Scouting the Nation: Week 4 College Football Risers
Welcome back to another edition of Scouting the Nation. In this series, we take a look at college football players that you need to get to know before the season kicks off. Whether you’re a college football fan looking at the 2025 NFL Draft or looking to bolster your Devy rosters, this is for you. In this edition of Scouting the Nation, we take a look at the best performances from Week 4 of the 2024 CFB regular season. Let’s get right into it.
Scouting the Nation – Week 4 College Football Risers
In this edition of Scouting the Nation, we take a look at the best performances from Week 4 of the college football regular season. Keep an eye out for these players as the season progresses. More importantly, for them to make a name for themselves at the 2025 NFL Draft.
Darien Porter CB Iowa State
Arguably the biggest riser at cornerback so far this season, Darien Porter had his breakout game in Week 2 against Iowa. A former wideout, Porter displays elite-level ball skills that are rare for a cornerback. Additionally, he tracks the football downfield and has great awareness to make a play on the ball.
For a bigger cornerback, Porter is very fluid, with the ability to stop on a dime to stick with opposing wide receivers. Porter was a track star in high school, and his speed translates on vertical routes. He’s also going to be a phenomenal special teamer at the next level.
Ultimately, the best comparison for Porter would be a Julius Brents type of cornerback. He ended up being drafted 44th by the Colts. Porter also already has more upside than TJ Tampa had last season. In the end, if he keeps up what he’s done over his first three games, Porter will be a hot commodity come draft night.
Jordan Phillips DT Maryland
One of my favorite players in the country, Jordan Phillips, has been getting after the quarterback all season. Impressively, he has the best spin move of any defensive tackle in the country. He also has a pretty advanced pass-rush plan for only a redshirt sophomore.
Furthermore, Phillips can hold the point and is very stout against the run. It is hard to find players with Phillips’ combination of size, athleticism, and strength. Pair that with his football IQ, and you have a future NFL starter. Whether Phillips declares for the 2025 NFL Draft or later, he’ll be a top-50 draft pick.
Diego Pounds OT Ole Miss
A massive left tackle, Diego Pounds has been great so far this season. For his size, Pounds is light on his feet and a natural knee bender, allowing him to keep up with speed rushers and push them up the arc. In the run game, Pounds is able to create torque and then displace defenders and drive them out of the play.
Additionally, Pounds’ grip strength is NFL-ready. More importantly, he has all the tools to play either tackle spots or guard at the next level. He was very good at North Carolina last season and has established himself as one of the top offensive linemen in the nation.
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