Sleepers to Watch

By Jim Johnson

SouthernPigskin.com

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Five sleepers to look out for during the National Championship.



Kenyan Drake, RB, Alabama

Kenyan Drake is preparing to play his final game for the Crimson Tide. Between a slew of injuries and suspensions, Drake’s career at Alabama may not have lived up to many people’s expectations. Although, despite being a career backup, he will still likely be one of the top ten running back prospects in the upcoming NFL draft. He seems to always come back from his physical rehabilitation even stronger and faster than before, which has shown this year, even in his limited usage. Similar to the last game, Clemson’s defense will be largely focused on stopping Derrick Henry. That could free up some opportunities for Kenyan Drake to make the most of his final collegiate game.

Hunter Renfrow, WR, Clemson

This redshirt freshman walk-on (now on scholarship) has been one of Clemson’s most pleasant surprises of this season. He’s not the biggest, or the fastest, or the strongest player on the field, but he’s quick, sure-handed, and a savvy, intelligent route runner. In the absence of Deon Cain, Renfrow will have to step up and fill that third receiver role, just as he did against Oklahoma in the semifinal. With the secondary being Alabama’s lone quasi-weakness, and Artavis Scott and Charone Peake garnering much of the top cover guys’ attention, Renfrow might turn into Deshaun Watson’s favorite target for a night.

Richard Mullaney, WR, Alabama

Jake Coker will have his hands full with this Clemson defense. Calvin Ridley and ArDarius Stewart will be locked in some epic downfield battles with Cordrea Tankersley, Mackensie Alexander, and Jayron Kearse. If the Tigers are able to get pressure on the quarterback, Coker will have to start looking to get the ball out early, but against those defensive backs, Ridley and Stewart might not always be available. That leaves senior Richard Mullaney. Mullaney’s long frame makes him an extremely tough cover, especially around the goal line. Look for the lanky senior to take advantage of some of Clemson’s smaller coverage guys.

Kevin Dodd, DE, Clemson

Clemson has so many household names on defense that even talents like Kevin Dodd sometimes get lost in the mix. Considering playmakers like Alexander, Lawson, Boulware, and Watson, it is somewhat understandable that Dodd has flown under the radar. However, Dodd has been one of the unsung heroes of the Tigers unbelievable run this season. Opposite Shaq Lawson, who Alabama will make a point of containing, Dodd might continue to fly under the radar, that is until he piles up a few more sacks and tackles in the backfield, just like he’s quietly been doing all year.

Adam Griffith, K, Alabama

Yes, it took him until his fifth attempt to make a field goal this season, and yes, that didn’t come until week three, but ever since then, he’s been rock solid. Following that slow start, he has been very consistent making almost 85% of his attempts. We all know Alabama’s dark history with shaky place kicking during big games, but this is Adam Griffith’s chance to change the narrative.