SEC Football

HEIGHT: 6'3"

WEIGHT: 314

HAND: 10 1/4"

ARM: 33 1/2"

WINGSPAN: TBD

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40-YARD DASH: TBD

3-CONE: TBD

SHUTTLE: TBD

VERTICAL: TBD

BROAD: TBD

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POSITIVES

— Good size for an NFL defensive tackle and carries little to no bad weight. Has room for growth on his frame if needed.

— Accelerates off the line of scrimmage well in pass-rush situations or when given a jet/go call to put pressure on offensive linemen immediately.

— Combines that get-off with low pad level, strength and physicality at the point of attack to help collapse the pocket with a bull rush.

— Does a good job of working to get on an edge instead of trying to go straight through an offensive lineman's chest.

— Shows impressive quickness, active hands and athleticism to win with finesse moves as a rusher.

— Has a wide array of pass-rush moves that he can win with: bull rush, push-pull, arm over/swim, rip, cross chop, etc.

— Impressive agility, bend and a limber lower half help him take an efficient path to the quarterback when slanting or when turning a tight corner after beating an offensive lineman.

— Great pass-rush motor to get coverage sacks and fight through double-teams.

— Has the quickness and nimbleness against the run to change the offensive lineman's aiming point and get off or avoid blocks, especially when slanting.

— Also has the agility to gain ground vertically and laterally with his first step when slanting.

— Has the athletic ability to redirect and make the offensive lineman miss if slanting puts him out of position.

— Has good knee bend to get leverage advantage when he does take on blocks, and has plenty of strength to get extension and shed.

— Violent when shedding to help get off blocks.

— Has the strength to hold his ground versus one-on-one blocks and won't pop his gap/leave his assignment early.

— Little to no issues making tackles near the line of scrimmage.

— Hustle player with decent speed to factor into gang tackles in pursuit.

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NEGATIVES

— More deliberate off the ball when he isn't slanting on running downs, which could cause him to lose some ground against physical offensive linemen in the NFL.

— Takes on blocks with a narrow base when one-gapping.

— Was reliant on his upper-body strength in college.

— Has wide hand placement against the run and when bull-rushing.

— Linemen with strong grip strength will be able to get to his chest and latch on.

— Struggles to recognize and anticipate double-teams coming to turn his hip into the second blocker.

— Will get caught off guard and kicked inside against doubles.

— Can fall into a habit of doing too much dancing before bull-rushing.

— Needs to just get off the ball and get into the blocker every time.

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2022 Statistics

— 13 G, 32 TOT, 7 TFL, 3 SK, 2 FF, 31 QBH

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NOTES

— 5-star recruit in the 2020 class, No. 18 nationally, No. 4 DT, per 247Sports composite rankings

— Injuries: 2022 ankle (limited 1 game, missed 1 game), 2022 knee/MCL sprain (missed 2 games)

— 11 career starts, played with three first-round defensive linemen last season

— 2021 Honors: Coaches' All-SEC second team

— Played basketball and was a competitive weightlifter in high school

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OVERALL

When watching Travon Walker, Jordan Davis and Devonte Wyatt last year, Jalen Carter constantly kept popping off the tape.

Carter was the best player on a defensive line that featured three 2022 first-round picks, including the first overall selection. That's part of the reason why he's been considered a top-five player throughout the 2023 NFL draft process.

Unlike a lot of defensive tackles who have a specialty, the Florida native is about as versatile as they come. He's quick and athletic to make offensive linemen miss as a run defender and has plenty of strength to hold up against and shed one-on-one blocks. As a pass-rusher, he can win with power using a bull rush or push-pull move or around the edges with finesse moves.

A lot of the Georgia product's negatives are admittedly nitpicky. There are a few technical flaws that he needs to clean up, most notably his hand placement on bull rushes and against the run, but most of his issues are easily fixable. His biggest area for concern in the NFL is probably his ability to take on double-teams, which slightly impacts his scheme fit.

Carter would be best as a 3-technique for a team that uses a lot of even fronts. He has the athleticism to also play as a 4i- to 5-technique in odd fronts, but his struggles against double-teams would be a major issue playing anywhere further inside than a 2i, and even that might be pushing it. He also lacks to size to play too close to the center.

With that said, any team picking toward the top of the draft that's looking for an interior defender who can make an impact against the run and as a pass-rusher should be more than happy to select Carter.

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GRADE: 9.5 (Top-Five Prospect)

OVERALL RANK: 2

POSITION RANK: DL1

PRO COMPARISON: Warren Sapp

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Written by B/R NFL Draft Scout Matt Holder

HEIGHT: 6'3.5"

WEIGHT: 253

HAND: 9 7/8"

ARM: 33 7/8"

WINGSPAN: TBD

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40-YARD DASH: 4.60

3-CONE: TBD

SHUTTLE: TBD

VERTICAL: TBD

BROAD: TBD

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POSITIVES

— Good get-off, quick to react to the snap with good acceleration while taking short, powerful steps to maintain his base.

— Takes on blocks with low pad level and quick, accurate hands on the offensive lineman’s chest to gain leverage.

— Recognizes blocking schemes well to put himself in a good position to take on blocks—i.e., working wide versus reaches or shooting his hands to play the cut.

— Physical at the point of attack with plenty of strength to set the edge against offensive tackles versus outside zone. He’s a lot stronger than his frame would suggest.

— Gap-disciplined, won’t leave his assignment until the running back commits. Has no issues shedding blocks with his hand placement and strength, and has the agility to cross the face of the offensive lineman he’s engaged with to make tackles in the adjacent gap.

— Can be lethal when slanting with his get-off and movement skills. Gains ground laterally and vertically with his L-step and can get penetration easily.

— Powerful for his size as a bull-rusher to put offensive tackles on skates. Also works to get on an edge and has developed several inside countermoves off the bull rush.

— Excellent change of direction for a defensive lineman to test offensive linemen’s ability to redirect and consistently win with inside pass-rush moves. Also uses his hands well to get clean wins that lead to sacks.

— Has shown solid hand-swipe and arm-over moves to win on the outside that he can develop in the pros.

— Recognizes and anticipates chip blocks well, which allows him to take them on and avoid getting caught off guard or put on the ground.

— Effort rusher who will get coverage sacks.

— Effective on stunts as both the penetrator or looper. As the penetrator, his get-off and aggressiveness at the point of attack will catch offensive linemen off guard and get them off their feet. As the looper, his change of direction and agility allow him to move laterally without losing ground, and he has the acceleration to win and close on the quarterback.

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NEGATIVES

— Could afford to add weight to maintain his physical playing style in the NFL.

— Might struggle to get extension versus NFL offensive tackles. Wasn’t routinely locking out tackles in college, more just getting them off his frame with enough room to shed the block.

— Against power, counter and split zone, doesn’t get his eyes inside to see and get underneath pullers as the spill player in run fits.

— Likes to lunge and leave his feet to make tackles, leading to a high rate of missed tackles.

— Doesn't have a go-to outside move that he consistently wins with, and lacks top-tier bend to turn a tight corner at the top of outside rushes.

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2022 Statistics

— 13 G, 51 TOT, 17 TFL, 10 SK, 1 INT, 2 PD

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NOTES

— A 5-star recruit in the 2020 class, No. 17 nationally, No. 1 WDE, per 247Sports' composite rankings

— DOB: Sept. 2, 2001

— 40 career starts

— 2021 Honors: Bronko Nagurski Trophy winner (CFB’s top defensive player), unanimous first-team All-American, SEC Defensive Player of the Year

— 2020 Honors: FWAA Freshman of the Year, Freshman All-American, SEC All-Freshman team

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OVERALL

The best way to describe Will Anderson Jr.'s college tape is that everything just looked easy for him. From his movement skills to how effortlessly he took on blocks, it almost looked like he was getting bored out there. That's part of the reason why he’s been considered the top player in this year’s draft class since last January.

As a pass-rusher, Anderson is impressive with his inside countermoves. His speed off the ball puts pressure on tackles vertically, and once they open their hips, he has the quickness and change of direction to dart inside and leave tackles grasping at air.

He also has an effective bull rush that he’ll use to set up those inside countermoves and allows him to be effective when turning speed to power.

The biggest concern about the Alabama product’s pass-rush arsenal is that he hasn’t shown a go-to move that he can win with on the outside. He also isn't super bendy to turn tight corners at the top of the rush or around the edge. With that being said, he’s shown flashes with the hand-swipe and arm-over moves mentioned above. The latter is more that he just lacks the elite bend that one might expect from a potential No. 1 overall pass-rusher.

While Anderson led the nation with 17.5 sacks in 2021, he's probably an even better run defender. He’s hard to move one-on-one with his strength and leverage at the point of attack, and he has little to no issues getting off blocks with his excellent hand placement.

He needs to do a better job of getting his eyes inside when unblocked to see pullers coming and shore up his tackling form, but those are two very fixable flaws.

He’d fit best as a stand-up outside linebacker in a scheme that uses a lot of odd fronts and occasionally has edge-rushers drop into coverage. He held his own when Alabama asked him to do the latter, which suggests he can be asked to zone-drop in the NFL as a change of pace.

As far as even fronts go, Anderson can play with his hand in the dirt as a defensive end as well, so he’s scheme-versatile and a plug-and-play type of player. He just might be a little more effective as a stand-up outside 'backer.

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GRADE: 9.6 (Top-Five Prospect)

OVERALL RANK: 1

POSITION RANK: EDGE1

PRO COMPARISON: Khalil Mack

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Written by B/R NFL Draft Scout Matt Holder

Texas Tech responded to Ole Miss head coach Lane Kiffin's allegations that Red Raiders linebacker Dimitri Moore used a racial slur and spit on a Rebels player during Wednesday's Texas Bowl.

Brett McMurphy of Action Network shared full statements from head coach Joey McGuire and Moore:

Texas Tech responds to Lane Kiffin’s allegations that a Tech player spit on one of his Ole Miss players & used a racial slur in Texas Bowl pic.twitter.com/LezjdcbMOh

— Brett McMurphy (@Brett_McMurphy) December 29, 2022

McGuire notably said, "We are disappointed an opposing coach decided to insinuate serious allegations that are false and irresponsible," while Moore said, "I can't state strongly enough that these accusations are false."

Kiffin made the allegations when speaking to reporters after the loss.

He was discussing a scuffle that occurred during the fourth quarter and resulted in Ole Miss wide receiver Jordan Watkins, who is Black and wears No. 11, being issued a personal foul penalty.

Kiffin explained Moore, who is also Black and wears No. 11 for Texas Tech, should have been flagged:

"They announce our 11, which is Jordan Watkins, who wasn't in the fight. It was their 11 that was fighting 71 [Ole Miss lineman Jayden Williams], and everybody knew because their own coaches were yelling at the guy.

"There was a racial slur involved; that's not the point of what we're talking about, [it's] about the spitting part. I brought our own 71 up to the officials, right or wrong, you see him crying? He's not crying, not because he got spit on, it's because something was said."

Kiffin said he spoke about the incident with the Texas Tech head coach.

"I talked to their head coach afterwards," Kiffin said. "He was like: 'Crazy officiating out there.' I go: 'Yeah, that was really bad on that one that your guy spit and our guy got the penalty.' He was like: 'Yeah, I know.'"

The Red Raiders won 42-25.

LSU quarterback Jayden Daniels announced Friday he will return to school for the 2023 season.

pic.twitter.com/lSyPJkUpjA

— Jayden Daniels (@JayD__5) December 22, 2022

Daniels started for three years at Arizona State before transferring to LSU for the 2022 season. He completed 68.5 percent of his passes for 16 touchdowns (three interceptions) and 2,774 yards this year.

Daniels also rushed for 818 yards and 11 scores for a 9-4 LSU team that reached the SEC Championship Game. The Tigers knocked off Alabama and Ole Miss this year and finished No. 17 in the final College Football Playoff poll.

He received an extra year of eligibility because of the COVID-19 pandemic's impact on the NCAA calendar and is poised to be a starter for all five of his collegiate seasons.

Up next is a Citrus Bowl appearance against Purdue on Jan. 2 at 1 p.m. ET.

LSU returns some big names in 2023, including linebacker Harold Perkins Jr. and wideouts Malik Nabers and Kayshon Boutte. Per Brody Miller of The Athletic, LSU will bring back its entire offensive line as well.

That sets up LSU for success in its second season under Brian Kelly, who has accelerated the rebuild of the Tigers program after it went 6-7 last year.

Having all the key parts back in place will make LSU a strong contender for the College Football Playoff crown. The Tigers had an outside shot at getting there this year before losing to unranked Texas A&M on Nov. 26.

Next year's ledger won't be easy, especially a road game at Alabama, but LSU has the pieces to make the CFP.

One of the top pass-rushers in the 2023 recruiting class has picked his school.

Jaquavious "Qua" Russaw, a 5-star edge-rusher from Carver High School in Alabama, committed to Alabama on Wednesday, per ESPN's Tom VanHaaren.

"Just the winning program," Russaw told ESPN about why he chose the Crimson Tide. "Great program, great place to be, and they can do a lot for you. It's a legendary program."

Russaw is considered the No. 22 player in the Class of 2023, the No. 3 edge-rusher and the No. 2 player from the state of Alabama, per 247Sports' composite rankings.

Cooper Petagna of the recruiting website wrote in Russaw's scouting report that he is an "instinctive three-down linebacker that has ability to play on or off ball at the next level and can add pass-rushing value on passing downs."

Petagna added: "Plays with outstanding effort and will add immediate special teams value at the next level. Projects to a high level Power Five multiyear starter at the collegiate level."

ON3.com said Russaw compared to Tennessee Titans linebacker Rashaan Evans.

Russaw was awesome in 2021, accumulating 130 tackles (27.5 for loss) and 16 sacks.

"I love football and I want people to see that when they watch me play," he told Dawg Nation in May. "I love to make tackles, and it doesn't matter how far away they are or how far down the field it is. I am going to chase it. That's because I love football."

And matching that energy with a similar team culture was a big part of what he was seeking as he considered his college options.

"Just a hard-working team that wants to win," he said he was looking for during the recruiting process. "With the best players on the field. The best players on the field are usually the hardest workers."

With superstar edge-rusher Will Anderson Jr. likely off to the NFL as a potential top-three pick, Russaw could have an avenue for playing time, though Alabama rarely lacks depth.

Dallas Turner, Jeremiah Alexander and Jihaad Campbell will be the favorites to top the depth chart off the edge for the Crimson Tide next season, while fellow Class of 2023 5-star edge-rusher Keon Keeley will also push for playing time.

Javien Toviano, a 4-star cornerback from Martin High School in Arlington, committed to LSU on Thursday, according to Sonny Shipp of 247Sports.com.

Toviano is considered the No. 58 player from the Class of 2023, the No. 6 cornerback and the No. 9 player from the state of Texas, per 247Sports' composite rankings.

At 6'0" and 185 pounds, Toviano already has solid size for the position, though he'll have to bulk up somewhat in college. He's also a versatile athlete, also playing running back and some Wildcat quarterback for Martin.

And he has a solid athletic pedigree. His older brother, Juma Otoviano, is a running back for Rice who has rushed for 1,082 yards and five touchdowns in his college career.

"I think it starts with his humility," Toviano's head coach at Martin, Bob Wager, told NBC DFW 5 when breaking down what made the cornerback prospect special. "He's been raised the right way by his mom and dad. He has an older brother Juma who was a great role model and example for him. He plays all three phases and does whatever he can to help the football team."

That versatility has made him a key player for Martin. At the next level, however, he'll likely focus solely on the cornerback position, with the upside to be a special player.

He may have a route to immediate playing time. LSU only is currently scheduled to have three corners, Sevyn Banks, Laterrance Welch and Jaelyn Davis-Robinson, on the roster for the 2023 season after Mekhi Garner and Jay Ward declared for the NFL Draft and Jarrick Bernard-Converse and Colby Richardson ran out of eligibility.

Toviano will have competition among the freshman, however, with 3-star corners Jeremiah Hughes and Ashton Stamps committed to the school in the Class of 2023. And LSU is likely to address the position in the transfer portal.

James Smith, a 5-star defensive lineman out of Carver High School in Montgomery, Alabama, has chosen to play collegiately at Alabama.

Smith announced his decision Wednesday alongside high school teammate Jaquavious Russaw:

.@Carver_FB’s Jaquavious Russaw and James Smith are both going to Alabama! @wsfa12news pic.twitter.com/tfio19IMri

— Rosie Langello (@RosieLangello) December 21, 2022

Five-star linebacker Jaquavious Russaw and five-star teammate James Smith both just committed to #Alabama. Both top-10 recruits.

The Crimson Tide now have four five-star commitments in the class. #CrimsonTIde @ESPNCFB

— Tom VanHaaren (@TomVH) December 21, 2022

He's ranked 18th overall on the class of 2023 247Sports' composite rankings and second among defensive linemen.

The 6'3" Smith had 21 offers, including ones from powerhouses such as LSU, Ohio State and Georgia, but chose Alabama.

"I like the school," Smith told Chad Simmons of On3. "I like the coaching staff. I have a great relationship with the coaching staff. I felt like it was home for me."

Gabe Brooks, who is 247Sports' Midlands Region recruiting analyst, predicted that Smith would be a future Power Five starter and compared him to South Carolina's Zacch Pickens in his Aug. 5, 2020, scouting report:

"Physical young defensive lineman who could fit multiple fronts, but likely projects best to 3-tech in an even look. Possesses requisite size/frame. Consistently flashes vs. the run and as a pass rusher. Bull in a china shop who made plays as a freshman with size, strength, tenacity. Impressive closing speed relative to size.

"Physicality really stands out for such a young prospect. Technical development and improved body control could make for truly elite front-line defender. Early returns suggest impact high-major potential with early-round NFL Draft ceiling."

Per 247Sports, Smith has played at both defensive tackle and defensive end during his freshman year at Carver, where he spent his first two prep years. He transferred to IMG Academy after his sophomore year but returned to his home state and now plays for Carver again.

Alabama will now welcome him aboard as part of what is currently the No. 1 class in 2023, per 247Sports. Smith and Russaw alone create an elite tandem on the defensive line, joining other proven players to help compete for more national championships.

Highly touted edge defender Qua Russaw made his decision, committing to Alabama on Wednesday.

"It was a long thought process, and I just had to make a decision at the end," he said of his choice to On3's Chad Simmons. "And I think I'll put myself in the best situation by going to Alabama. Everybody loves Alabama in the state, and I've just always come back to Alabama."

The Montgomery, Alabama, native is the No. 22 overall recruit and ranks third at his position in 247Sports' composite rankings for the 2023 class.

247Sports' Cooper Petagna evaluated Russaw in January and wrote the 6'2", 230-pound defender is likely to see time as both a pure pass-rusher and an off-ball linebacker:

"Quick twitch explosive off the line of scrimmage. Compensates for lack of length on the edge with play strength and ability to play with power. Demonstrates heavy hands at the point of attack. Shows the ability to generate consistent pass-rush with initial quickness, play strength, and motor. Plays with excellent range and closing speed off the ball, displaying a violence at the point of attack."

Russaw is one of two notable defensive standouts at Carver High School.

Defensive lineman James Smith sits 18th overall in 247Sports' composite rankings. On3's Peter Warren noted in June the pair were "taking many of their visits together and may end up as a package deal at the next level."

Smith is joining Russaw in Tuscaloosa.

Despite sharing the same field as Smith, Russaw didn't have much trouble commanding the spotlight. He finished with an eye-popping 130 tackles, 27.5 tackles for loss and 16 sacks during his junior campaign.

Not surprisingly, Russaw wasn't lacking for interest from elite Power Five programs. Alabama, Auburn, Texas A&M, Florida, Clemson, USC, Ole Miss and LSU were all among the schools to offer him a scholarship.

Early on, his versatility should go a long way toward getting him on the field regularly with the Crimson Tide. Head coach Nick Saban will feel comfortable inserting him in a few different roles on defense, and Petagna noted special teams is an area in which he can contribute, too.

Right now, Russaw doesn't profile as an Aidan Hutchinson or Will Anderson-style pass-rusher who wreaks havoc on seemingly every passing down. But his sack total from 2021 at Carver speaks for itself. He should grow into a valuable linebacker in Alabama's scheme.

The excitement of national signing day is usually reserved for February, but the impending early signing period is sure to capture the attention of college football fans.

This year's early signing period will begin on Wednesday, making for a busy week. While not every unsigned prospect will be signing their NLIs early, there's still a number of notable players set to make some important decisions. The drama of potential flips and commitment switches adds even more intrigue.

Here are some predictions for where some of the top recruits will land this week.

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Alabama Will Land Hometown Tandem of Jaquavious Russaw and James Smith

Carver High School in Montgomery, Alabama, boasts a pair of top defensive recruits in linebacker Jaquavious Russaw and defensive tackle James Smith. The duo has maintained for a while that they are a package deal with the intention of committing to the same school, and there's a strong chance that they decide to stay home.

Alabama is already putting together an impressive 2023 recruiting class. The addition of Smith and Russaw would make it a historic haul for head coach Nick Saban.

Smith is ranked as the No. 2 defensive lineman in the nation by 247Sports' composite, while Russaw is ranked as the No. 3 edge-rusher. Smith earned an invitation to the Under Armour All-America Game, which will be played on Jan. 3.

The Crimson Tide have been known for their seemingly never-ending cycle of talented defensive players. Smith and Russaw will have the chance to develop into NFL-caliber prospects by choosing to spend the next three or four years under Saban.

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Top Offensive Tackle Kadyn Proctor Will Flip His Commitment from Iowa

Kadyn Proctor is an Iowa native and the No. 2 offensive tackle in the nation, per 247Sports' composite. That formula indicates that he's destined to be the next great anchor on the Iowa Hawkeyes offensive line, but things have changed in recent weeks.

Proctor, who committed to Iowa in June, took a visit to Alabama this past Friday. He also has been linked to Oregon throughout the fall. To add even more to the mix, he received an 11th-hour offer from new Colorado head coach Deion Sanders.

At 6'7" and 330 pounds, there's no surprise that Proctor is one of the most coveted players in the nation. He has the traits to be a future NFL first-round draft pick.

Alabama, in particular, is worth keeping an eye on when it comes to Proctor. The Crimson Tide had five offensive linemen enter the transfer portal since it opened on Dec. 5, so they will need to replace some depth. Nick Saban will be working hard to secure one of the top players in the 2023 class.

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Coach Prime Will Make His Presence Felt for Colorado

In his three years at Jackson State, Deion Sanders has proved to be a savvy recruiter. After being hired as head coach at Colorado, there's no question that Coach Prime will do his best to continue his recruiting success.

Sanders has wasted no time in his short time with the Buffaloes. He already flipped former Notre Dame running back commit Dylan Edwards, who was 2021 Gatorade Player of the Year in the state of Kansas. This past weekend, he hosted edge-rusher Tausili Akana, the No. 1 prospect in the state of Utah, as well as athlete Malachi Coleman, the No. 1 prospect in the state of Nebraska.

Earlier this month, Sanders also boldly made an offer to top offensive tackle Kadyn Proctor, who is already committed to Iowa. After his historic recruitment of 2022 top prospect Travis Hunter away from Florida State, anything is possible when it comes to Coach Prime.

Speaking of Hunter, he intends to transfer from Jackson State, and he has not made his decision as to where he's headed. There is no doubt that Sanders will also be looking at the transfer portal to improve the Colorado roster, and it wouldn't be a surprise if Hunter and others follow him to Boulder.