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Alabama plays Ohio State tonight at the College Football Playoff National Championship Game, and you will hear many names tonight that you will also hear during the NFL draft. Here are some of the players worth keeping an eye on:
Justin Fields, QB, Ohio: The Buckeyes’ quarterback is a long shot to go ahead of Trevor Lawrence of Clemson as the overall first choice, although if Urban Meyer becomes the head coach of the Jaguars that possibility cannot be ruled out. If Fields isn’t the first overall, he won’t wait long to hear his name on the night of the NFL’s 2021 draft.
Mac Jones, QB, Alabama: Jones is not the same type of elite talent that Fields is, but it is difficult to challenge his results: Jones completed 77 percent of his passes this season, launching for 4,036 yards with 36 touchdowns and four interceptions. Jones’ production compares well with what Tua Tagovailoa and Jalen Hurts did as defenders in Alabama.
Devonta Smith, WR, Alabama: The winner of the Heisman Trophy, Smith is a truly elite player with the ball in his hands. At 1.80 meters and 80 kilos, he does not appear physically imposing, but imposes his will on any cornerback that tries to protect him.
Jaylen Waddle, WR, Alabama: Earlier this season, many observers consider Waddle, not Smith, Alabama’s best wide receiver. Unfortunately, Waddle suffered an ankle injury in October and has not played since, and it is unclear whether he will play tonight. If he returns to full speed, be careful.
Patrick Surtain II, CB, Alabama: The son of a Pro Bowl cornerback three times, Surtain II may be even more athletic than his father. He’s excellent on the roof and will be a thorn in Fields’ side tonight.
Chris Olave, WR, Ohio: Olave took 10 passes for 139 yards and a touchdown in the Big Ten Championship Game, followed by six receptions for 132 yards and two touchdowns in the College Football Playoff semifinal against Clemson. Your confrontation with Surtain will be good.
Wyatt Davis, G, Ohio: Grandson of the Professional Football Hall of Fame Willie Davis, Wyatt Davis initially planned to withdraw from the 2020 season, but later decided to play and was a leader in the Buckeyes’ offensive line.
Christian Barmore, DL, Alabama: Barmore was one of the best players on the field in Alabama’s semifinal victory over Notre Dame, and the state of Ohio needs its offensive line to keep him out of Fields tonight.
Alex Leatherwood, LT, Alabama: The 6 foot-6, 312 pound Leatherwood is strong as a race blocker and is improving as a pass blocker, with Notre Dame being perhaps its best yet.
Najee Harris, RB, AlabamaHarris is the latest in a long line of excellent running backs in Alabama, and he can have the best combination of size, speed and explosion. A freshman and sophomore substitute, Harris topped 1,200 running yards and 300 receiving yards in his junior and senior seasons.
Trey Sermon, RB, OhioAfter three years in Oklahoma, Sermon moved to Ohio this year and strengthened at the end of the season, with 331 yards in the Big Ten Championship Game and another 193 yards in the semifinal victory over Clemson.