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College Football:NFL Draft Prospects Who Must Step Up Week 1

By Shawn Spencer

Sep 12, 2015; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Southern California Trojans receiver JuJu Smith-Schuster (9) celebrates with fans after scoring on a 41-yard touchdown reception in the third quarter against the Idaho Vandals at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 12, 2015; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Southern California Trojans receiver JuJu Smith-Schuster (9) celebrates with fans after scoring on a 41-yard touchdown reception in the third quarter against the Idaho Vandals at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports /
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Oct 31, 2015; Madison, WI, USA; Wisconsin Badgers running back Corey Clement (6) rushes with the football during the third quarter against the Rutgers Scarlet Knights at Camp Randall Stadium. Wisconsin won 48-10. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 31, 2015; Madison, WI, USA; Wisconsin Badgers running back Corey Clement (6) rushes with the football during the third quarter against the Rutgers Scarlet Knights at Camp Randall Stadium. Wisconsin won 48-10. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports /

Corey Clement (RB – Wisconsin) vs. LSU

Another 2017 NFL Draft prospect coming off an injury-plagued season is Wisconsin running back Corey Clement. In what was supposed to be his breakout year, he only played in four games. After being groomed to be the next star RB at Wisconsin, Clement will finally have the opportunity to prove his worth to the NFL.

With Melvin Gordon leaving for the NFL, Clement was supposed to be “the man” in Madison last season. That didn’t happen due to injury and a late-season suspension, and it may never happen. Dare Ogunbowale shined in Clement’s absence and is the team’s returning leader in both rushing and receiving. While Clement is the starter, both Ogunbowale and sophomore Taiwan Deal will take away from his carries.

The opening matchup will be as tough as it gets for the Wisconsin running backs as LSU finished 2015 with the 17th best run defense in the nation and returns 10 starters. This includes all four defensive linemen and Kendell Beckwith at inside linebacker. In what is expected to be a very deep running back class, Clement must start strong or he’ll fall further and further down 2017 NFL Draft boards.

Next: JuJu Smith-Schuster vs. Marlon Humphrey

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