20) Tyler Davis, DL, Clemson (6-2, 300)
Previous ranking: Unclassified
What I saw: Davis returned for Clemson’s double overtime win over Wake Forest last weekend after missing two games through injury. His best play in the first half was a sack by quarterback Sam Hartman, beating the left guard with speed from the 3 technical point. Davis took control of the game late in the fourth quarter, stopping a run for a loss, sharing a sack with star defensive end Myles Murphy on the next play, then rushing downfield to help prevent a tight end to land a crucial first try. He fended off the cross using his natural leverage for another tackle on Wake Forest’s first play of second overtime.
And after: Davis’ next two Saturdays are booked, as he will pursue two senior quarterbacks at North Carolina State Devin Leary (Oct. 1) and Boston College’s Phil Jurkovec (Oct. 8).
19) Mekhi Garner, BC, LSU (6-2, 217)
Previous ranking: Unclassified
What I saw: Garner has played well this year as a transfer from Louisiana, using his quick feet, huge frame and long arms to intimidate his man. He made a “wow” play in the Sept. 17 win over Mississippi State, reaching past his man on an inside route to break up a pass. Garner’s coverage skills were untested by New Mexico last weekend, but he had three saves in the beating, going down to stop a screen for a 4-yard loss and later sweeping a block tight end in space to thwart an option.
And after: The Tigers travel to Jordan-Hare Stadium to face Auburn on Oct. 1 before returning to Baton Rouge for a tough game against Tennessee on Oct. 8. Vols quarterback Hendon Hooker and his receivers will provide a test for Garner’s pro hopefuls.
18) Jordan Battle, S, Alabama (6-1, 206)
Previous ranking: Unclassified
What I saw: Battle played his usual role in coverage during the Sept. 17 Louisiana-Monroe blowout, but snuck into the box before the breakup and stopped a running play in the first quarter. The veteran point guard made his presence felt in last week’s win over Vanderbilt, acknowledging and nullifying a throw sweep, then a quick throw for his two tackles in the first quarter. Battle helped one of Alabama’s young corners knock down a receiver in the third quarter and then made a punt coverage tackle.
And after: ‘Bama visits Arkansas and then hosts Texas A&M within two weeks. Battle, who is considered a daily deal with a leg injury, needs to be aware of Razorbacks quarterback KJ Jefferson’s running prowess and follow his receivers, who will test the secondary underfield.
17) Tayvion Robinson, WR, Kentucky (5-11, 187)
Previous ranking: Unclassified
What I saw: Robinson was transferred to the UK from Virginia Tech to use his speed and strong hands in the Wildcats offense – much like Giants 2022 second-round pick Wan’Dale Robinson (no relation) did. did last year after transferring from Nebraska. Tayvion scored twice on seven receptions (for 147 yards) against Northern Illinois last week. He lost his man on a choppy route before exploding 69 yards on his first score. He then dodged a tackle attempt in the middle, putting his hand on the ground to maintain balance before accelerating from 40 yards to score what turned out to be the match winner.
And after: Ole Miss and the South Carolina nickel backs will focus on their tackle technique the next two weekends after seeing what Robinson has done between hashes so far this season.
16) Derick Hall, Edge, Auburn (6-3, 256)
What I saw: Hall started strong in the Tigers’ home loss to Penn State on Sept. 17, stopping a run play on the first set and then attacking an option on the second before the Nittany Lions locked him in. He also didn’t break away from Missouri’s tackles early in Auburn’s overtime win last weekend, but grabbed an angled pass for an interception that led to a score. He came alive with three tackles for loss in the second half, including two sacks – the first on a secondary spike effort and the other after sweeping the block from left tackle Javon Foster.
And after: Hall must constantly assign LSU quarterback Jayden Daniels before Daniels can connect with receivers Kayshon Boutte and Jaray Jenkins on Saturday. Auburn will then travel to Athens, where Hall will face the talented offensive tackles of defending national champions Broderick Jones and Warren McClendon.