Week 0 of the new college football campaign marked its exciting arrival this past weekend. In the must-watch game, Georgia Tech executed a stunning upset by defeating Florida State 24-21 in Dublin, Ireland. Yellow Jackets kicker Aidan Birr connected with a 44-yard field goal as time expired to confirm the victory.
Elsewhere, SMU beat Nevada 29-24, Montana State outlasted New Mexico 35-31, and Hawaii dominated Delaware State 35-14. Several college football studs on the winning teams maximized their opportunities to improve their future NFL draft stock (2025 or beyond). We've identified three prospects that caught our eye.
Jamal Haynes, RB, Georgia Tech
Georgia Tech clinched their first victory over a top-10 opponent since 2015 because they dominated the line of scrimmage. The Yellow Jackets accumulated 190 rushing yards while averaging a healthy 5.3 yards per carry. Running back Jamal Haynes was the difference-maker for head coach Buster Faulkner.
Georgia Tech RB Jamal Haynes
— Jordan Reid (@Jordan_Reid) August 25, 2024
Short area quickness and 'make you miss' ability both on display multiple times vs. Florida State. pic.twitter.com/AwdKB9V9yy
Haynes, who converted from wide receiver to running back just last season, rushed for 75 yards and two touchdowns. Haynes capped 11 and 14-play drives with short rushing touchdowns. The Loganville, Georgia native's second score awarded Georgia Tech a fourth-quarter advantage.
Haynes rushed for 1,059 yards and seven touchdowns throughout 2023. If Saturday offered any indication, Haynes will rush for his second consecutive 1,000-yard campaign in 2024.
RJ Maryland, TE, SMU
SMU just narrowly avoided an upset in their first game of its inaugural season as a member of the Atlantic Coast Conference. The Mustangs entered Sunday's contest as four-score favorites but needed a fourth-quarter comeback to start 1-0. It wouldn't have been possible without a dominant performance by tight end RJ Maryland.
SMU TE RJ Maryland, a former four star recruit, has some legit speed as a former track athlete and is a mismatch nightmare. He just runs by the defender for a TD. A name to keep an eye on 👀pic.twitter.com/VyEZDZ9KzV
— Daniel Harms🏈 (@InHarmsWay19) August 25, 2024
SMU quarterback Preston Stone found his team trailing 24-13 with 10 minutes remaining. Pinned at their own 10-yard line, Stone located Maryland for a 49-yard gain on third-and-short. The drive concluded with the Mustangs pulling within three following a Brashard Smith 4-yard touchdown and two-point conversion.
Stone later located Maryland for a 35-yard game-winning touchdown with 1:18 left. Maryland's final stat line read eight catches for 162 yards and one receiving score. The Southlake, Texas produced finished second on SMU in receptions (34) and yards (518) last season and appears primed for a developmental step forward.
Jamih Otis, LB, Hawaii
Hawaii's defense suffocated Delaware State. The Hornets were held to 5-of-18 on third down, 3.1 yards per carry, and just 260 total yards of offense. Rainbow Warriors linebacker Jamih Otis was one of the defenders flying around from sideline to sideline.
Jamih balled out 😤
— Hawaii Football (@HawaiiFootball) August 25, 2024
11 tkls // 1 sack // 2.5 TFLs@JamihOtis x #BRADDAHHOOD pic.twitter.com/BNMnLq3hhX
Otis was credited with making a game-high 11 tackles. The undersized off-ball 'backer also recorded a sack, 2.5 tackles for loss, and one additional quarterback pressure. It marked the start of what could be a breakout campaign for the former consensus 3-star recruit.
Otis played in all 13 contests last season, but mostly as a special teams mainstay. His 11 tackles on Saturday already surpasses his defensive total from last season. Otis received a game ball for his breakout showing.
