Open Thread: College Football Saturday

As the season is sadly already over half way done(where did time go?) it's time we here at BFTB focus on College Football Saturdays. From here on out, every Saturday we will be highlighting several different games every week to keep an eye on, along with some prospects for Tom Telesco to watch in those games.

We'll use this post as a thread to talk mainly draft. Think of it as an open thread for any College football related conversation throughout the day/evening. Of course, this isn't just limited to the players we mention. You could make an argument that the Chargers need everything but a quarterback heading into the 2014 NFL Draft.

Today, Jerome and I will each highlight a player to keep an eye out for in the USC vs. Stanford game and the Oklahoma State vs Texas game.

USC vs. Stanford

Kyle's Take: We know there's been a revolving door at the safety position next to Eric Weddle for quite some time now. With Brandon Taylor healthy for just the second time in his career on Sunday, and Marcus Gilchrist still a question mark, you have to wonder how high of a priority safety is for the Chargers this offseason.

Dion Bailey is a prospect to keep an eye on in this game. He wears #18, he's made the transition from linebacker to safety this year, and played very well. He's only 6' and 200 pounds, but all he does is make plays. He slides down and covers the slot on passing downs, and in a league that covets versatility, I'll have my eye on him all game. This will be a great game to gauge his toughness.

Jerome's Take: Tough to tell you to watch just one of Stanford players. They have a farm of good ones. You'd be just as pleased watching Shayne Skov as you would Trent Murphy, and obviously vice versa. (Note: Both fit in San Diego's defensive scheme)

I'm in love with what Stanford does in the trenches on the offensive of the ball, so I'll be watching David Yankey. The Cardinal guard is cerebral in his approach but has capable power. He is technical and his positional versatility (G-OT) is definitely something that could benefit a club like the Chargers. USC has one of the better run defenses in the nation and we all know Stanford lines up and plays. Keep your eyes in the trenches.

Oklahoma State vs. Texas

Kyle's Take: It's no secret that one of, if not the biggest need for the Chargers is at cornerback. Free agent signing Derek Cox just hasn't panned out, and Shareece Wright hasn't progressed as hoped. Now that we know the team can save $4.5 million if they cut Derek Cox, unless he turns into Darrelle Revis over the last several weeks of the season, it's a safe bet he's cut.

That's why in this game Justin Gilbert is a guy to keep an eye on. He wears #4. He has good size for a CB at 6' and 200 pounds, but he's not a burner, he won't run low 4.4's. He is, however, a great athlete and cover corner. He's a boundary corner (short side of the field) that has good instincts and ball skills. He'd be an instant upgrade for the Chargers. He also holds the Big 12 record with 6 kick returns for a touchdown.

Jerome's Take: Kyle picked the prospect that you should be definitely watching, especially in regard to San Diego's current corner play. He can find the ball.

In this game, I'll to stick with a player who, too, could assist the defense immediately and that's DL Jackson Jeffcoat. Jeffcoat has 7 sacks and 12.0 TFL thus far on the year. He can get after the passer but, admittedly, must get a third move added to the weaponry. He plays with his hand on the ground but I think he'd stand up in the league, he just has that spring around the corner. Oklahoma St will test his run game reaction traits, something I'm looking forward to seeing surface.