of ways, so Square’s whole game will be on full display.

Isaiah Spiller, Running Back, Texas A&M v. Mississippi State (7 PM ET on SECN)

Isaiah Spiller has a great blend of size, strength and breakaway speed at the running back position. His talent could make him the top running back prospect in the 2022 class. As Texas A&M comes off a tough loss, it is clear Spiller is the team’s only hope of relevancy when it comes to offensive output. Spiller should see the ball quite a bit against the Bulldogs, and a big game from him will help the Aggies rebound and get back on track.

Kolby Harvey-Peel, Safety, Oklahoma State v. Baylor (7 PM ET on ESPN2)

It ain’t easy being a defensive back in the Big 12, but Kolby Harvey-Peel has been a playmaking safety for Oklahoma State for the last three years. The senior defender is off to a strong start this year with two interceptions already, but he will need to be on his best against Baylor. The Bears bring an explosive passing offense into this game and Havery-Peel will need to deliver big plays in what should be a high scoring affair

Jahan Dotson, Wide Receiver, Penn State v. Indiana (7:30 PM ET on ABC)

Jahan Dotson has been the go-to guy in Penn State’s passing offense. He is a dependable player with good routes, better hands and solid athleticism. Indiana might be 2-2, but they still have a talented secondary that will challenge Dotson and the rest of the Penn State offense. Expect the senior to see targets all game and for his play to dictate the outcome of this game.

Alec Lindstrom, Center, Boston College v. Clemson (7:30 PM ET on ACCN)

Clemson is a wounded team right now, clinging onto a ranked position at 2-2. Meanwhile, 4-0 unranked Boston College fancy themselves giant killers this weekend as they look to put the final nail in Clemson’s coffin. Alec Lindstrom is the leader on the BC offensive line at center and will be crucial in keeping their offense upright against a stingy Clemson defense. Lindstrom will need to pave the way for the run game against the Tigers defensive line while also keeping his quarterback off the ground and away from duress. It’s no easy task, but for one of the best linemen in the nation, it might just be another Saturday.

Jake Haener, Quarterback, Fresno State v. Hawai’i (11 PM ET on CBSSN)

Grab a 10 PM cup of coffee and check into the Jake Haener show late tonight. The senior signal caller has Fresno State playing great football with his arm and leadership. Hawai’i might end up going blow for blow with the Bulldogs, which means the breakout quarterback will have plenty of drop backs to show off.