Louisiana Lafayette running back Elijah Mitchell (AP Photo/John Amis)
Each week, the scouting department at the NFLPA Collegiate Bowl will examine some of the top performances in college football by potential pro prospects that we are keeping an eye on. Be sure to monitor the NFLPA Collegiate Bowl Big Board for new player additions throughout the season!
Kenny Pickett, QB, Pittsburgh
One of the more under-heralded senior signal-callers is Pitt quarterback Kenny Pickett, who steered the Panthers to victory over Syracuse with an efficient game. The team co-captain was surgical, converting several key third downs while also showcasing the arm strength to make big throws downfield. Praised for his leadership and intangibles, his style of play doesnโt always show up in the box score but itโs the subtle things that he is able to do that will make scouts want to go to bat for him when draft season rolls around.
Kenny Pickett with the ๐ฏ
Jared Wayne with the ๐https://t.co/Cd7dVDYTpW#H2P pic.twitter.com/idlPFZ8xIO
โ Pitt Football (@Pitt_FB) September 19, 2020
Elijah Mitchell, RB, Louisiana-Lafayette
The Rajun Cajuns came away victorious once again in what was a spicy matchup against Georgia State, as running back Elijah Mitchell rushed for 164 yards, including the game-winning touchdown in overtime — after setting up the go-ahead score with a 53-yard scamper. Mitchell also had a 59-yard touchdown run during the game, showcasing his long speed while averaging more than 10 yards per carry on the day. A two-star recruit coming out of high school, the rugged, tough, downhill runner is used to being slept on, but he has quietly emerged as one of the top senior running back prospects in the nation. He looks to follow in the footsteps of former teammate and Collegiate Bowl participant Raymond Calais Jr. (L.A. Rams), who was selected in the seventh round of the 2020 NFL Draft.
WATCH: @RaginCajunsFB Elijah Mitchell (@EliMitch15) hit 20.6 MPH on this 59-yard TD @NCAAFNation247 #myRAnaxspeed | ๐ฅ @espn pic.twitter.com/JHImU9GSgF
โ Recruiting Analytics (@RAanalytics) September 19, 2020
Dorian Etheridge, LB, Louisville
A four-year starter and team captain, Louisville middle linebacker Dorian Ehteridge has been a staple of excellence for the Cardinals. His efforts in primetime against the Miami Hurricanes didnโt go unnoticed, as he demonstrated his sideline-to-sideline prowess with seven tackles, including 1.5 tackles for loss. Praised for his smarts and intelligence by the coaching staff, Etheridge possesses the type of raw athleticism, along with consistency that could make him an appealing developmental prospect at the next level.
๐๐ฎ๐ฝ๐๐ฎ๐ถ๐ป (๐ป): one who exemplifies the qualities of a leader & sets the tone for the team#BeatND captains: Dorian Etheridge, C.J. Avery, Tyler Haycraft & Blanton Creque#GoCards pic.twitter.com/sGaPIbArip
โ Louisville Football (@UofLFootball) August 27, 2019
*Be sure to follow the NFLPA Collegiate Bowl on Twitter @NFLPABowl for the latest scouting notes, alumni updates and event news! Also, tune in to our weekly podcast hosted by NFLPA Bowl director of college recruiting Dane Vandernat and Ric Serritella of the NFL Draft Bible.