2024 CFB Season: Week 0 Tape Talk
Week 0 Standouts
SMU Tight End RJ Maryland (82) - SMU Football
The tape talk series is a weekly short breakdown usually released on Sunday mornings where I quickly recap and highlight a handful of players that caught my eye in a particularly impressive way. It’s something I’ve done at my previous stops and absolutely look forward to continuing here on The Pulling Guard.Â
I mainly keep it focused on draft eligible players, but when your eye tells you something you have to listen. I also just love highlighting the awesome players who may have imperfect measurables and may not be highly sought after on the next level. Young guys that pop will make their way into the fray infrequently as well.
There weren’t a ton of games so this will be one of the shorter lists we do this season, but it doesn’t make it any less exciting. Let’s get into it.Â
RJ Maryland
Coming into the season, SMU Tight End RJ Maryland was a common name that popped up amongst scouting and analyst circles when talking about potential breakout players. After putting up 34 receptions, 518 yards, & 7 touchdowns in his 2023 campaign Maryland picked up where he left off and then some against Nevada. After not registering a single reception in the first half, Maryland took over the game and helped SMU dig out of an 11-point 2nd half-hole.
In the 2nd half alone, Maryland racked up 8 catches, 162 yards, 1 touchdown, & 20.3 yards per reception. The best part about it? There wasn’t much to it other than him being bigger, faster, & stronger than the Nevada defenders. He was schemed open on a slot wheel one time, but other than that he just ran by and jumped over defenders. The freak athlete did freak athlete things. Keep an eye on RJ Maryland for the rest of the year.Â
Jamal Haynes
Running Back Jamal Haynes was a 1,000-yard rusher for the Yellow Jackets last season and he looked like a player dying for an opportunity to show the world how talented he is. The 5’9 190 pound junior ran for 75 yards and 2 touchdowns on 11 carries. He also hauled in 2 receptions for 16 yards. The yardage may not wow you, but the way he did it was the key.Â
He ran behind his pads, incredibly elusive in short area spaces, showcased great contact balance, and had timely catches including a 16-yard reception with 4:36 left in the 4th quarter on 3rd & 7. QB Haynes King made play after player as well, but it was Jamal Haynes that set the tone and helped finish the job. He capped off his last touchdown with a Heisman pose. That should let you know what kind of zone he was in mentally. A name to monitor this year.Â
Marcus WehrÂ
Montana State’s Marcus Wehr was a 1st Team FCS All-American last season. The 6’4 300 pound tackle was one of the driving forces behind Montana State’s incredible come-from-behind win against New Mexico. The Bobcats ran for 362 yards to the tune of 7.7 yards per carry. Wehr was a key cog to the machine as the Bobcats leaned on running to his side to get going when they fell into a 17-0 hole.
Wehr probably projects to be a guard next level, but with the physicality, effort, and tone he plays with I think he’ll make the transition pretty solidly. His athleticism and attention to detail stand out. He plays with a veteran tempo and uses some pretty advanced techniques with his hands and upper body. for a player like this to make some noise at a showcase event like the East-West Shrine Bowl or Resee’s Senior Bowl.