Garrett Burroughs’ 2024 College Football Stallions List
I have already created my own College Football prospects ranking system (which Trey doesn’t like/understand and that’s fine), next comes my version of Bruce Feldman’s Freak’s List. Here is his updated version entering the 2024 NFL Draft. If you have been around Vendetta for a while, you already know what it means to be dubbed a “stallion” by me. In this one, I will be releasing my 2024 Stallions list. First, a little housekeeping.
If you are new, the term “stallion” refers to someone who I believe is going to be great. It can also mean someone who could be flying under the radar, ready to pop onto the scene and make a name for themselves. Caleb Williams and Marvin Harrison Jr. both got the stallion tag in the last draft. I had a stallion tag on Puka Nacua before the 2023 NFL Draft, and look how that turned out.
The second bit of housekeeping, and I will only relay this information once. The “stallion” tag can both refer to someone who I expect to dominate this season, but someone who has the potential to dominate. There are going to be guys on this list who may not see the field a ton this season, but down the line, I will refer back to this column when they do hit the field and perform well (and admit my misses if they turn out to not live up to the stallion moniker).
Lastly, there are going to be “omissions” to this list. No, guys like James Pearce Jr., Carson Beck, Luther Burden, etc. will not be appearing on this list. We all know those guys are going to be studs. I want to showcase a blend of guys who are fringe stars to some, some guys who are flying under the radar, and guys you maybe haven’t heard of before. There will be young guys, five-year players and everything in between.
Let’s get into it.
*In no particular order*
Tetairoa McMillian (WR, Arizona)
We start off the Stallions list with who I listed as the WR2 in the Draft Busters positional rankings but will end up being the WR1 heading into the 2025 NFL Draft in Tetairoa McMillian. I have become infatuated with watching this guy run routes and work in the open field. He lit the world on fire last season, finishing the year with 90 receptions for 1,402 yards and 10 touchdowns, and I believe he could top some of those numbers.
He was fantastic in the Valero Alamo Bowl against Oklahoma, where he went for 10 catches and 160 yards. Arizona also faced five straight ranked opponents last season (vs. #7 Washington, @ #9 USC, @ #19 Washington State, vs. #11 Oregon State, and vs. #19 UCLA) and during that stretch, McMillian went for 31/412/4, which is close to his season numbers the year prior.
Nyck Harbor (WR, South Carolina)
We might be looking at a future top-ten pick, and Nyck Harbor has barely seen the field. Harbor will be a true sophomore this year for South Carolina and has already received an absurd amount of hype. 6’5, 240 lbs (could either slim down or transition to TE), and can absolutely fly, running the 100-meter dash in 10.28 seconds. Athletic bloodlines in the family as well, as his dad played for the US Men’s National Soccer team.
Harbor should see a ton of snaps this season and could be utilized in the same way Florida played Kyle Pitts. That’s the comp I see with Harbor. The only real difference I see is that Habor already showcases good to very good blocking skills and can improve even more. He does a great job getting off the line quickly, has good footwork to make the cuts needed to get by Linebackers, and has soft hands to reel passes in. I wouldn’t be shocked if Harbor ends up with 50+ catches for 700+ yards and five touchdowns this year.
Branson Robinson (RB, Georgia)
Remember back in the day when Georgia used to have the one, elite-level running back who dominated the snaps? Guys like Todd Gurley, Knoshown Moreno, Nick Chubb, etc. Had Branson Robinson not ruptured his patellar tendon last season, I really believe he would have seen him ascend to that level of play. However, he did miss all of last season, but I believe what we saw in limited supply in 2022, there’s reason to be excited about Robinson’s return.
Robinson fits the bill for what I want out of my running backs. 5’10, 220 lbs, and can absolutely move. Robinson is thicker than a Snicker and can turn into a bowling ball when need be, but does have underrated speed. Here’s to hoping he retained some of that speed during his recovery. The motor runs exceptionally hot, not one to go down upon first contact. Can stick his foot in the ground and get upfield with ferocity. Robinson is not on a lot of radars now, but I think by season’s end he certainly will be.
Dontay Corleone (DT, Cincinnati)
Next up on the Stallions list has been mentioned on Trey’s Way-Too-Early rankings and Stock Report series before. Dontay Corleone from Cincinnati I believe could really step onto the scene this season. Only a three-star recruit coming out, but had a ton of great plays last season. He’s entering his third season for the Bearcats, but could see slightly more usage this season which would be huge for the Corleone believers.
With a name like Coreleone, how can you fail? In all seriousness, he has the frame you want from a Defensive Tackle at 6’2, 318 lbs, but has a set of wheels on him as well. Tree trunk legs with above-average length up top. The motor runs fairly hot. Strong as an ox, though, as he’s benched 485, squatted 605, and deadlifts 700. A man that strong who has run a 4.68 shuttle is terrifying. Count me in.
Cobee Bryant (CB, Kansas)
I think we could be looking at this year’s Quinyon Mitchell in terms of rising up draft boards. This Kansas team could surprise some folks this season, on the heels of an impressive 9-4 record a season ago. The Jayhawks might have some steals in the draft next season, but by season’s end, I think that Cobee Bryant could be viewed as one of the best Corners in the country.
The weight might be a drawback for some, but if he adds another 10-15 lbs he’s golden. 6′, 170 lbs but is a zone coverage savant. He has an exceptional feel for his zone and when to make a break on the ball. Averages a 74 QBR when targeted, which is nothing to sneeze at for sure. Clean backpedal with fluid hips, paired with good football IQ to make the right reads in coverage. Has shown potential as a slot corner but plays primarily outside.
Nick Singleton (RB, Penn State)
Nick Singleton has been on my radar since 2022 when he first committed to Penn State. The only thing that goes through my mind is that this kid might be better than Saquon Barkley. While he maybe hasn’t lived up to the high expectations I had for him back then, it’s hard to argue the potential Singleton has. His true freshman year he went over 1,000 yards and 13 total touchdowns, but regressed last season down to 752 yards and 10 total touchdowns.
I think last season was largely a failure for the offense as a whole because of the scheme and game planning. With new Offensive Coordinator Andy Kotelnicki at the helm, we should see a much more energetic, high-paced offense using spread offense and outside zone runs. Singleton took a step forward last season receiving out of the backfield which will be tested this season if he continues to progress. I think we could be looking at 1,300 total yards and 14 total touchdown kind of season.
Kyren Lacy (WR, LSU)
Next on the Stallions List is a receiver who has been waiting in the wings at LSU, ready to show out this season. LSU has become a bit of a Wide Receiver factory as of late, and I think they have at least one more standout receiver to send to the NFL. Lacy will be entering his final year of eligibility, but no better time to have a great season than right before you enter the draft.
Lacy is a big play waiting to happen. He averaged a stellar 18.6 yards per catch last season, in an offense where he was at best the third option behind Malik Nabers and Brian Thomas Jr. He also has a nose for the endzone, scoring seven times last season. With new QB Garrett Nussmeier at the helm looking to have a similar relationship with a receiver as we saw with Jayden Daniels and Nabers/Thomas a year ago, I think Lacy could be primed for a breakout year.
CJ Baxter (RB, Texas)
Trey listed CJ Baxter as an immediate impact True Freshman last season, so he has been on the Vendetta radar for a bit now. As a true freshman last season, Baxter finished with 659 yards and five touchdowns on 138 carries (4.8 yards per carry). Even sitting behind Jonathon Brooks last season, he still found a way to find the field and be fairly productive, all things considered.
Now, the backfield should belong to Baxter, and I think he could really shine this year. Texas is going to be a favorite to make the College Football Playoff once again, and they will need a workhorse back to pound the rock to open the passing game for Quinn Ewers. Baxter has home run speed, can plant and turn upfield quickly, and has worked on his hands since getting to Texas. Someone to look out for in 2024.
Carnell Tate (WR, Ohio State)
With Marvin Harrison Jr. off to the NFL and Emeka Egbuka taking over the lead receiver role, there is now competition for the WR2 spot. That should end up belonging to Carnell Tate. Harrison Jr. said so himself he believes that Tate could be better than him, and he is one of the best WR prospects to come out in recent memory.
I remember watching Tate’s high school tape and becoming fascinated in how he operates. I’ve had my eye on him since clearly 2023 and will be keeping a close eye on him as he takes that next step this season. Tate has an exceptional route tree, and reliable hands, and has shown the ability to break plays open in the open field. Ohio State has turned into WRU, and I think they have their next star receiver in Tate.
Kendal Daniels (S, Oklahoma State)
I am a massive fan of oversized, lanky Safeties who have great field awareness at the expense of explosive speed. Enter Kendal Daniels out of Oklahoma State. Daniels took a massive step in production from his freshman to sophomore season, finishing with 105 total tackles, two interceptions, and two sacks. He had big games last season against the best competition in Texas, Texas A&M, and Kansas.
Daniels is your leader in the secondary. He has exceptional range when the ball is in the air, always knowing where to be and when to get his hands in play to disrupt the pass. One of the best open-field tacklers in the country. I like the hips and how open they *can* get (there’s some consistency that needs to be worked on), the footwork is clean and he gets his head around quickly. He will fly under the radar this season but should be a target in the 2025 NFL Draft.
Khalil Barnes (S, Clemson)
The second of four total Safeties on my 2024 Stallions list, Khalil Barnes flashed major promise during his Freshman year at Clemson. It’s always a great sign for things to come from a player when he is making an impact at a major program in his first season. Barnes totaled 38 total tackles and three interceptions last season and is expected to be more of a starter this season. The home run speed may not be there, but he makes up for it with freakish athletic skills (former High School Wide Receiver).
Conner Weigman (QB, Texas A&M)
The full post will be coming soon, but I am predicting a massive breakout for Conner Weigman in 2024. In four games played last season, Weigman completed 68.9% of his passes for just under 1,000 yards, eight touchdowns to two interceptions, and a QBR of 87.2. At 6’3, 215 lbs, he has the ideal frame you want, and the arm to boot. He has a great deep ball, can throw across all three levels, and high pocket presence. If he can avoid the injury bug, Texas A&M, and Weigman, could be in store for a massive 2024 season.
Nic Scourton (EDGE, Texas A&M)
For my money, this could be the best EDGE rusher in the entire class by season’s end. Yes, Tennessee’s James Pearce Jr. is a monster and is projected to have a massive season. But I believe Nic Scourton is also going to have a fantastic season. At just 19(!) years old (turning 20 in August), he already has a well-developed pass rush moveset. Ten sacks a season ago at Purdue. Now at Texas A&M, he has a chance to I believe reach 12.5 sacks or more this season. Don’t be shocked when you hear Scourton’s name towards the top of the sack total at the end of the season.
Mason Graham (DT, Michigan)
We are looking at one of the best defensive players in the country, and likely a top 5-10 pick in the 2025 NFL Draft. Michigan’s Mason Graham can do anything and everything you need on the football field. Any lineman in general who was a former wrestler, I want on my team. Motor runs as hot as possible, finishes every single play, and a bonafide run stopper. Early stat prediction, I think he finishes the year with over 5.5 sacks. He’s always in the backfield, and I think this year he sees the statistical production rise.
Malakhi Starks (S, Georgia)
As stallion as they get on my Stallions List. Malakhi Starks is going to be a monster in the NFL. Starks was an impact player as a true freshman AT GEORGIA. You know how good you have to be to not only play that early in your career at Georgia but be exceptionally good? Starks fits the bill. Former five-star recruit with blazing speed, great hips, backpedal is solid, and is a more than willing tackler. If I am an NFL GM, I am finding a way to get him on my team. Want to know something crazy? Georgia has another one of these freak guys in the pipeline in KJ Bolden.
Dorian Strong (CB, Virginia Tech)
Remember the days when Virginia Tech was a force? Night games when they would run out on the field to Enter Sandman and it really meant something? Pepperidge Farms remembers. The university has taken a hit to their aura (did I use that right?), but they might be building something again. Dorian Strong was exceptional last season as a shutdown corner, allowing a QBR Rating when targeted of just 10.9. Absolutely stellar. Can play shutdown man coverage but excels in zone. Great hands (three interceptions last season), clean backpedal and really strong in press coverage off the line.
Harold Perkins (LB, LSU)
The misuse of Harold Perkins needs to be studied at some point. Perkins started his LSU career as an EDGE rusher and thrived, finishing that year with 7.5 sacks. However, Brian Kelly had the genius idea to convert him into a linebacker and wants to move him again to Inside linebacker this upcoming season. Moronic. Perkins is a freak athlete with violent hands and a lethal pass-rush set. He has the skills to make Linebacker work, but hopefully whatever NFL team drafts Perkins wises up and moves him back to EDGE rusher. He should be on everyone’s must-have list, and was a no-brainer to make the Stallions List.
Rueben Bain Jr. (EDGE, Miami)
We could be looking at one of the most Stallion Stallions on my Stallions List. As a true freshman last season, Rueben Bain Jr. finished with a stellar 7.5 sacks, 44 total tackles and three forced fumbles. My goodness. Twitched up like there’s no tomorrow. Super lanky in a great way, he uses his length to land first on his linemen and can blow past you. Bain Jr. could finish the year above a dozen sacks and I would not be shocked. He’s got future number one overall potential.
Caleb Downs (S, Ohio State)
Caleb Downs was on Trey’s Impact true freshman post last year (linked above in the CJ Baxter section), and boy was he right. Downs was a huge part of the Alabama defense, finishing the year with 107(!) total tackles and two interceptions. He transferred to Ohio State and will immediately become one of if not the best player on that defense. Downs can do quite literally anything in the secondary and will be a top-10 pick in the draft. Hopefully, Ryan Day doesn’t ruin him by trying him out on offense.
Peter Woods (DT, Clemson)
Sorry Chickster, but I went with Woods instead.
We close out the 2024 edition of my Stallions list with Peter Woods from Clemson. Woods looks to see the field much more in 2024, as he saw limited action last season. He’s bulked up a bunch since he got to Clemson, now at 315 lbs. Twitchy for a DT, very good knee bend and explosion out of his stance. Can be disruptive in between in the run game, but has pass-rush upside. Motor runs fairly hot. I think by the time he decides to enter the draft, he will have developed into a very good interior lineman.
This has been such a fun piece to write. I hope you guys enjoy this read as much as I did to put it together. Sound off in the comments who you think deserves a Stallion tag, if you think someone on this list doesn’t deserve it, and everything in between! We will re-visit how the seasons went for everyone on the Stallions List at the end of the season.
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