LSU (6-4) at Texas A&M (8-3); 7:30 PM ET; ESPN … It wasn’t all that long ago that people were thinking that this game could actually have an impact on this year’s college playoff field. Instead it has turned into what could be called the ‘Disappointment Bowl’ as the Tigers have lost 4 times this fall (and already replaced their coach) while the Aggies have lost their last three conference games. And just to continue the theme, pro scouts at least thought they’d get a chance to see two of the top 4-5 prospects for the upcoming game in LSU RB Len Fournette and A&M DE Myles Garrett. However, Fournette, who has been battling a nagging ankle injury all year, didn’t even make the trip to College Station, while Garrett will play, but has been hobbled by his own ankle issues much of the campaign.
However, even with Fournette out and Garrett not 100%, pro scouts will be there in numbers as there will still be plenty of talent for the 2017 draft on display. Indeed, the tragedy of the LSU season is that the Tigers may have as much talent as any team in the country outside Tuscaloosa, but for whatever reason just have not been able to find a decent college QB to complete the picture. And the numbers tell the tale as LSU has 7 players currently ranked GBN Big Board, the most in the nation other than Alabama’s 8.
LSU also has a couple of first round prospects including the aforementioned Fournette and junior FS Jamal Adams, who has top 10-15 potential. Meanwhile, LSU could be the leader of this April’s second-day pack as the Tigers feature as many as a half a dozen second or third round prospects including WRs Malachi Dupree and Travin Dural, C Ethan Pocic, CB Tra’Davious White, ILB Kendell Beckwith and junior DT Davon Godchaux, although Beckwith also won’t play tomorrow. And for future reference check out emerging LSU sophomore DE Arden Key (#49, 6-5, 235) who has all the look of a possible top 5 in 2018.
Texas A&M got some good news heading into the game that veteran QB Trevor Knight, who has been battling a shoulder injury, is going to give it a go later this evening. If Knight can hold up, he will have a talented group of receivers to throw to in big-play threat Josh Reynolds and juniors Ricky Seals-Jones and Speedy Noil. Both Reynolds and Seals-Jones have second day potential. The Aggies also have an emerging offensive line prospect in LT Avery Gennesy. On the other side of the ball, DE Garrett, assuming he’s healthy, combines with senior DE Daeshon Hall to give the Aggies one of the more dynamic set of edge rushers in college football, while FS Justin Evans is yet another A&M second-day candidate for the upcoming draft. Prospects to watch:
LSU Texas A&M
#7 RB Len Fournette, 6-0, 230, JR #8 QB Trevor Knight, 6-1, 215
#15 WR Malachi Dupree, 6-2,1 90, JR #11 WR Josh Reynolds, 6-3, 190
#83 WR Travin Dural, 6-1, 205 #9 WR Ricky Seals-Jones, 6-4, 240. JR
#77 C Ethan Pocic, 6-6, 310 #2 WR Speedy Noil, 5-11, 195, JR
#76 OG Josh Boutte, 6-4, 345 #65 OT Avery Gennesy, 6-5, 310
# 92 DE Lewis Neal, 6-2, 265 #15 DE Myles Garrett, 6-5, 265, JR
#57 DT Davon Godchaux, 6-3, 300, JR #10 DE Daeshon Hall, 6-5, 260
#52 LB Kendell Beckwith, 6-1, 255 #14 FS Justin Evans, 6-1, 195
#18 CB Tra’Davious White, 5-10, 195 #33 OLB Shaan Washington, 6-3, 240
#33 FS Jamal Adams, 6-0, 210, JR
