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2021 NFL Draft: Best Prospect from each Group of Five Conference

By John Scimeca

TAMPA, FLORIDA - OCTOBER 23: Zaven Collins #23 of the Tulsa Golden Hurricane runs in a touchdown after intercepting a pass thrown by Noah Johnson #0 of the South Florida Bulls during the second half at Raymond James Stadium on October 23, 2020 in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by Julio Aguilar/Getty Images)
TAMPA, FLORIDA - OCTOBER 23: Zaven Collins #23 of the Tulsa Golden Hurricane runs in a touchdown after intercepting a pass thrown by Noah Johnson #0 of the South Florida Bulls during the second half at Raymond James Stadium on October 23, 2020 in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by Julio Aguilar/Getty Images) /
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(Photo by Darryl Oumi/Getty Images)
(Photo by Darryl Oumi/Getty Images) /

6. Mountain West: Rico Bussey, WR (Hawaii)

2020 was a bit of a down year for teams in the Mountain West. The highest-ranked team, San José State at No. 24, barely made it into the final AP Top 25 rankings. In addition, the consistent excellence of Boise State was diminished by a blowout loss to independent BYU and a conference title game loss to the Spartans. The Broncos may not have a player go in the NFL Draft for the first time since 2009.

But none of that is to take away from Hawaii wide receiver Rico Bussey. The Lawton, Okla. native transferred to Hawaii after three highly successful seasons at North Texas. He tallied 128 catches for 1,914 yards and 21 touchdowns, the latter of which is fourth all-time in school history, during three seasons with the Mean Green.

His relatively quiet year out of the Lower 48 may affect his draft stock a bit, but he should still hear his name called by a squad looking for a sleeper pick in the sixth or seventh round.

5. Sun Belt Conference: Shemar Jean-Charles, CB (Appalachian State)

In 12 games during his senior season, Shemar Jean-Charles had 16 pass breakups and one interception, recording 37 tackles while leading a stout Mountaineers defensive secondary. The Miramar, Fla. native was named a 2020 first-team All-American, a school first, by the Walter Camp Football Foundation.

The defensive back has helped Appalachian State to a 33-6 mark over the past three seasons, a stretch that includes two Sun Belt Conference titles. Look for a team with a weaker secondary like the Falcons or the Lions to target Jean-Charles in the fifth or sixth round.

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