Future Hogs – Week 2: A look at college football players who could help the Washington Commanders

I underestimated so many of the matchups in Week 2 of the college football season, but how could I see some of these games coming. Notre Dame going down to Northern Illinois? Oklahoma inching past Houston? Oregon struggling with Boise State? There were a number of close games where ranked teams were taken to the brink. I thought Texas going to Michigan would be the premiere game, but it was not much of a contest. The Longhorns were just too fast and too skilled for the Wolverines. At least the battle between Iowa and Iowa State for the Cy-Hawk Trophy was as advertised with tough defense and surprisingly big plays on offense. The Cyclones eked out a win on a late 54-yard field goal (unfortunately, their kicker is only a freshman.)

Several teams will be looking to bounce back in Week 3. Michigan will look to get right versus Arkansas State while Notre Dame will have their hands full with Purdue. This week will also feature several in-state rivalries: Oregon vs. Oregon State, Utah vs. Utah State’s Battle of the Brothers, and Colorado vs. Colorado State’s Rocky Mountain Showdown. For those in the metropolitan area, Maryland will take on UVA in an old ACC rivalry.

Below are just a few players who had a good week 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.

Kyle McCord, QB, Senior, Syracuse

Last season, McCord was leading the Buckeyes’ offense. Many saw him as the limiting factor of the team despite clutch play against teams like Notre Dame. He has been lights out for the Orange this season. What he’s doing well is reading defenses and trusting what he sees to make accurate throws. I’d like to see him speed up his delivery to give defenses less of a chance to get a bead on his passes. The 6’3”, 220 lb signal caller did something Florida State could not, beat Georgia Tech, by throwing for 381 yards and four touchdowns on 32 of 46 passes.

Cam Skattebo, RB, Senior, Arizona State

After being named the Big Sky Conference Offensive Player of the Year in 2022 while at Sacramento State, Cam Skattebo transferred to Arizona State. He’s done a little bit of everything for the Sun Devils – including passing and punting – but he’s at his best when he can run downhill with his 5’11”, 215 lb frame. He patiently sets up his blocks, uses his vision to pick his way through the defense, and has excellent contact balance. Skattebo rushed 33 times for 262 yards, the second-most in program history, tacked on three catches for 35 yards, and helped ASU to its first win over an SEC opponent, Mississippi State.

Konata Mumpfield, WR, Senior, Pittsburgh

Down 27-6 in the third quarter, Pittsburgh dug deep to snatch a 28-27 victory from Cincinnati. The 6’1”, 185 lb Mumpfield was a big part of that comeback win. He used his suddenness and footwork to create separation from the Bearcats defenders. Mumpfield’s hands look good and he presents good run after the catch potential. Until I can see him beat press coverage, I like him best as a slot receiver where he might get more free releases. He had five catches for 123 yards and two touchdowns.

Gunner Helm, TE, Senior, Texas

It’s hard to think that Michigan’s tight end Colston Loveland played a game and I’m going to talk about the other team’s tight end. Texas went to the Big House and throttled Michigan and Gunner Helm was a problem for them. He did a great job of finding open space in the Wolverines’ defense and making sure-handed catches. Helm had seven catches for 98 yards including a 21-yard TD reception.

Wyatt Milum, OT, Senior, West Virginia

There are a lot of things to like about Wyatt Milum. He is a big guy at 6’6”, 317 lbs. Through three years for WVU, he’s played both right and left tackle. Last season, he did not give up a sack or a QB hit. His foot quickness looks good and he is athletic enough to work to the second level and can make plays in space. He has a very good anchor against power rushers, but he is a little slow changing his direction to stop counters and speed rushers. Check out the thread of him blocking below.

Tyler Baron, DE, Redshirt Senior, Miami

After four years at Tennessee, Knoxville native Tyler Baron transferred to Miami. He’s made an impact for the Hurricanes with sacks in each game to start the season. He displays good get off at the snap and hand usage to keep blockers off his body, a good bull rush, and the ability to bend and flatten to the QB. He had five tackles and three sacks against in a win over Florida A&M.

Nick Martin, LB, Redshirt Junior, Oklahoma State

There is a clip of Nick Martin chasing down Xavier Worthy in last year’s Big 12 Championship Game. His teammates call him “the missile.” Speed is one of the calling cards of Martin’s play that he uses to make plays sideline-to-sideline. That speed also allows him to make hard hits on ball carriers, but he plays under control and disciplined. A knock against him: he’s only 6’, 220 lbs. He had 16 total tackles and three QB hits in an overtime win over Arkansas.

Tommi Hill, CB, Senior, Nebraska

With a 6’, 205 lb frame, Tommi Hill is a good-sized corner with long arms. He used every bit of that frame to get a pick-six off Colorado on the way to a Nebraska victory. He would also contribute a team-high six tackles. At his size, he moves fluidly and trust his technique so he can look back for the ball and make a play on it. He is also physical in the run game, lacking any hesitation to come up and make a big hit.

Glendon Miller, S, Redshirt Senior, Maryland

Maryland has a lot of athletes on their team and Glendon Miller looks like one of their best. Miller plays with good instincts so that he is always near the ball and has the speed to make plays all over the field. He’ll run the lane to make plays on the edge in the run game as well as follow the eyes of the quarterback to make plays in the pass game. In a loss to Michigan State, Miller had seven tackles and two interceptions.

Jesus Gomez, K, Senior, Eastern Michigan

I think we all can agree that this team needs Jesus. Cade York has been cut and Austin Seibert only attempted one field goal last season. Gomez did all the scoring for the Eagles Saturday in a loss to Washington, but was named the MAC Special Teams Player of the Week. He made all three of his field goals, including a program-long from 57 yards.