BYU's Beck gets hot, while Irish's Zbikowski struggles

After a status-quo Saturday that saw few upsets on the gridiron, many of the nation's top NFL prospects at linebacker and on the offensive line stood out. There was also some uninspired play by a few of the country's top junior prospects.

Risers

John Beck, QB, BYU: Beck is a strong-armed passer who possesses terrific deep accuracy. He's averaging 321 yards passing in five games this year while also completing 68 percent of his throws. Connecting on three second-half touchdowns, Beck led the Cougars over conference rival TCU last week, snapping the Horned Frogs' 13-game win streak. He lacks pocket-passer height, standing a shade under 6-foot-2, but he's still moving toward the draft's first day. He will get several postseason all-star-game invitations and could elevate his grade even higher.

Aaron Sears, OL, Tennessee: The Volunteers' offense has been explosive this season, thanks in large part to the return of coordinator David Cutcliffe and an offensive line that has allowed only four sacks. Sears, the leader of the unit, has been a dominant force in pass protection and as a run blocker. Highly rated coming into the season, he is still on the upswing and could sneak into the draft's initial 40 selections.

Doug Datish, C, Ohio State: The former offensive tackle replaced Nick Mangold at center this season and has taken to his new position like a duck to water. Datish was dominant last Saturday against Iowa and has a compelling all-around game. As Mangold did last April, Datish could end up as the first center drafted next year.

Patrick Willis, LB, Mississippi: Willis has been a shining star in what has been a bleak season for the Rebels. He has 50 tackles after five games and has shown improvement in coverage this season.

Brain Smith, LB-DE, Missouri: Lining up in a three-point stance for the Tigers, Smith is a feared pass rusher who constantly makes plays in the backfield. Through five games he has seven sacks and eight tackles for loss. Undersized to be an every-down defensive end in the NFL, Smith is projected by most as a rush linebacker in a 3-4. Teams are now stamping him as a top 75 selection.