Week 11 of the 2024 college football season continues on Saturday and features a slate of intriguing matchups.
One of the biggest matchups of the day sees No. 2-ranked Georgia (7-1) take on No. 16-ranked Ole Miss (7-2). Bulldogs running back Trevor Etienne and Rebels defensive end Princely Umanmielen are two of several 2025 NFL Draft prospects preparing for the must-win SEC clash.
Etienne and Umanmielen are also two of five college players the Detroit Lions should watch closely this weekend.
Now let’s take a closer look at Etienne and Umanmielen and these three other draft prospects who will take the field on Saturday.
Georgia RB Trevor Etienne
You’d be right if you suspected that Etienne is the younger brother of Jaguars running back Travis Etienne.
Trevor, standing at 5-foot-9, 205 pounds, profiles as a back who can make an impact as both a runner and receiver at the next level. Specifically, his quickness and short-area vision should allow him to succeed in the NFL.
The Lions don’t really need another running back at this point with Jahmyr Gibbs and David Montgomery already in their backfield. However, Etienne would still look very pretty wearing Honolulu Blue next season.
Etienne, a former member of the Florida Gators, has already totaled 453 yards and seven touchdowns this season. Additionally, he added another 130 yards as a receiver.
I’ll be watching him closely this afternoon when Georgia takes on SEC foe Ole Miss.
Ole Miss DE Princely Umanmielen
In my opinion, you can never have enough productive EDGE rushers. And that’s why even after adding Za’Darius Smith, the Lions would be wise to keep an eye on Umanmielen.
The Ole Miss defender has the natural size (6-foot-4, 255 pounds), quickness and athleticism to become an effective passer at the next level. The former Florida Gator has already recorded 7.5 sacks and 10 tackles for loss this season as well.
It wouldn’t hurt for Detroit general manager Brad Holmes to deploy a scout or two to watch Umanmielen Saturday afternoon against Georgia.
Oregon WRTez Johnson
The wiry and elusive Johnson, standing at 5-foot-10, 160 pounds, profiles as an effective slot receiver at the next level. Additionally, he possesses great running ability after the catch and immense value on special teams as a punt returner.
In eight games this season, he has recovered 64 balls for 649 yards and eight touchdowns. Additionally, he returned 12 punts for 155 yards and a score.
He’s a dynamic weapon with the ball in his hands, and would be worth checking out for Holmes & Co. The Ducks play Maryland on Saturday night.
LSU CB Zy Alexandre
Alexander, a 6-foot-2, 194-pound defensive back, put together a very solid senior campaign with the Tigers.
He played as a confinement corner in 2024, earning an 87.5 overall grade from Focus on professional football. He ranks first for a cornerback among all qualifying corners in the Power 4 conference. Additionally, on passes thrown his way, he has allowed no touchdowns and only 32 yards, plus a passer rating of 2, 8 against.
LSU cornerback Zy Alexander this season:
🐯 32 meters allowed
🐯 Zero TD allowed
🐯 2.8 Passing mark allowed
🐯 Coverage level of 88.5@LSUfootball pic.twitter.com/GiNGaUZ6hv– PFF College (@PFF_College) November 6, 2024
He’s been the definition of the real deal, and he’s someone the Lions should definitely keep an eye on as Season 24 progresses. He also faces a big test Saturday night , when LSU faces SEC rival Alabama.
Clemson TE Jake Brinningstool
Brinningstool is equipped with the physical tools, athleticism and route running ability needed to be an effective tight end and pass catcher at the next level. At 6-foot-6 and 230 pounds, he also has the potential to be a legitimate red zone target for an NFL offense, like Ben Johnson’s in Detroit.
In eight games in 2024, he has 32 catches for 349 yards and four touchdowns. The Lions would be smart to keep an eye on him when Clemson takes on Virginia Tech on Saturday afternoon.
