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NFLPA Collegiate Bowl Watch Week 7: Zach Smith, Marlon Williams, Bailey Gaither, Kwity Paye, Tyshon Fogg

Tulsa quarterback Zach Smith (AP Photo/Chris O’Meara)

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. Also, be sure to monitor the NFLPA Collegiate Bowl Big Board for new player additions throughout the season!   

Zach Smith, QB, Tulsa
Tulsa senior quarterback Zach Smith appears primed to heat up. After missing two weeks due to quarantine, Smith was a bit rusty in his first game back. However, he got back on track this past week against USF, completing 16-of-24 passes for 233 yards and one touchdown, while steering the Golden Hurricanes to their second consecutive victory. The transfer from Baylor has a live arm and was once a heralded recruit coming out of high school, before enduring some downtrodden times during his time with the Bears. Now, he has placed himself on the NFL radar, as he continues to make the most of his new opportunity.

Marlon Williams, WR, UCF
UCF senior wide receiver Marlon Williams continues to post video game-type numbers in the Knights’ high-octane offense. His latest performance came during the trouncing of Tulane this past weekend, as he registered 174 receiving yards and three touchdowns on nine receptions. He has now set career-highs across the board through his first five games with 54 catches, 753 receiving yards and six touchdowns. Williams who primarily lined up in the slot last season, has since moved outside for UCF, demonstrating the type of versatility that should appeal to NFL teams. He was viewed more as a free-agent type prospect coming into the season, but the Mobile, Alabama native is starting to make a strong case for having his name called at some point on Day Three based on his impressive strength, hands and yards after catch ability.

Bailey Gaither, WR, San Jose State
One player to store in the memory bank is redshirt senior wide out Bailey Gaither, who is still relatively unknown in the draft community despite a breakout season for San Jose State last year. The crisp route runner is off to a hot start again, making eight grabs for 110 yards, including a big-play, 52-yard reception. Bailey is held in high regards among the coaching staff for his work ethic and character. He is known to have strong, dependable hands and owns deceptive speed, as he has been timed in the mid 4.4-range. He also plays all four special teams units, in addition to returning both kicks and punts. While Bailey may not hear his name called during the NFL Draft, this is one player who will be tough to cut once you get him to training camp.

Kwity Paye, DL, Michigan
Michigan kicked off its season with an impressive victory over Minnesota behind the defensive effort of pass-rusher Kwity Paye, who displayed a much more diverse pass-rush repertoire on his way to collecting a pair of clutch sacks. His newfound dedication to the film room has had a renowned impact on the maturation of his overall game, according to his coaches. The Providence native, who has packed on nearly 40 pounds since arriving to Ann Arbor, also played running back and was a state champion long jumper in high school with a personal best mark of 21 feet, 5 inches—a testament to his incredible athleticism. With his combination of speed, quickness, balance and flexibility, Paye is a potential first-round pick.

Tyshon Fogg, DB, Rutgers
One of New Jersey’s best-kept secrets resides in Piscataway, as Rutgers senior team leader Tyshon Fogg starred playing in middle of the Scarlet Knights’ suffocating defense during their win over Michigan State. Fogg demonstrated his sideline-to-sideline prowess, swarming to the ball, while collecting 12 tackles, including a pair of backfield stops. The two-time team captain can often be seen calling out pre-snap reads and making sure teammates are in correct alignment. This is a fundamentally sound player who shows excellent tackling technique and possesses all the intangibles to become a solid contributor at the next level.

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