7 college football players to watch in Week 9

Keeping an eye on NFL Draft prospects.

Week nine of college football brings another slate of exciting games and top-notch opportunities to watch NFL prospects shine. Here are some names to watch today.

Kenneth Walker, Running Back v. Michigan (12 PM ET on Fox)

Kenneth Walker is one of the most productive running backs in the nation and the engine of the Michigan State offense. The Spartans face their toughest test yet in the Wolverines and Walker has a chance to advance his Heisman campaign against Michigan’s stingy defense.

Nakobe Dean, Linebacker, UGA v. Florida (3:30 PM ET on CBS)

Every week is Pick Your Poison with a Georgia defensive player to watch. This week, the poison is electric linebacker Nakobe Dean. Dean’s speed and physicality will be an intriguing match for some of the playmakers on the Florida offense. Watch out for Dean to be used as a blitzer and spy against Florida’s dynamic duo of quarterbacks.

Nik Bonitto, Edge, Oklahoma v. Texas Tech ( 3:30 PM ET on ABC)

Oklahoma versus Texas Tech tends to be a high scoring shootout, meaning any positive plays made on defense could swing the game. The Sooners got the best defender in this game with Nik Bonitto rushing off the edge. The star pass rusher should make the Red Raiders day just hard enough to make a difference.

Cam Taylor-Britt, Cornerback, Nebraska v. Purdue (3:30 PM ET on ESPN2)

Cam Taylor-Britt might be the best defensive prospect Nebraska has had in a while. He’s physical, smart and plays the ball well. He will have a great test today against Purdue’s passing game and a chance to put NFL scouts on notice.

Roger McCreary, Cornerback, Auburn v. Ole Miss (7 PM ET on ESPN)

Roger McCreary might be the most underrated defensive back in the country right now. The Auburn corner’s ball skills and toughness make him a difficult match for any receiver. Today’s showdown with Ole Miss pits McCreary against one of the better passing attacks in the country.

Matt Corral, Quarterback, Ole Miss v. Auburn (7 PM ET on ESPN)

On the other side of the ball is Matt Corral, signal calling for the Rebels offense. Corral has had an awesome season so far and is starting to make his case as a potential top passer in this year’s class. How he responds to Auburn’s defense in a high pressure game could be a great indicator of how he will be viewed going forward.

Brandon Smith, Linebacker, Penn State v. Ohio State (7:30 PM ET on ABC)

Penn State v. Ohio State always produces some top notch football. Today will be no different. For Penn State, Brandon Smith’s role as the leader of their defense will be extremely important against a Buckeyes offense that has really hit their stride. Smith will be tested as a run defender and in coverage. Smith’s name has already been floated as a top linebacker prospect this year. Today’s game could be a great view into why.