CFB #2: Gurley, Erving, Lockett, Funchess

Todd Gurley, RB, Georgia

When I first started watching football, RB’s were all the rage. Slowly they have become a little more unpopular to a point where it’s no longer a surprise if no running back is selected in the first round of the draft. However if Gurley continues his impressive form at Georgia, I imagine a host of teams will be falling over themselves to draft him next year. He’s quick, strong and powerful. He has excellent balance, good open field ability and enough strength to push the pile. He is intelligent and has good vision, he pass protects better than most and he is a danger catching out of the backfield. He can bounce it outside or he can power through the tackles, he’s hard to bring down and keeps his legs churning. He has good size and excellent work ethic. In short, he’s the best back in college football and I think he’ll be a truly spectacular NFL back. I’m looking forward to seeing him this year, his third year in a pro-style offense with the bulldogs.

Cameron Erving, OT, Florida State

The former defensive tackle made a statement last year by pass blocking for Heisman trophy winner Jameis Winston. He started every game at left tackle last year and he is set to protect the blindside again this year. He has excellent feet, good length and showed why he is considered by many to be the best pass blocking lineman in college football. He was first team ACC last year and second team All-American. I fully expect him to make the next leap in his senior year and he could be one of the most highly touted prospects come draft time. He still has work to do and he’s not the finished product, as you can understand having just two years experience on the offensive line. However if you see highlights of Winston tearing the ACC to shreds, make a note to look to his left and see how much time he’s getting to throw or run, thanks in large part to the performance of Cameron Erving.

Tyler Lockett, WR, Kansas State

For a team that doesn’t move the ball through the air that well, Lockett sure is an impressive receiver. At 5’11 and 175lb’s, Tyler doesn’t have elite size at the receiver position, however his reliable hands and ability as a kick returner make him an interesting prospect. Lockett caught 81 passes for 1,262 yards and 11 touchdowns last year and with a more consistent QB, he could have had a lot more as well. Jake Waters (Kansas State QB) knows he has a reliable target who can really open up defences when given the change. The one thing I love about Lockett? His route running. I saw an interview with him at the media day earlier this Summer and he just spoke about refining his technique and running better routes, I already considered him a fine technician with excellent route running ability, so I can’t wait to see him this year.

Devin Funchess, TE, Michigan

Devin is just a mountain of a man, and a player I consider to be the best tight end in college football. He’s 6’5, 230lb’s with good speed and great hands. He’s lined up inside, outside any everywhere in between. Last season he came down with 64 receptions for 982 yards and 11 touchdowns and I expect him to go a step further this year. His blocking is respectable, but it’s his athleticism out in the open field that separates him from the rest. If he can really refine his technique without losing any athleticism, he’ll be a very dangerous player in college football this year and the NFL next year.