Future Hogs – Week 13: A look at college football players who could help the Washington Commanders

Rivalry Week in college football lived up to the billing. Michigan and Ohio State took the best shot each team had until Michigan got a interception late to seal The Game for the Wolverines. Washington needed a game-winning field goal as time expired to take home the Apple Cup and defeat Washington State. With their backup starting, Florida State came from behind in the fourth quarter to beat Florida and keep their playoff hopes alive. Georgia ran over Georgia Tech to remain first in the rankings. Oregon handled business against Oregon State. If you didn’t see how Alabama converted a 4th and Goal from the 31 yard line to snatch certain victory from Auburn, go check it out.

The table for Championship Weekend is set with some intriguing matchups. Stingy defenses collide as Michigan takes on Iowa for the Big 10 Championship. Familiar foes Georgia and Alabama will meet for the SEC Championship. Washington and Oregon will have a rematch in the last Pac-12 Championship that will likely determine one of the playoff spots. Florida State will look to remain in the playoff picture by beating Louisville in the ACC Championship game. Texas will take on Oklahoma State for the Big 12 title.

Below are just a few players who had good weeks and might be able to help improve the Commanders’ roster. Let me know what you think of these prospects and feel free to post players that stood out to you.

Jack Plummer, QB, Louisville

Although Louisville suffered their second loss of the season to Kentucky in a close game, they have had an excellent season. Senior signal caller Jack Plummer has been at the helm of the offense all year. He’s a tall QB at 6’5”, 215 lbs, has good movement skills in the pocket, and can make plays with his legs if needed. His arm strength isn’t special, but he has flashed the ability to be accurate and have excellent ball placement. What I’d like to see is if he can be more consistent in his play and limit mistakes. He completed 72% of his passes for 242 yards and two touchdowns with a pick coming on a Hail Mary at the end of the game.

Braelon Allen, RB, Wisconsin

I’m trying to wrap my mind around a draft eligible prospect that is only 19 years old. Junior Braelon Allen has already declared for the NFL draft and hopes to follow in the footsteps of other great Wisconsin running backs. At 6’2”, 245 lbs, Allen is huge and easily absorbs hits and runs through arm tackles. Even at that size, he can get skinny through holes he finds using outstanding vision. He had 165 yards on 26 carries and two touchdowns in a win over Minnesota.

Tory Horton, WR, Colorado State

The Rams came up a little short against the Rainbow Warriors of Hawaii in a crazy finish, but it wasn’t for a heck of a performance from standout wideout, Tory Horton. The 6’2”, 190 lbs senior has a knack for getting behind defenses and beating them deep. He also uses that speed to turn underneath routes into long gains. He had nine catches for 186 yards and a touchdown in the loss.

Tanner McLachlan, TE, Arizona

Arizona has put together a surprisingly good season behind some quality offensive players. One of them is 6’5”, 245 lb senior Tanner McLachlan. He is just a productive tight end that does a good job of finding open spaces in the defense. In the open field, he has good athleticism, but I’d like to see him fight through contact better. As a blocker, he holds his own against rushers. In a blowout win over Arizona State, McLachlan caught seven passes for 60 yards and two trips to the endzone.

Graham Barton, OT, Duke

Duke Senior Graham Barton has held down the left tackle spot for the Blue Devils for the past three seasons. However, some think he will be better playing on the interior offensive line in the NFL. I tend to agree because he’s a powerful player that is devastating in the run game. He holds his own in the pass game, but I need to see he has the athleticism and quickness to deal with NFL rushers. Many have compared him to last year’s draft darling Peter Skoronski.

Javon Solomon, DE, Troy

Junior Javon Solomon looks to continue the tradition of talented Troy pass rushers in the NFL. The 6’2”, 249 lb defensive end is lightning quick off the edge with good bend. I’m curious how well he’ll hold up against the run, so he may need to be a situational pass rusher to start his career. He had three tackles and a sack in a win over Southern Missouri.

Cedric Gray, LB, UNC

It was a tough end to the season for UNC. The Tar Heels lost four of their last six after starting 6-0. Senior Cedric Gray put together a productive season. At 6’2”, 235 lbs, Gray has plus athleticism and is really good at finding gaps in the offense to attack and make his way to the ball. His size makes it tough to throw over him in zone coverage as evidenced by his five career picks. In a loss to NC State, Gray had 17 tackles – one for a loss – a half sack,

Cobee Bryant, CB, Kansas

All year long, Cobee Bryant has been one of the best corners in college football. He’s particularly good in man coverage where he uses excellent technique to stick to his assignments. When that fails him, Bryant uses is length to make up any space between him and the receiver. He had one of the best interceptions you’ll see, along with three tackles and two PBUs, in a win over Cincinnati.

Akeem Dent, S, Florida State

You have to love the aggression that senior Akeem Dent plays with. He is a menace playing around the line of scrimmage because of his quickness. He can run the alley from the deep safety position and minimize rushing plays to the outside. What I would like him to do is control that aggression a little more as you see him bite on play fakes. I’d also like to see him be more of a difference maker defending passes. Against Florida State, Dent had seven total tackles and a forced fumble.