In a destined voyage to be one of the top prospect classes heading into the 2016 NFL Draft in Chicago, many candidates are flashing their talents week in and week out to establish a name for themselves in preparation for the next level.
Approaching Week 5, many young men have already captured the attention of NFL scouts, while others are less fortunate but continue to put forth the effort in the weight room and further define their limits and potential fate.
Looking ahead to next year’s draft, some juniors and seniors have elusiveness to bring to the table, others whose futures were ascribed in the preseason and others who are equipped with unmatched athletic skills to help them prosper through the NFL Combine.
At the day’s conclusion, they all aspire to do one of two things – either win a national championship or participate on a 53-man roster.
Until then, here’s a look at the top players with memorable performances in Week 4, who should also be on high alert come next April.
LB Blake Martinez, Stanford
BLAKE. MARTINEZ.
BOOM.#GoStanford #BeatOSU pic.twitter.com/fOyko49eXz
— Stanford Athletics (@GoStanford) September 26, 2015
6-foot-2, 245 pounds
vs. Oregon State: 12 tackles
2015 Totals: 48 tackles, INT
LB Tyler Matakevich, Temple
.@Temple_FB's Tyler Matakevich enters his senior season with impressive stats https://t.co/7gWL97rUQD pic.twitter.com/0Bn6r5Gi6N
— American Football (@American_FB) July 9, 2015
6-foot-1, 232 pounds
vs. Massachusetts: 9 tackles
2015 Totals: 29 tackles, 3 sacks, 2 INT
RB Leonard Fournette, Louisiana State
https://vine.co/v/exXBjlBeH6a
6-foot-1, 230 pounds
vs. Syracuse: 26 rushes, 244 yards, 2 TD
2015 Totals: 73 rushes, 631 yards, 8 TD
QB Christian Hackenberg, Penn State
https://twitter.com/celebrityhottub/status/645723116346417152
6-foot-4, 228 pounds
vs. San Diego State: 21-of-35, 296 yards, 3 TD
2015 Totals: 56-of-106, 668 yards, 4 TD, 2 INT
Note: after losing both supporters in the backfield, Hackenberg will have to find some solace in entrusting his 4.78 forty speed to gain momentum on the ground
LB Scooby Wright, Arizona
NFC exec compares #Arizona's Scooby Wright to seven-time Pro Bowler (via @AlbertBreer).
–> http://t.co/E1FtLcocJH pic.twitter.com/KwQChVgrgm
— NFL Draft (@NFLDraft) September 26, 2015
6-foot-1, 246 pounds
vs. UCLA: 7 tackles
2015 Totals: 8 tackles
INJURY REPORT
OL Ronnie Stanley, Notre Dame – probable (inflammation)
#NotreDame's Brian Kelly: Ronnie Stanley has some patella tendinitis but nothing major. Tyler Luatua had a concussion pic.twitter.com/4cfhhj59Gn
— Matt Fortuna (@Matt_Fortuna) September 26, 2015
LB Kentrell Brothers, Missouri – probable (ankle)
Kentrell Brothers' mother, Kia Brothers-Jones, posted on Facebook last night that initial scans of his ankle showed no fractures or breaks.
— David Morrison (@DavidCMorrison) September 27, 2015
6-foot-1, 235 pounds
vs. Kentucky: 10 tackles
2015 Totals: 52 tackles, 2 INT
QB Gunner Kiel, Cincinnati – questionable (head)
https://vine.co/v/exZt92DUz2U
LB Myles Jack, UCLA – out indefinitely (knee)
Myles Jack did it all for the Bruins defense, from mayhem in the backfield to breaking up passes. pic.twitter.com/eCbyHKb8zy
— ESPN Stats & Info (@ESPNStatsInfo) September 23, 2015
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*Featured Photo (above) credit to USA TODAY Sports