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2019 NFL Draft Prospects Who Must Step Up in Week 2

By Shawn Spencer

PALO ALTO, CA - OCTOBER 14: Bryce Love #20 of the Stanford Cardinal scores on a sixty seven yard touchdown run against the Oregon Ducks during the first quarter of the NCAA football game at Stanford Stadium on October 14, 2017 in Palo Alto, California. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images)
PALO ALTO, CA - OCTOBER 14: Bryce Love #20 of the Stanford Cardinal scores on a sixty seven yard touchdown run against the Oregon Ducks during the first quarter of the NCAA football game at Stanford Stadium on October 14, 2017 in Palo Alto, California. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images) /
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Jake Bentley 2019 NFL Draft
CHARLOTTE, NC – SEPTEMBER 02: Jake Bentley #19 of the South Carolina Gamecocks reacts after throwing a touchdown against the North Carolina State Wolfpack during their game at Bank of America Stadium on September 2, 2017 in Charlotte, North Carolina. (Photo by Streeter Lecka/Getty Images) /

Jake Bentley (QB – South Carolina) vs. Georgia

South Carolina quarterback Jake Bentley was impressive in his season debut against Coastal Carolina, completing over 75% of his passes to go along with four touchdowns and no interceptions. That performance was somewhat expected considering the team he was matched up against, however, a similar performance in week two against Georgia would get the first-round hype going.

If you’ve watched a Gamecocks broadcast over the past two-plus years, you’ve likely heard the story of Jake Bentley. He played high school ball in Opelika, Alabama, graduated a year early and took over as the starter for South Carolina seven games into what should have been his senior year of high school. From there, he’s continued to progress and looks like a future starting quarterback in the NFL.

Georgia and Clemson will present the two toughest tests of the season for Bentley, with the Bulldogs being next on the schedule. Bentley had a decent game against Georgia last season, however, two interceptions and the lack of a run game doomed the Gamecocks.

If Bentley can give himself time by maneuvering in the pocket and avoid costly turnovers, South Carolina has a chance to keep this game close. Avoiding Deandre Baker, arguably the top cornerback prospect eligible for the 2019 NFL Draft, will be near the top of Bentley’s to-do list on Saturday.

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