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Ducks vs. Utes: 2020 NFL Draft prospects to watch in Pac-12 Championship

By Joseph Yun

EUGENE, OREGON - NOVEMBER 30: Quarterback Justin Herbert #10 of the Oregon Ducks passes the ball during the first half of the game against the Oregon State Beavers at Autzen Stadium on November 30, 2019 in Eugene, Oregon. (Photo by Steve Dykes/Getty Images)
EUGENE, OREGON - NOVEMBER 30: Quarterback Justin Herbert #10 of the Oregon Ducks passes the ball during the first half of the game against the Oregon State Beavers at Autzen Stadium on November 30, 2019 in Eugene, Oregon. (Photo by Steve Dykes/Getty Images) /
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SEATTLE, WASHINGTON – NOVEMBER 02: Zack Moss #2 of the Utah Utes runs with the ball in the second quarter against Jackson Sirmon #43 of the Washington Huskies during their game at Husky Stadium on November 02, 2019 in Seattle, Washington. (Photo by Abbie Parr/Getty Images)
SEATTLE, WASHINGTON – NOVEMBER 02: Zack Moss #2 of the Utah Utes runs with the ball in the second quarter against Jackson Sirmon #43 of the Washington Huskies during their game at Husky Stadium on November 02, 2019 in Seattle, Washington. (Photo by Abbie Parr/Getty Images) /

The running back battle is largely expected to be one sided in favor of the Utes. Who are the backs that will feature for both offenses?

2 Zack Moss 5’10 208 RB Senior

Moss is the best running back in the Pac-12, no questions asked. He has pro level instincts and vision for the position. Not the best athlete but he gets by on the power and vision to avoid oncoming defenders. Seemingly always falling forward. Leads the nation in broken tackles by a running back. He would be ideal for a one cut zone blocking system at the next level. He has accepted his Senior Bowl invitation.

7 C.J. Verdell 5’8 192 RB RS Sophomore

Verdell has been injured a lot this season, often failing to finish games after starting them with various leg related issues. When healthy, he was on track to become one of the better running backs that Oregon has had. He’s eligible for the draft as a redshirt sophomore but isn’t expected to declare.

10 Justin Herbert 6’6 237 QB Senior Oregon

Herbert has all the physical tools that NFL teams will love to have but not all the mental ones. He has an NFL arm. Herbert is a mystifying prospect in that he is very inconsistent and you just don’t know which Herbert will show up on a game to game basis.

He just doesn’t have the anticipatory throws in his arsenal. There’s a distinct lack of competitive desire as well. He just doesn’t show the fire in his belly to lead a team. He has missed a lot of wide open throws this season and can’t show any consistency in the short to intermediate passing game. Herbert has had wide open lanes to run the ball but he has absolutely refused to do so unless it’s an emergency situation in the pocket.

1 Tyler Huntley 6’1 190 QB Senior Utah

Huntley has shown a lot of improvement as a passer this season after bouts of inconsistency the past couple of years. He’s shown a passion for the game and is willing to play through tremendous amounts of pain to will his team to a win, unlike his counterpart. He’s a mobile QB that looks to extend plays to pass rather than to run. He has accepted his Shrine Game invitation.

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