2023 Big Board Risers and Sliders: Zay Flowers, Brant Kuithe impress in Week 1

The first full week of college football is in the books, and it’s time to fire up the seasonal tradition in its 20th year of Risers and Sliders. This past weekend witnessed a wild contest in Boone, North Carolina, and a battle of top-five teams in Columbus, Ohio. We also saw several outstanding performances by offensive linemen and pass catchers.

2023 Big Board Risers

Peter Skoronski, OL, Northwestern

Against all odds, Northwestern beat Nebraska in Ireland during Week 0 of the college football season. It was a decidedly offensive affair, as Northwestern tallied almost 530 yards in total offense, and their line did not let up a single sack.

Peter Skoronski, the Wildcats’ left tackle, played a large role in helping keep the pocket clean and his quarterback upright. Except for one poor snap when he got bull-rushed, Skoronski was terrific in pass protection, effective run blocking, and very good blocking in motion. Skoronski must improve his strength at the point, and I believe he’s a better fit at guard in a zone-blocking system on Sundays, but the junior is off to a fast start.

Steve Avila, OL, TCU

Steve Avila was another blocker who helped pave the way for his offense and looked absolutely dominant as TCU mauled Colorado by a score of 38-13. The Horned Frogs rolled up 275 yards rushing and punched the ball in the end zone four times.

Avila moved from the center position he manned in 2021 to left guard and was equally as dominant. He’s a wide-bodied powerhouse who can play any of the interior blocking spots on Sundays in a power-gap scheme.

Zay Flowers, WR, Boston College

Even in defeat, Zay Flowers stood out against Rutgers, a team with a solid secondary. He led the game with 10 receptions, 117 receiving yards, and two TDs. His numbers would have been significantly better were it not for wayward passes Flowers was unable to haul in.

His ability to separate from defenders, consistently come free, and snatch the ball out of the air were impressive. Flowers has the makings of a slot receiver who can double as a return specialist and will end up being a middle-round pick next April.

Jacob Cowing, WR, Arizona

After transferring from UTEP, Jacob Cowing announced his arrival at Arizona in dramatic fashion. The smallish receiver was the dominant pass catcher during the Wildcats’ victory over San Diego State, posting eight receptions, 153 yards, and three TDs.

Cowing is super quick, runs terrific routes, and catches everything in sight. He looks NFL-ready, and though he measures under 5-foot-8, I don’t expect him to be anything other than a mid-Day 3 selection.

Brant Kuithe, TE, Utah

An interception in the end zone with just two seconds on the clock ended Utah’s hopes of beating Florida in Gainesville, yet it did not diminish Brant Kuithe’s performance. Kuithe led all receivers in the game with nine receptions, 105 receiving yards, and one TD. The Gators were so concerned about Kuithe that they double-teamed him during the final drive.

Kuithe’s success Saturday had much to do with the way he was used — often in motion and rarely on the line of scrimmage. Scouts grade Kuithe as a late-round pick, and when you look at his pass-catching ability, it’s easy to see why. Yet at 6-foot-1.5 and under 225 pounds, it will take a creative offensive coordinator to find a place for Kuithe on Sundays.

Christopher Smith, S, Georgia

Our lone defender this week had a huge game during Georgia’s rout of Oregon, including an interception early as the Ducks were trying to get back in the contest. Besides his interception, Christopher Smith finished with six tackles, including one for loss, and one pass breakup.

Smith looked dominant in all facets of the safety position and showed great instincts. While I graded him as a very early fourth-round pick before the season, scouts feel Smith could slide into the draft’s second day, and at least for today, they were proven correct.

Sleeper prospect: Marcus Minor, G, Pittsburgh

Three years ago, while scouting an awful Maryland team, a pair of talented offensive linemen caught my eye. One was tackle Jaelyn Duncan, who presently grades as an early-fourth-round pick on my board. The other was Marcus Minor, who I presently grade as a PFA despite being ignored by NFL scouts.

During the resurrection of the Backyard Brawl last week, which Pittsburgh won in the waning minutes, Minor showed why he needs to be on the scouting radar. The Panthers’ starting left guard is a thick, wide-bodied blocker who plays with terrific fundamentals and shows next-level strength at the point.

Minor also shows great awareness and worked brilliantly with left tackle Carter Warren to pick up the stunts and games West Virginia attempted up front. Minor should get postseason consideration and would be an asset for an NFL team as a backup who can play left or right guard.

Small-school prospect: Thomas Greaney, TE, Albany (NY)

The Albany Great Danes traveled to Waco, Texas, only to get annihilated by Baylor, 69-10. Yet, their top next-level prospect acquitted himself well.

Thomas Greaney caught three passes for 57 yards, averaging 19 yards per catch against a tough Baylor defense. Greaney is a large tight end at 6-foot-5, 250 pounds, and has enough speed to split the seam. He also catches the ball well. While he may not end up with an invitation to the Combine, Greaney is a small-school tight end who will receive plenty of visits and private workouts in the lead-up to the 2023 NFL Draft.

2023 Big Board Sliders

Spencer Petras, QB, Iowa

South Dakota State gave the Hawkeyes everything they could handle, as Iowa beat the FCS opponent by a score of 7-3. Iowa did not score a touchdown in the game, relying on a pair of safeties for the winning margin.

Spencer Petras was outplayed by the SDSU quarterback, completing just 11 of 25 passes for 109 yards with one INT. While many grade Petras as a middle-round choice, I’ve maintained all along that he’s a UDFA based on his immobility and inaccuracy; both of which were on display Saturday.