The primary 12 months of the 12-team Faculty Soccer Playoff will conclude on Monday, Jan. 20 in Atlanta. Notre Dame and Ohio State have reached the finals with completely different narratives. The Buckeyes have grown lots within the playoffs, enjoying dominantly as anticipated from them for the reason that starting of the 12 months. The Irish, alternatively, reached the finals after a troublesome recreation in opposition to Penn State.
On this article, we are going to talk about some potential prospects for the Seattle Seahawks with the 2025 Draft in thoughts. It’s value remembering that Jan. 15 was the deadline for underclassmen to declare for the Draft. Nonetheless, this deadline is postponed for gamers who’re enjoying within the finals. In different phrases, there’s a risk that among the gamers within the textual content will determine to not declare.
Let’s go!
Jack Sawyer, DE, Ohio State
For the reason that Bosa brothers left, Ohio State has been ready for a terrific cross rusher. A number of candidates have emerged over the previous couple of years. Sawyer was considered one of them. Nonetheless, his 12 months fell in need of expectations created earlier than the season. Issues modified within the playoffs. Sawyer has posted 4.5 sacks and persistently terrorized opposing linemen. In reality, in opposition to Texas, Sawyer pressured a strip-sack of Quinn Ewers and returned it greater than 80 yards for a game-sealing landing.
Riley Leonard, QB, Notre Dame
When you got here to this text in search of a QB, I don’t have excellent news for you. Leonard has a great historical past, managing to guide Duke to good campaigns. He transferred to Notre Dame, a extra notable program, however he hasn’t been in a position to make the leap in manufacturing that was anticipated.
The Irish offense isn’t a standout and Leonard has been fairly inconsistent passing the ball. Nonetheless, he’s a dual-threat QB able to stretching performs and diversifying the offensive playbook. Leonard was additionally fairly decisive in opposition to Penn State and Georgia, displaying up late within the recreation to clinch the win.
Xavier Watts, DB, Notre Dame
If I might decide one participant from this closing (amongst these eligible) to be a Seahawk subsequent season, it will be Watts. He’s the highest security within the class, proper behind Nick Emmanwori (we may have a future take a look at him). Watts could also be considered as undersized by some, however his instincts shine via snap after snap. He’s in all places on the sphere and is a pacesetter for the protection. He has good vary in depth and good closing velocity to get to the road of scrimmage.
He has 13 interceptions over the previous two seasons throughout All-America campaigns. In the course of the CFP, Watts has posted 25 tackles, 1.5 tackles for loss and one other interception. With OSU’s robust receiving corps, Watts will play a key function in serving to the CBs.
Howard Cross, DL, Notre Dame
A number of accidents have plagued the Irish’s DL, most notably Rylie Mills, who can be out. Cross was a standout final season however determined to return for a sixth 12 months. He has additionally been stricken by accidents, however he is without doubt one of the standouts on the defensive position.
Donovan Jackson, OL, Ohio State
Josh Simmons suffered an harm that precipitated him to overlook the 12 months and Jackson needed to step in as LT after enjoying left guard. He gave up 5 pressures and two sacks in his first begin in opposition to Penn State however has since allowed solely two pressures and nil sacks throughout the whole Faculty Soccer Playoff.
TreVeyon Henderson, RB, Ohio State
Henderson has a historical past of accidents and nonetheless determined to return for an additional 12 months after a subpar season. The Buckeyes introduced in Quinshon Judkins via the Switch Portal and it appeared like Henderson’s manufacturing can be restricted due to that. Nonetheless, the RB had a standout season, producing extra with 20 fewer makes an attempt.
Emeka Egbuka, WR, Ohio State
Ohio State’s WRs can be a problem for Notre Dame, which runs a man-to-man protection. Egbuka has been a standout since his JSN season, which can be Egbuka’s finest professional comp. He reached nearly a thousand yards and had 10 TDs.
Mentions for the long run
The purpose of the textual content is to carry prospects for the following Draft. Nonetheless, every crew has a minimum of one piece with loads of expertise for the long run.
Jeremiah Smith, WR, Ohio State
Smith posted 13 catches for 290 yards and 4 touchdowns within the playoffs and made the Texas crew change its scheme to double-team him on each play. He’s only a freshman, however his expertise is unimaginable, and he’s anticipated to be a #1 in his class.
In case you didn’t know, Smith has a cousin in Seattle. Sure, Geno Smith, our QB is Jeremiah’s cousin and even reveals his assist for him in nearly each recreation.
Jeremiyah Love, RB, Notre Dame
Notre Dame’s attacking powerhouse is the trio of Love, Jadarian Worth and Riley Leonard and Jadarian Worth. Love is the largest menace, and his finest video games are additionally those wherein Notre Dame’s offense has had the least issues. He’s put up 474 yards and 6 touchdowns on an unreal 10.7 yards per carry. Love has been restricted within the final two CFP video games with a knee harm, however a while off earlier than the title recreation ought to do him some good. The Preventing Irish want him to be at his finest.
