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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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Sep 25, 2014; Tempe, AZ, USA; UCLA Bruins offensive lineman Conor McDermott (68) against the Arizona State Sun Devils at Sun Devil Stadium. UCLA defeated Arizona State 62-27. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 25, 2014; Tempe, AZ, USA; UCLA Bruins offensive lineman Conor McDermott (68) against the Arizona State Sun Devils at Sun Devil Stadium. UCLA defeated Arizona State 62-27. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports /

Conor McDermott (OT – UCLA) vs. Texas A&M

UCLA offensive linemen Alex Redmond and Caleb Benenoch both bolted early for the NFL after last season, but left tackle Conor McDermott decided to come back for his senior season. While QB Josh Rosen may be the star of the UCLA football team, McDermott will have the most important job of all Saturday afternoon.

UCLA Bruins
UCLA Bruins /

UCLA Bruins

He’ll try to prevent Texas A&M defensive end Myles Garrett from sacking Rosen on the road at what should be a raucous Kyle Field.

That is much easier said than done as Garrett will likely be the first non-QB selected in the 2017 NFL Draft. Rosen, who will be turning his back to Garrett on most plays, is a potential number one overall selection in 2018. In between the two is McDermott, a 6-foot-8 left tackle who took over as a starter halfway through his redshirt sophomore season.

The Pac-12 is lacking star pass-rushers off the edge this season, so this game will be by far the toughest and most critical one-on-one matchup for McDermott all season. He’s still a little raw from a technique standpoint, but could be in the mix for a late first-round pick in the 2017 NFL Draft if he can help keep Rosen upright.

Next: Skyler Howard

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