Vikings Draft 2024: Prospect matchups to watch in CFB Week 2
By Luke Parrish
Game No. 2
Matchup: Tulane vs. Ole Miss
When: Saturday, September 9 at 2:30 p.m. CT on ESPN2
Prospect to Watch: Michael Pratt - QB (Tulane)
Tulane's Michael Pratt is one of the sleeper quarterbacks to watch in this draft class. He broke out for the Green Wave last season, throwing for over 3,000 yards with 27 touchdowns and just five interceptions. He also rushed for 478 yards and 10 scores as Tulane went 12-2 and earned a spot in the Cotton Bowl.
In the Cotton Bowl against USC, Pratt threw for 234 yards despite completing just eight of his 17 pass attempts. He also gained 83 yards on 15 carries as Tulane pulled off the upset in a stunning 46-45 victory. Pratt has Tulane opening the season in the top 25 with just one true test on their schedule, and it just so happens to be this weekend.
In his season opener against South Alabama, Pratt was nearly perfect. According to PFF, he posted a 98.0 passing grade with an adjusted completion percentage of 100%, which is remarkable regardless of who he is throwing against.
Ole Miss is going to put up points with ease this season, so Pratt and the Green Wave need to be prepared for a barnburner on Saturday afternoon, much like they were when they took down USC in January.
The Vikings are going to do their research on this quarterback class from top to bottom. They left the 2023 draft with Jaren Hall, but there is no guarantee that he is a long-term solution, and a player like Michael Pratt could be waiting to take his role in 2024 and beyond.
On the other side, Jaxson Dart is a fun quarterback prospect who is not getting a ton of NFL recognition just yet, but another strong season with Lane Kiffin could earn him a chance at the next level. Running back Quinshion Judkins is one of the top prospects in 2025. This game should feature plenty of fireworks.