4 non-quarterbacks to know ahead of college football's semi-finals
The College Football Playoff is about to kick off Saturday with a semi-final matchup between No. 1 LSU and No. 4 Oklahoma at 4 p.m. E.T. on ESPN followed by No. 2 Ohio State and No. 3 Clemson at 8 p.m. E.T.
The day is filled with four big-time quarterbacks, including Heisman Trophy winner Joe Burrow (LSU), two other Heisman finalists in Jalen Hurts (Oklahoma) and Justin Fields (Ohio State), and Clemson's Trevor Lawrence who guided the Tigers to the 2018 national title. But these teams are all a lot more than their prestigious signal callers. Here are four players to know:
Grant Delpit, safety, LSU — Delpit is a highly regarded NFL prospect who took home college football's Jim Thorpe Award which honors the nation's best defensive back. The projected first round pick did it all for the undefeated Tigers this year, finishing with 56 total tackles, two interceptions, six passes defensed, and a sack.
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Ceedee Lamb, wide receiver, Oklahoma — The Sooners' top pass catcher will take on his old friend Delpit in the first semi-final. He's also expected to be a high draft pick after picking up 1,208 receiving yards and snagging 14 touchdowns, which was good for fourth in the country.
Chase Young, defensive end, Ohio State — If you're a college football fan, you already know who Chase Young is. The pass-rusher is considered the best player in the draft, but it looks like he'll be the second overall pick, since the Cincinnati Bengals are expected to take a quarterback with the top selection. Young, despite missing three games, had a nation-leading 16.5 sacks.
Travis Etienne, running back, Clemson — Etienne has been an incredibly efficient rusher during his three seasons at Clemson. This year, he led the country with a staggering 8.2 yards-per-carry and finished in the top 10 with 1,500 rushing yards.
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