ESPN College GameDay Crew picks players to watch in 2021

ESPN College GameDay is back, and their crew is educating the masses on which players to watch in 2021. Kirk Herbstreit, David Pollack and Desmond Howard let us know their picks for the young stars we should have our eyes on.

“These are guys a little bit off the radar that we think can be household names by the time we get to September and October,” Herbstreit said.

Players to watch in 2021, according to the ESPN College GameDay Crew:

LB Noah Sewell, Oregon Ducks: To begin, Herbstreit named the Oregon linebacker as a player we should have our eyes on. The brother of Penei Sewell, Herbstreit says “watch No. 1 when you watch the Ducks’ D.”

WR Jaxon Smith-Njigba, Ohio State Buckeyes: This season, Ohio State may have the best wide reciever room in the country. However, Howard doesn’t want Smith-Njigba to be overshadowed by his counterparts. “You talk to the coaches, they say he’s the next one,” Howard said. “He reminds them on Parris Campbell.”

WR Drake London, USC Trojans: “Drake London is going to set the world on fire,” Pollack said. With Kedon Slovis passing him the football, we could see a monster season from the USC wide reciever.

DB Mykael Wright, Oregon Ducks: Continuing, Howard brings it back to Oregon with Wright. Howard mentions that the defensive back led the Pac-12 in pass breakups last season, and that he returns kick-offs as well.

WR Arian Smith, Georgia Bulldogs: Bringing it back to his alma mater, Pollack mentions the unreal speed of Smith as something to be excited about. “You talk about [Jaylen] Waddle . . . this is Georgia’s version,” states Pollack.

‘Next-level, freakish skills.’

RB Treyveon Henderson, Ohio State Buckeyes: This season, Herbstreit believes in the Buckeyes’ freshman running back. “Trevyeon Henderson in the scrimmages in Columbus is showing signs of next-level, freakish skills,” said Herbstreit.

DL DeMarvin Leal, Texas A&M Aggies: “That’s an animal right here,” Pollack said when picking Leal. As the season progresses, expect the Aggies’ defensive lineman to shoot up draft boards.

WR Agiye Hall, Alabama Crimson Tide: While Alabama has a tall task replacing Waddle and Devonta Smith, the College GameDay crew believes in Hall. Even with John Metchie III and Slade Bolden in the fold, Herbstreit believes Hall is the next great Crimson Tide wide receiver.

DB Jay Ward, LSU Tigers: “What really stands out is how physical he is,” Howard said. This season, the cornerback turned safety is receiving big hype as one of the best players LSU has on defense.

RB Jerome Ford, Cincinnati Tigers: Blink and you might miss him, but Herbstreit still wants eyes on Ford this season. “As we saw last year against Georgia, he outran that Georgia secondary,” said Herbstreit. Moreover, Ford’s speed and physicality make him an exciting player.

WR Tarique Milton, Iowa State Cyclones: While injuries slowed his 2020 season, Howard believes Milton will be a huge piece of the Cyclones offense. “Make sure you keep an eye on Tarique Milton, he’s going to help that Cyclones offense open up,” said Howard.

DL Will McDonald IV, Iowa State Cyclones: To finish the segment, Pollack selects another member of the Iowa State Cylcones. “This dude led the nation in sacks a year ago,” said Pollack. This season, McDonald IV will look to repeat that feat.