National Football League

The Watch List: College Football Week 4

Updated Mar. 4, 2020 12:55 p.m. ET

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Sep 17, 2016; Ann Arbor, MI, USA; Michigan Wolverines linebacker Jabrill Peppers (5) receives congratulations from offensive lineman Mason Cole (52) after he scores a touchdown in the second half against the Colorado Buffaloes at Michigan Stadium. Michigan won 45-28. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports

Week Three of the college football schedule featured a much more exciting slate of games that was filled with upsets and a surprising blowout of a Top-10 team. There were some great matchups that were decided late in the game, and a handful of draft prospects boosted their stock after some excellent performances.

The prospects I list each week will include their last week’s box scores to provide some context on how they are performing. With that in mind let’s take a look at the next group of prospects to make the Watch List…

Nov 21, 2015; Stanford, CA, USA; California Golden Bears wide receiver Chad Hansen (6) carries the ball against the Stanford Cardinal during the second quarter at Stanford Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kelley L Cox-USA TODAY Sports

12 REC, 196 YDS, 2 TD

Chad Hansen has had a monstrous beginning to the 2016 season. The junior wide receiver has formed an instant connection with new quarterback Davis Webb and his stats speak for themselves. He is currently tied for first in FBS in receptions (39), and in receiving touchdowns (5). He is first in FBS in receiving yards (536) and is first in FBS in yards per game (178.7). With such an impressive start he’s been named the PAC-12 offensive player of the week after his dominating game against Texas. He’s also been added to the Biletnikoff Award watch list for the top receivers in the country. Chad Hansen and the Golden Bears next travel to Tempe, Arizona to take on the Sun Devils. In what should be another high scoring affair, look for Hansen to be the focal point of the offense once again.

Sep 17, 2016; Ann Arbor, MI, USA; Michigan Wolverines linebacker Jabrill Peppers (5) runs the ball in the second quarter against the Colorado Buffaloes at Michigan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports

9 TKL, 3.5 TFL, 1 SCK, 204 YDS (all-purpose), 1 TD

To say that Jabrill Peppers had a big game against Colorado would be an understatement. Peppers was without question the best player on the field, he impacted the game not only defensively but also on special teams. He is having an impact not seen since Charles Woodson patrolled the field for the Wolverines in the mid-90s. Against the Buffaloes, Peppers had nine tackles, 3.5 tackles for loss and a sack on the defensive side of the ball. As a punt returner he accumulated 204 yards and a punt return for a touchdown. Jabrill Peppers has arguably the fastest play speed of any prospect eligible for the 2017 NFL Draft.He is a true do-it-all prospect that can slot into any position that’s not on the defensive line and have a major impact. Up next Peppers will have the task of slowing down Saquon Barkley and the Penn State offense.

Sep 17, 2016; Oxford, MS, USA; Mississippi Rebels tight end Evan Engram (17) runs downfield on a play that would result in a touchdown during the second quarter of the game against the Alabama Crimson Tide at Vaught-Hemingway Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Bush-USA TODAY Sports

9 REC, 138 YDS, 1 TD

Evan Engram made it a point this off-season to develop chemistry with quarterback Chad Kelly, and after his first three games it’s safe to say it was time well spent. In two of his three games he has crossed the 100-yard receiving mark. Against Florida State he had nine receptions for 121 yards and a touchdown, and against Alabama he again hauled in nine receptions for 138 yards and a touchdown. Engram is an ideal “big” slot receiver, he has the size needed to beat smaller corners, while also having enough speed and athleticism to beat linebackers. Ole Miss likes to get Engram the ball in the flat to utilize his size and speed to create mismatch issues for the defense. Against Georgia look for Evan Engram to be a focal point once again for the Ole Miss offense.

Sep 17, 2016; Stillwater, OK, USA; Oklahoma State Cowboys wide receiver James Washington (28) makes a catch as Pittsburgh Panthers defensive back Avonte Maddox (14) defends during the first half at Boone Pickens Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Rob Ferguson-USA TODAY Sports

9 REC, 296 YDS, 2 TD

James Washington has had little trouble against opposing secondaries this season, through three games he has 19 receptions for 399 yards and three touchdowns. The junior wide receiver was dominant against Pittsburgh. He hauled in nine passes for 296 yards and two touchdowns. On the very first play of the game Washington beat Pittsburgh cornerback Avonte Maddox for a 91-yard touchdown. James Washington has plenty of speed to run away from his defender, and enough of a vertical to go up and get the ball over the defender. He also has a variety of moves to beat a defender in press coverage. He’s violent with his hands and has little issue stacking his defender before making his move at the top of his route. The Cowboys face Baylor in what should be another high-scoring affair. Look for James Washington to be the focal point in a game that could be decided by who scores last.

27 ATT, 157 YDS, 3 TD (rushing), 4 REC, 103 YDS, 1 TD (receiving)

I’Tavius Mather the transfer from Ole Miss made history for the Middle Tennessee Blue Raiders against Bowling Green. The senior running back became the first MTSU player to record 100 yards rushing and receiving in a single game. Against the Falcons, Mathers carried the ball 27 times for 157 yards three touchdowns. He also did damage in the receiving game by hauling in four receptions for 103 yards, and a touchdown. I’Tavius Mathers has shined during his time as the Blue Raiders starting running back. He’s a patient runner with above average vision and has enough speed to beat linebackers and some members of the secondary. Mathers will be a name to watch as the season progresses to see how his production increases or decreases with a full time workload.