We are getting to the point in the season where roles start to matter more than preseason expectations. That does not mean we chase every big box score. One long run can make an average day look great. Three touchdowns can hide a small role. What I want is opportunity we can actually use on the campus side; then I am looking at whether that player can gain value as a C2C asset.
This week’s board gives us a little bit of everything. We have a running back getting real SEC volume, a receiver who just commanded a massive part of his passing game, and a young quarterback with the type of rushing ability that can change a campus lineup quickly.
Every recommendation assumes a $100 C2C FAAB budget.
Overall Waiver Order
Daniel Hill, RB, Alabama: Add at 15 to 22 percent
Collin Dixon, WR, Illinois: Add at 12 to 18 percent
Michael Hawkins Jr., QB, West Virginia: Add at 12 to 18 percent
Na’eem Abdul-Rahim Gladding, WR, Maryland: Add at 8 to 13 percent
Jaden Craig, QB, TCU: Add at 7 to 12 percent
Matt Fuller, RB, South Carolina: Add at 6 to 10 percent
Rodney Fields Jr., RB, Kansas State: Add at 5 to 9 percent
Gio Lopez, QB, Wake Forest: Add at 4 to 8 percent
Joseph Williams, WR, Colorado: Add at 4 to 7 percent
JV Gibson, WR, Cincinnati: Add at 3 to 6 percent
Jaleel Skinner, TE, Louisville: Stash at 1 to 3 percent
Quarterbacks
Michael Hawkins Jr., West Virginia
Hawkins is the quarterback I want most from this group. He completed 5 of 7 passes for 155 yards and 2 touchdowns against UT Martin. He also ran 6 times for 96 yards and another 2 touchdowns. Obviously, we are not projecting 4 touchdowns every week. We also have to acknowledge that 71 of those 96 rushing yards came on one play. That does not change what interests me.
Hawkins is a redshirt sophomore starting at quarterback and giving us production with his legs. That creates another path to campus points when the passing volume is not there. Seven pass attempts are nowhere near enough for me to make a big statement about where his passing game is headed. I want to see him against better competition. For C2C, though, the age, starting opportunity, and rushing ability give Hawkins the best combination of campus runway and appreciation potential among these quarterbacks.
Next two games: Virginia on September 19 and Oklahoma State on September 26
My call: Spend 12 to 18 percent. If I am choosing between Hawkins and Craig for more than just the next matchup, I want Hawkins.
