In this most unusual upcoming draft year, nothing is for certain. Thanks to COVID-19 and a ruling by the NCAA, players can play in the spring and even opt to come back for another season (fall 2021), even though they’re actually in this current draft class. Nobody’s eligibility will be affected by this 2020-21 pandemic year.
So, our Top Big South Conference prospect chart — in which we consult our subscription to DraftScout.com‘s database — could change quite a bit by the time the 2021 NFL Draft rolls around. But we are ranking a player based on his “class” as it stands now, along with any underclassmen who have expressed their desire to take an early shot at the draft. NOTE: Campbell’s Darion Slade went public Jan. 8 that he will return next fall.
RELATED: FCS’ Top 2021 NFL Prospects
EDITOR’S NOTE: Some of the players listed below have entered the transfer portal, but unless they’ve already selected their next school, they’re listed with the FCS school they played for in 2019.
THE RANKING
NO. 1: Bryson Armstrong, OLB/SS/ST, Kennesaw State
PROJECTED ROUND: HPFA
DRAFTSCOUT TOP 750: N/A
THE SCOOP: Armstrong was the FCS’ top freshman in the 2017 season, accepting the Jerry Rice Award Top Freshman Award after his season with Kennesaw State. He’s been a major contributor every since, and a consistent member of the HERO Sports FCS All-America team. The scouts have mentioned that he may fit better as a strong safety at the next level, but his play at linebacker has been stout at the FCS level.
NO. 2: Hezekiah Grimsley, WR/KR, Hampton
PROJECTED ROUND: HPFA
DRAFTSCOUT TOP 750: N/A
THE SCOOP: Grimsley, a former Virginia Tech signee, transferred to Hampton after the 2019 season. From 2017 to 2019, he caught 53 balls for 691 yards and 3 TDs for the Hokies, while also contributing on special teams. He hasn’t had a chance to play for Hampton yet, but if he has a good 2021, he may get a shot at pro football.
NO. 3: Mike Boykin, DT/DE, North Alabama
PROJECTED ROUND: HPFA
DRAFTSCOUT TOP 750: N/A
THE SCOOP: A former 3-star prospect, Boykin has transferred twice so far but has an upside and told HERO Sports this week that he has made himself available to the NFL this spring. During the fall season for UNA, the transfer posted two tackles against Liberty, three (and a TFL) against FCS powerhouse Jacksonville State, and then posted a 4-tackle, 2 TFL, 1 sack, 1 hurry and 1 blocked kick showing against FBS Southern Miss, which turned some heads. Keep an eye on Boykin.
NO. 4: Lonnie Moore, WR/KR, Monmouth
PROJECTED ROUND: HPFA
DRAFTSCOUT TOP 750: N/A
THE SCOOP: Speed, speed, speed. Did we say speed? Moore is a guy who can help his own stock with his ability to be a solid special teams contributor. And in Monmouth’s best season ever (2019), he caught 74 passes for 1,022 yards and also added 114 rushing yards on just seven carries. Oh, and he averaged 27.8 yards per kick return. Keep an eye on this interesting prospect. His stock should rise once he gets a chance at a Pro Day.
NOTE- HPFA = High Priority Free Agent, which means they may not be projected to be drafted at this time in the cycle, but they’ll likely be signed within a few hours of the draft’s conclusion
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