If we are being honest, this is not the most exciting slate of games for the SEC outside of a couple of matchups. So we are going to dive deep into identifying prospects who have been quiet thus far but had hype entering the season and need to perform well this week to get their name hot again in the NFL draft community.
Harold Perkins Jr., LB, LSU
vs. UCLA Offense
What To Look For: Just two years ago, Harold Perkins Jr. was thought to be a no-brainer first-round draft pick. But a move from playing edge rusher position to the stack backer position has affected his productivity and ability to make flash plays. Perkins continues to grow at linebacker but still doesn’t have the same flash and excitement as seeing him come off the edge, beat OTs, and sack the quarterback. UCLA appears to be struggling offensively and that is something Perkins could take advantage of. If Perkins is not going to play the true edge position full-time, look for him to make an impactful play blitzing or while rushing the quarterback on 3rd-and-long situations with obvious passing downs. This game should be a great draft resume opportunity for Perkins to get his name back in first-round conversations.
Jarquez Hunter, RB, Auburn
vs. Arkansas defense
What To Look For: Jarquez Hunter has been one of my under-the-radar running backs for a couple of years now. And coming off of his first 100-yard rushing game, this feels like an appropriate time to bring his name up once again. Auburn's offense is still a question and lacking identity, but last week they handed the football off to Hunter and he produced. I'm looking for the coaching staff at Auburn to continue to give him the football and for Hunter to make plays. Auburn vs. Arkansas could be a battle for who doesn't want to finish toward the bottom of the SEC, and if Auburn wants to win, they must give the football to one of their most experienced and talented players. Look for Hunter to showcase his explosiveness and ability to break tackles to give Auburn its first SEC win of the year.
Deion Burks, WR, Oklahoma
vs. Tennessee defense
What To Look For: If there was a call-your-shot player for me it would definitely be Deion Burks. Transferring from Purdue to Oklahoma, Burks’ production at Oklahoma has been up and down, which matches the entire offensive production. In a battle against Tennessee and their first action against an SEC team as an SEC team, look for Oklahoma to pull out everything they have to try and keep pace with the high-powered Volunteers. Look for Burks to touch the football maybe 10 times and align all over the field. If the Sooners have any shot of winning, it will be through Burks using his athleticism to make plays all over the field. Look for Burks to start the conversation of “Is this guy a first-round talent?”
Landon Jackson, EDGE, Arkansas
vs. Auburn offense
What To Look For: Landon Jackson is another prospect who stole the show during summer scouting that everyone was excited about because of his size and movement skills. At 6-foot-7 and 280 pounds, Jackson plays with physicality and had sack production which looked to be rare. Thus far in the 2024 season, Jackson's impact has been average and he’s lacked any truly dominant games. Look for Jackson to kick off SEC play with a performance in which he makes an impact rushing the quarterback and stopping the run. Jackson has a great frame and appears to have a high motor, so this could definitely be a resume game.
