NFL Draft Prospects Who Must Step Up In Week 1

Sep 25, 2014; Tempe, AZ, USA; Arizona State Sun Devils defensive back Lloyd Carrington (8) against the UCLA Bruins at Sun Devil Stadium. UCLA defeated Arizona State 62-27. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

Lloyd Carrington (CB – Arizona State) vs. Texas A&M

Cornerbacks tend to get away with a little more contact in college football than the NFL, and Lloyd Carrington has taken full advantage. Arizona State head coach Todd Graham loves big, physical corners, so it’s no surprise Carrington has emerged as the team’s No. 1 CB now that Damarious Randall is in the NFL. In fact, Carrington actually followed Graham from Pittsburgh to Arizona State in 2012.

The Sun Devils plan to start three seniors in the secondary in the opener versus Texas A&M, but it’s going to take a lot more than experience to slow down QB Kyle Allen and the Aggies’ receivers. Whether he’s covering Speedy Noil, Josh Reynolds or Ricky Seals-Jones, Carrington must shut down his side of the field in order for Arizona State to provide extra help for the field and slot corners.

Like Randall a year ago, Carrington is an off-the-radar prospect who could skyrocket up draft boards due to his style of play and position versatility. He’ll face several very good passing attacks in the Pac-12 this year, including USC, Oregon and California, so his performance in the opener could determine how conference opponents attack the Sun Devils.

Next: Vernon Adams