2012 NFL Draft: Top Draft Prospects from Saturday's Rivalry Weekend Games

A day removed from black Friday, rivalry weekend Saturday is upon us, and NFL scouts will be out in force throughout the country to see how the top prospects perform against their bitter rivals.

There's a lot of things that change when it comes to a rivalry game. In a rivalry game, rankings get thrown out the window, the pressure becomes palpable, family members become foes and the top players rise to the occasion and grab a hold of the spotlight. More often than not in rivalry games, the top players embrace the challenge and are usually the players who make the transition to football on Sundays.

Let's take a gander at the top NFL prospect from each team in today's biggest rivalry games.

Georgia vs. Georgia Tech

Georgia Bulldogs: LB Jarvis Jones

Well, we know what Jarvis Jones was thankful for after being named a Butkus Award finalist earlier this week. The Georgia Bulldogs' impact linebacker has terrorized quarterbacks this year. Jones leads the SEC with 12.5 sacks and 18.5 tackles for loss.

Georgia will be relying on the linebacker's knack for the football when they face Georgia Tech's option attack and the quarterback listed below. Jarvis Jones has helped his future financial fortunes with his play in 2011 and will be one of the first linebackers taken in the draft.

Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets: QB Tevin Washington

Tevin Washington and the Yellow Jackets are hoping their option attack can neutralize the Butkus Award finalist listed above. Georgia Tech's unorthodox offense in today's college football has allowed Washington to rush for 849 yards and 14 touchdowns.

Given the percentage of option quarterbacks that transition to the NFL are far and few in between, Washington's pure athleticism cannot be overlooked. At 6'1'', 205 pounds, Washington could end being a special teams specialist or possibly even a wide receiver. With an impressive showing at the NFL combine in the spring, Washington could find himself in an NFL training camp next summer. 

Michigan vs. Ohio State

Michigan Wolverines: QB Denard Robinson

Similar to Tevin Washington, Denard Robinson most likely will not be drafted by an NFL franchise to become their quarterback of the future. However, Robinson's phenomenal natural ability usually makes him the best athlete on the field every week for Michigan.

The Michigan Wolverines starting quarterback may have taken a step back in 2011 in the statistics department, but do not let that fool you. "Shoelaces" can still shake a guy out of his jockstrap. Similar to a former Big 10 quarterback in Antwaan Randle El, Robinson could be converted to a wide receiver at the next level.

Ohio State Buckeyes: C Mike Brewster

As a four-year starter for the Ohio State Buckeyes, Mike Brewster has been rock solid along the offensive line during his collegiate career. He will enter the draft as the top center and should be taken in the top half of the first round.

He's dependable, smart and a leader for the Buckeyes, which are all attributes that you would like to see in a starting center. You could argue for a few other Buckeyes to take this spot, but Brewster will end up beating them all out come next April's draft.

Virginia vs. Virginia Tech

Virginia: WR Kris Burd

The Virginia Cavaliers have been the surprise team from the ACC's Coastal Division this year. Virginia will host instate rivals the Virginia Tech Hokies for the right to play the Clemson Tigers in the ACC Championship game.

Kris Burd is the Cavaliers' 6'2'' leader in receiving yards in 2011 with 710 yards. Burd will look to exploit the secondary of Virginia Tech and impress the scouts that could be in attendance.

The senior wide receiver needs to have a big game for Virginia to knock off the No. 6 Hokies. Virginia has scored at least 32 points in their last seven victories over their instate rivals, which dates back to 1989.

Virginia Tech: RB David Wilson

Virginia Tech's David Wilson comes into today's contest as one of the more underrated running backs. He may not receive a ton of national attention with the likes of Trent Richardson or LeMichael James, but this guy can pound the rock.

The Virginia Tech junior has averaged 5.5 yards or greater per carry throughout his career in Blacksburg. He already has 1,442 yards in 2011 and could have three more games to boost that total if the Hokies can dodge an upset in Charlottesville. Whether Wilson comes out after his junior year or his senior year, he'll certainly be one of the top five to 10 running backs taken in the draft.

Alabama vs. Auburn

Alabama Crimson Tide: RB Trent Richardson

In his first year as the Alabama Crimson Tide's starting running back, Trent Richardson has shown the entire country that he is more than capable of replacing Heisman Trophy winner Mark Ingram. Richardson has been an outside Heisman Trophy candidate himself in 2011 and continues to punish opposing defenses every week.

His ability to tirelessly shake off the first tackler on every carry has proven to be a valuable asset in his long list of attributes. He has 1,380 rushing yards and is averaging 5.8 yards per carry with two games remaining. The man with tree trunks for thighs won't be sitting behind the stage at Radio City Music in New York City for too long next spring.

Auburn Tigers: RB Michael Dyer

Michael Dyer goes into Saturday's Iron Bowl a year removed from helping the Auburn Tigers perform an epic comeback in Tuscaloosa and win their first BCS National Championship. His sophomore campaign won't end with a crystal football, but Dyer has improved his game in 2011.

With 10 touchdowns and 1,194 rushing yards, Dyer has helped the Auburn offense transition from their own recent Heisman Trophy winner. He's had six 100-yard rushing games in 2011 and will be looking to add a seventh today in Auburn's biggest game of the season.

Florida vs. Florida State

Florida Gators: RB Chris Rainey

The senior running back has helped carry the Florida Gators to a few wins this year. Chris Rainey will not be considered a top-flight running back with the likes of Trent Richardson, David Wilson and Michael Dyer all expected to go before the Florida Gator.

Rainey, however, has the speed, hands and ability to change direction, which will surely land him a special teams spot at the pro level at minimum. Due to the attention paid to the above running backs mentioned, Rainey could end up being a steal in the middle rounds of the draft if a team decides to take a chance on him as a running back.

Florida State Seminoles: DE Brandon Jenkins

A year removed from leading the nation's top defensive line when it came to recording sacks, Brandon Jenkins has continued to torment quarterbacks in 2011. After recording 13.5 sacks in 2010, Jenkins has recorded seven sacks thus far this year and will be looking to scalp Florida's John Brantley more than once.

His speed off the ball makes him one of the better draft prospects at the defensive end position. He is suited for a 4-3 defense but contains the capability of transitioning to a 3-4 linebacker at the pro level with his quickness and athleticism. As a fringe first-round draft pick, Jenkins could join a long line of Florida State Seminoles to go to the NFL from the defensive end position.

Oregon vs. Oregon State

Oregon Ducks: RB LeMichael James

Who else would be the candidate for the Oregon Ducks? LeMichael James has been the weapon of choice for Oregon's fast-break offense for a couple years now.

The small speedster has over 1,200 yards and 13 touchdowns in 2011. If it weren't for an early injury that forced him to miss a couple games, James could be an outside Heisman Trophy candidate. His size and durability could be a detractor for certain NFL teams, but the jet-like burst will surely entice somebody to draft him.

Oregon State Beavers: WR Markus Wheaton

Like you, I haven't even heard of this guy until I started my research for this article. Markus Wheaton's numbers, however, do pop off looking at his stat line. Wheaton has hauled in 947 receiving yards for a horrendously bad Oregon State football team.

The small 6'1'', 178-pound junior wide receiver has been able to put up big numbers in the receiving department but has only brought in one touchdown reception. He'll have a chance to add to that total during Saturday's "Civil War" game at Autzen Stadium.

Clemson vs. South Carolina

Clemson Tigers:QB Tajh Boyd

The Clemson Tiger's breakout sophomore has been so good in 2011 that every Clemson co-ed would kill for the chance to give this guy a hug. Boyd has thrown for 3,255 yards this season going into today's game. With a three-to-one touchdown-to-interception ratio, Boyd has helped Clemson attain one of their more memorable seasons in recent memory with his 27 passing and four rushing touchdowns.

Although Boyd may only be a sophomore, if he puts up another season in 2012 like the current one, he will be a top prospect in the NFL draft when he comes out. He could be considered a poor man's "RG3."

South Carolina Gamecocks: WR Alshon Jeffery

Marcus Lattimore will give this guy a run for his money once he reaches the next level but since Lattimore suffered an unfortunate season-ending injury, Alshon Jeffery takes the top spot. Jeffery has the size, athleticism and hands to make an instant impact in the NFL.

His 6'4'' frame makes him a threat in the red zone and allows the quarterback to put the ball up high. Jeffery is expected to forgo his senior season and enter the 2012 NFL draft as one of the top two or three wide receivers.