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College football’s newest speed demons

By Tyreese Ingram

Oct 7, 2016; Boston, MA, USA; Clemson Tigers running back Tavien Feaster (28) scores a touchdown during the fourth quarter against Boston College at Alumni Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Stew Milne-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 7, 2016; Boston, MA, USA; Clemson Tigers running back Tavien Feaster (28) scores a touchdown during the fourth quarter against Boston College at Alumni Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Stew Milne-USA TODAY Sports /
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It’s time to see which incoming college football recruits are most likely to take it to the house, if they see any kind of daylight with the ball in their hands. 

Before we look at the 2017 speedsters, let’s take a look back at a few names from 2016’s list of speedsters .

T.J. Brock was atop the list comprised of the best 100 meters times among the class with a time of 10.20, but he isn’t on the USC football roster. Brock decided to concentrate on track and field and ran a personal best of 10.16 this outdoor season.

Alabama cornerback Nigel Knott headed up the fastest 40 times list with his 4.30 from the Nike Football Opening. Knott redshirted last year for the Tide.

The only players that made the top ten of both lists were running backs Tavien Feaster of Clemson and Sean McGrew from Washington and receivers Devin Duvernay and Demetris Robertson from Texas and California, respectively. McGrew(10.56, 4.38) redshirted while Feaster(10.42, 4.36) totaled 222 rushing yards with a six yard average gained mostly in mop up duty for the National Champs. One of his two touchdowns was a 45 yard dash against Boston College.

Devin Duvernay(10.27, 4.32) finished his first season with 20 receptions, 412 yards and three touchdowns. Those scores were of 63, 75, and 80 yards. Robertson(10.46, 4.34) was even better statistically with 50 catches, 767 yards and seven touchdowns. He had 5 receptions that covered more than 50 yards.

Now here are the top 100 meters times for the incoming freshmen for 2017. Statistics were taken from Athletic.net

  1. Chauncy Smart ATH, South Florida 10.26
  2. Caleb Jolivette WR, Sam Houston State 10.31
  3. Javelin Guidry CB, Utah 10.34(tie)
  4. Noah Daniels CB, TCU 10.34
  5. Ameer Speed CB, Georgia 10.39(tie)
  6. Eric Stokes CB, Georgia 10.39
  7. Christopher Henderson CB, Florida 10.40
  8. Rodrick Fisher WR, Washington State 10.46
  9. Isaiah Trousil RB, Northern Iowa 10.53
  10. Cameron Montgomery RB, Rice 10.55

The Nike Football Opening has become the biggest 7-on-7 tournament with athletes also tested in four events. The events are the 20 yard pro agility shuttle, powerball toss, vertical leap and 40 yard dash. Here are the best 40 yard times for the signed players from this class per Scout.com.

  1. Guidry 4.35(tie)
  2. Jolivette 4.35
  3. Henderson 4.35
  4. Tyrell Shavers WR, Alabama 4.38(listed at 6-foot-6 inches tall)
  5. Smart 4.39
  6. Lazarus Fisher RB, Northern Iowa 4.40(tie)
  7. Trestan Ebner WR, Baylor 4.40
  8. Harrison Hand CB, Baylor 4.40

Smart, Guidry, Jolivette and Smart all made both lists.

Clemson running back Travis Etienne Jr. didn’t make the list of top overall times from the Opening, but he did run a regional best 4.43 in New Orleans. Etienne gets a mention here not just because we’re a Clemson sports site, but also because he won the “Fastest Man” race at the regional with a 4.38.

Etienne earned the title of “Fastest Man” by beating fellow speedsters Cam Akers(FSU), Clyde Edwards-Helaire(LSU), Jeremy Singleton(Houston) and Jolivette.

In less than 100 days, College football is back and the newest crop of speedsters will get on their mark, set and go.

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