We got an appetizer last weekend with regards to college football in Week 0. But this upcoming week we have a full on entree of action from Thursday-Sunday, which means there’s a lot of prospects to keep an eye on across the board.
In this week’s edition of The Hunt Report, we’ll touch on a few prospects who were stars at one program and now have either transferred up a level in competition or to another program in a higher profile conference. We will also take a look at a couple of players who have been quietly developing in the shadows of their own squad.
Let’s start overseas in Europe where the European League of Football wrapped up its regular season on Sunday. The wild-card playoffs kickoff Saturday with a matchup between the Munich Ravens and Paris Musketeers. In high-stakes games, you want to turn to your best playmakers to generate results. That’s what we’ll see in that first playoff game between the Ravens and Musketeers, as Paris has one of the best players in the league on offense.
European League of Football
WR Austin Mitchell
- Age: 25
- Height: 5-foot-9
- Weight: 170 pounds
Mitchell is the nephew of former NFL legend Brian Mitchell (who should be in the Pro Football Hall of Fame btw) and was a part of the 2022 NFL Draft class. Here’s the scouting report I had on him back then:
Since then, he took Europe by storm by leading the German Football League in receiving during the 2023 season with the Dresden Monarch. Mitchell hauled in 94 receptions for 1,627 yards and 20 receiving touchdowns.
This past offseason, he signed with the Paris Musketeers of the European League of Football and has been equally as sensational. So far this year, he’s seventh in receptions with 65, fourth in yards with 1,011 and first in touchdown receptions with 14.
What has been most impressive this season has been how much he’s winning deeper downfield and above the rim. He’s put together some highlight receptions throughout the year. Where he has a chance to get an opportunity here in the states, whether in the NFL or UFL, is with his ability to impact the game as a return specialist, where he’s also thrived this year with Paris.
Here’s a look at his debut game from Week 2 vs Hamburg, where he scored four touchdowns.
USports Canadian College Football (Week 2)
OT Niklas Henning
- Height: 6-foot-6
- Weight: 287 pounds
- College: Queen’s
- Next game: vs. McMaster University (Aug. 31)
Henning is a very unique athlete. He was an H-Back all throughout his career up until this season where he’s playing more inline as a right tackle. However, at the USports East-West Bowl over the summer, he was still working out as an H-Back showcasing his ability to block on the move, get down the seam and also set up in the backfield as a blocking back. Having the footwork and athleticism of a tight end, while getting experience playing offensive tackle this season, bodes well for his chances to intrigue scouts moving forward.
College Football Week 1
RB Rushawn Baker
- Height: 5-foot-11
- Weight: 220 pounds
- College: Elon
- Next game: vs. Duke (Aug. 30)
Baker transferred in from Bucknell this spring and is one of the more under-the-radar backs in the FCS. He combines the right amount of balance, burst and vision for the position and will be the feature guy for the Phoenix. I came away impressed with both his footwork and his decisiveness as a runner. Despite not being involved in the passing game a lot at Bucknell, watching him catch the football you can tell he’s more than capable of being an asset in that category.
RB Shen Butler-Lawson
- Height: 5-foot-11
- Weight: 225 pounds
- College: Indiana State
- Next game: vs. Purdue (Aug. 31)
Butler-Lawson dominated the Division II ranks from 2022-2023 at Minnesota State, rushing for over 2,432 yards with 27 rushing touchdowns. Last season he ran for 1,436 yards, averaging an impressive 6.6 yards per carry. He started his career in 2020 at Missouri Western before transferring to Minnesota State. This season he’s a graduate transfer at Indiana State of the FCS. He’s got lead-off and closer upside as a pro player. It’ll be good to see him vs. a Power 4 defense this week.
CB Jacarvis Alexandre
- Height: 6-foot-0
- Weight: 190 pounds
- College: Ferris State
- Next game: vs. Pittsburg State (Aug. 31)
Alexandre is one of the top cover corners in Division II. I’m a big fan of his closing speed to the ball and receiver, with the above-average ball skills to match. He’s able to play off-coverage really well and then bait QBs into making the throw before zooming in to either break up the play or turn the ball over. It wouldn’t surprise me to see him get to a postseason all-star game this upcoming January.
EDGE Nana Asante
- Height: 6-foot-5
- Weight: 230 pounds
- College: Morgan State
- Next game: vs. Hampton (Aug. 31)
A true diamond in the rough in Asante. Having been on the broadcast for a lot of Morgan State games, I got to see the super long and athletic defender really blossom into a bonafide prospect. His game reminds me a lot of Jordan Smith who played at UAB. Similar long athletic frame and a cross-hybrid between being a true edge rusher and an outside linebacker. Obviously Asante still has a lot of room to grow his game, but I’m excited to see how he has developed coming into his senior season.
DE Elijah Williams
- Height: 6-foot-1
- Weight: 285 pounds
- College: Morgan State
- Next game: vs. Hampton (Aug. 31)
Williams is what I like to call a game-wrecker. He’s so quick and explosive off the ball that he’s able to destroy opponents’ run games with ease. As a quick pocket penetrator, he also consistently is able to force QBs off the spot, altering the passing game as a result. Williams is on the Senior Bowl Watch List, so he’s not off anybody’s radar by any means. I personally believe he’s the best overall HBCU prospect on the defensive line in the draft class.
