Football is a sport that mainly recruits players based on potential. After talking to a college coach from the ACC, I believe this even more. He said that potential is about 75% of the recruiting process. If potential alone is the reason why Ray Drew was recruited, that is good enough for me.
The 6'5” 245 lb. senior out of Thomasville, GA has all the potential in the world. Besides his huge frame that will easily add more weight once you put on the tape, it is clear that Drew is extremely athletic. Drew is an extremely hard-nosed player; he seems to always be around the ball, whether he is chasing it down from the backside or spilling multiple blockers. It is extremely difficult for tackles to get depth against Drew because of his speed. By the time they set up, Drew is usually turning the corner on the way to the quarterback. Drew's tremendous strength is apparent even on film. His ability to use great leverage allows Drew to remain in dominant and dictating positions of attack.
If Drew continues to improve upon his skill set, the sky is the limit. He will clearly get stronger and faster, and his technique is already pretty good when it comes to natural body position. The one thing he will benefit from the most is consistent competition and excellent coaching. Those things, along with a solid training program and barring any injury, will secure a place for Drewin the NFL someday.
Check out Ray Drew's video and see what you think........
Monday, January 17, 2011
The Comeback
As the Editor of this blog I wanted to take a second to explain what has been going on in and around my blog. I took a short hiatus because of moving out west for my jobs as well as finishing up training and school. I am back on the east coast for a few months, but regardless I am more focused on bringing my readers content that is relevant and unheard of.
I am still committed to finding not only the players that everyone knows about, but also the players that have not been highly recruited but should be. I would appreciate any an all feedback that any of my readers have had. I do my best to always read and respond to comments made on my blog. I also would appreciate comments on content and what readers might want to see more of. I will always do my best to give the readers what they want.
Thursday, January 13, 2011
6 Foot, 7 Foot, 8 Foot, 9!
Once again, I am jumping back into the past of former athletes who I have profiled previously. Today I am looking at a personal favorite, Greg Reid. This Georgia product has been criticized for wanting to go to Florida State because of the lack of talent at his position, and feeling that he would get a quick chance to start. In the end Greg found a program that fit his needs.
The thing that most impresses me about Greg Reid is the fact that he plays extremely well for his 5'9” 180 lb. frame. When he steps on the field he has an instant impact and he couples his ability with a little showmanship, which the home crowd loves.
When you put in the film of Greg Reid, you see instantly that he has the "it" factor. He is an instinctive corner who gambles a lot but is not often beat. He does a great job of driving on routes, and when something is caught he knows how to break on the ball and deliver a big blow. Greg isn't just a defender either. He is great on special teams and making good things happen whenever he gets the ball in his hand. During Florida State's bowl game, he made two different returns of over 25 yardseach. As I watched South Carolina kick to Greg, I just shook my head and thought of calling him ababy Devin Hester. Despite his small stature, Greg Reid has the talent to play in the NFL. I think he will end up becoming a better version of Antoine Winfield. Check out his video below and see what you think......
The thing that most impresses me about Greg Reid is the fact that he plays extremely well for his 5'9” 180 lb. frame. When he steps on the field he has an instant impact and he couples his ability with a little showmanship, which the home crowd loves.
When you put in the film of Greg Reid, you see instantly that he has the "it" factor. He is an instinctive corner who gambles a lot but is not often beat. He does a great job of driving on routes, and when something is caught he knows how to break on the ball and deliver a big blow. Greg isn't just a defender either. He is great on special teams and making good things happen whenever he gets the ball in his hand. During Florida State's bowl game, he made two different returns of over 25 yardseach. As I watched South Carolina kick to Greg, I just shook my head and thought of calling him ababy Devin Hester. Despite his small stature, Greg Reid has the talent to play in the NFL. I think he will end up becoming a better version of Antoine Winfield. Check out his video below and see what you think......
Wednesday, January 12, 2011
Secondary Stunner
Once again I am reviewing previous players who are now contributing at the Division I level. One of the most athletic and versatile athletes I have ever posted about was a guy by the name of Stephon Gilmore. Graduating from South Pointe High School, Stephon was the number one rated player in the state of South Carolina even though he played out of position his last 2 years of high school. The 6'1” 190lb. standout for the University of South Carolina, played quarterback in high school prior to moving to cornerback, his more natural position on the defensive side.
Once Stephon stepped into spring ball, it was clear that he was going to have an instant impact. Two years later, after becoming a Freshman All American, Stephon's impact is still being felt. I made it to Atlanta during the bowl season and actually watched Stephon play in the Chick-fil-A Bowl. As a true sophomore, Stephon has continued to improve his NFL potential. Lining up and shutting down opposing receivers is natural for Stephon. What sets him apart is his size and quickness. He is a very technically sound defensive back that understands both man and zone principles. Offenses will not see him gamble much on routes, yet he always puts himself in a position to make plays. Stephon rarely gives up the size that a lot of defenders do, yet he plays against speedy smaller receivers very well. I grade him as a very solid defensive back that is primed for the NFL. Stephon reminds me of a slightly taller Janoris Jenkins.
Seeing Stephon in person showed me what the films does not—people do not challenge him a lot. The one mistake that Christian Ponder made prior to leaving the game was an interception made by Stephon. In my opinion, if Stephon continues to improve at the same pace, he will not only be in the NFL in a year but will be a top defensive back in the SEC, which is always a difficult and prized title.
Check out this short clip on Stephon Gilmore and don't forget to check out his high school tapes which are on youtube.com ........
Once Stephon stepped into spring ball, it was clear that he was going to have an instant impact. Two years later, after becoming a Freshman All American, Stephon's impact is still being felt. I made it to Atlanta during the bowl season and actually watched Stephon play in the Chick-fil-A Bowl. As a true sophomore, Stephon has continued to improve his NFL potential. Lining up and shutting down opposing receivers is natural for Stephon. What sets him apart is his size and quickness. He is a very technically sound defensive back that understands both man and zone principles. Offenses will not see him gamble much on routes, yet he always puts himself in a position to make plays. Stephon rarely gives up the size that a lot of defenders do, yet he plays against speedy smaller receivers very well. I grade him as a very solid defensive back that is primed for the NFL. Stephon reminds me of a slightly taller Janoris Jenkins.
Seeing Stephon in person showed me what the films does not—people do not challenge him a lot. The one mistake that Christian Ponder made prior to leaving the game was an interception made by Stephon. In my opinion, if Stephon continues to improve at the same pace, he will not only be in the NFL in a year but will be a top defensive back in the SEC, which is always a difficult and prized title.
Check out this short clip on Stephon Gilmore and don't forget to check out his high school tapes which are on youtube.com ........
Friday, January 7, 2011
Remember Us.....?
The title of this post says something in itself. I have been away from my blog entirely too long and I am looking to start off 2011 with a more consistent product for my readers. As a way to remind my readers of what I have done, I am going to use the next few posts to re-visit former high school players who I have featured and who have in fact been successful since signing and joining college teams.
Today, I am looking back at a very talented but underrated quarterback by the name of Jeffrey Godfrey. The last time we looked at this 5-11 182lbs QB, most of the top schools who recruited him thought he was a highly talented player who just needed a position change. Wide receiver, defensive back, return specialist—all of these positions were well within Jeffrey's talents, but what he wanted was a real chance to play the quarterback position. UCF’s Coach O'Leary was the one to give Jeffrey that chance and he certainly has not disappointed.
Jeffrey is the starting QB at UCF as a true freshman, and he has really shown a special knack for making plays. The QB's statistics speak for his talent on the field: 67% completion percentage with over 2,000 passing yards and 700 rushing yards on the season. With those kinds of numbers, it is no wonder that Jeffrey has led his team to victory with a 10-6 record, the best season in the history of UCF football. The 10th victory came from a thrilling defeat of SEC powerhouse, the University of Georgia, at the Auto Zone Liberty Bowl. Jeffrey and the Knights will assuredly moveup from their current 25th placed ranking after the win. I see that a lot of the team’s success has come from Jeffrey's ability to make plays both inside and outside of the pocket.
This speedy freshman is only going to get better, and in my opinion, he will further strengthen the Knights’ program. Not only do the Knights currently have a cast of young and talented players and a proven winner as the head coach, but they are also located in a recruiting hot bed. I have no doubt that the Knights could reach if they continue to make choices like the one they made with Jeffrey.
Monday, June 7, 2010
Similarities....
As a recruit I would look at one big factor when deciding on a school to attend. What kind of system does the school run and does it compliment my talents. An example would be if I am a solid tackling machine as a linebacker I would go to Linebacker U, Penn State. If I was a speedy defensive end I would think about going to Florida State or Miami. If I was a big time Quarterback I would go to a school like USC.
When it comes to speedy running backs it looks like Clemson might be the new running back U. And the next one to follow behind CJ Spiller's foot steps is a young man by the name of Mike Bellamy. Mike is listed at 5'10 178 lbs and is from Punta Gorda, FL. The thing that sets Mike apart is his pure speed an ability to run away from any an everybody on the field. With 10.5 speed in the 100 meters, it is clear why some consider Mike the best running back in the state of Florida.
The improvements that Mike needs to make have to do with his work in the weight room and ball security. He already has tremendous vision an burst through the whole. Being such a fast an quick runner he needs to also improve on his patients. Setting up his blocks and using his lateral quickness will really elevate his game on the college level.
I think Bellamy would be able to contribute early on special teams, but I would red-shirt him until he gains more college ability in the weight room. Once that happens the sky is the limit for Mike. He can catch the ball very well out of the back field as well. Check out his clips an see what you think..... Don't forget to comment.
When it comes to speedy running backs it looks like Clemson might be the new running back U. And the next one to follow behind CJ Spiller's foot steps is a young man by the name of Mike Bellamy. Mike is listed at 5'10 178 lbs and is from Punta Gorda, FL. The thing that sets Mike apart is his pure speed an ability to run away from any an everybody on the field. With 10.5 speed in the 100 meters, it is clear why some consider Mike the best running back in the state of Florida.
The improvements that Mike needs to make have to do with his work in the weight room and ball security. He already has tremendous vision an burst through the whole. Being such a fast an quick runner he needs to also improve on his patients. Setting up his blocks and using his lateral quickness will really elevate his game on the college level.
I think Bellamy would be able to contribute early on special teams, but I would red-shirt him until he gains more college ability in the weight room. Once that happens the sky is the limit for Mike. He can catch the ball very well out of the back field as well. Check out his clips an see what you think..... Don't forget to comment.
Tuesday, June 1, 2010
A Lot Of Potential
Every year there is a player or two that really stands out and greatness is expected of him. In my mind there is a clear winner on defense this year, Kent Turene. Kent is an inside linebacker from Lauderdale, FL, the 6'3 230 lb. tackling machine has more than just potential. Potential is what sets Kent apart from the rest of the pack.
When you put on the game film of Kent you see a very aggressive linebacker who has a nose for the ball. His initial quickness an burst through ball carriers is something that coaches cannot teach. Kent has the quickness to play outside linebacker and the frame to patrol the middle like a former Crimson Tide alum Rolando McClain.
Kent does needs to improve in pass coverage and his ball skills, but this heavily recruited kid has all the tools necessary to play an play soon at a big time school. Given the right coaching an opportunities the sky is really the limit for this big time recruit. Check out this video an see what you think......
When you put on the game film of Kent you see a very aggressive linebacker who has a nose for the ball. His initial quickness an burst through ball carriers is something that coaches cannot teach. Kent has the quickness to play outside linebacker and the frame to patrol the middle like a former Crimson Tide alum Rolando McClain.
Kent does needs to improve in pass coverage and his ball skills, but this heavily recruited kid has all the tools necessary to play an play soon at a big time school. Given the right coaching an opportunities the sky is really the limit for this big time recruit. Check out this video an see what you think......
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