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2017 NFL Draft Prospects Who Must Step Up in Week 9

By Shawn Spencer

Oct 24, 2015; Miami Gardens, FL, USA; Miami Hurricanes quarterback Brad Kaaya (15) warms up before a game against Clemson Tigers at Sun Life Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 24, 2015; Miami Gardens, FL, USA; Miami Hurricanes quarterback Brad Kaaya (15) warms up before a game against Clemson Tigers at Sun Life Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports /
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2017 NFL Draft Travis Rudolph
Sep 5, 2016; Orlando, FL, USA; Florida State Seminoles wide receiver Travis Rudolph (15) works out prior to the game at Camping World Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports /

Travis Rudolph (WR – Florida State) vs. Clemson

There will be a number of NFL prospects on both sides of the ball in this matchup, however the one to watch for is Florida State wide receiver Travis Rudolph. Rudolph is coming off a career-best 13-catch, 238-yard performance against Wake Forest and will look to carry over some of that momentum when the Seminoles host Clemson this Saturday night.

Rudolph has been the team’s most reliable wide receiver this season and has become the favorite target of freshman quarterback Deondre Francois. Clemson is the slight favorite in this game, but someone like Rudolph coming up big could swing the game in Florida State’s favor.

With Mackensie Alexander and Cordrea Tankersley at cornerback, the passing game was limited for the Seminoles in last year’s matchup. Rudolph however was able to catch six passes for 86 yards. No one else on the Florida State roster caught more than three passes or gained more than 27 yards through the air.

The passing game will likely struggle again this time around, but Rudolph is the one player Clemson struggled to cover. If he can provide a similar challenge this season, Florida State will keep this game close.

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