Tuesday Jan, 2019 3:28 PM | by admin | NO COMMENTS

College Gridiron Showcase: Day 2 Observations (Desperados)

Desperados Hit the Field for the First Time

Emory Hunt

Day 2 of the College Gridiron Showcase was the first opportunity to see prospects that represent the 2 major groups of the event, the Desperados and Wranglers. We’ll start with Desperados.

QBs Start Slow, Finish Strong

The quarterbacks from this group: Hayden Moore (Cincinnati), Hayden Bauserman (Shenandoah), Dalton Banks (Cornell), Brad Mayes (Lehigh) and Grant Kraemer (Drake) got off to a bumpy start. That is expected considering this is the first time working with an entirely new group of receivers, so the timing just wasn’t quite right during a good part of the 1-on-1 drills. However, as they went into the Pass Skel portion of practice, we saw all QB step their game up significantly as they started to find the right timing with the wideouts, and getting the ball out decisively to the right target.

Canadian Impact

There are 5 Canadian Draft Prospects participating in this week’s events: OL Samuel Thomassin (Laval) & Zack Williams (Manitoba), DT Connor Griffiths (British Columbia), CB Jamie Harry (Ottawa) and RB Brady Oliveira (North Dakota). I thought the two OL Thomassin and Williams had really good days in 1-on-1s. Thomassin was able to stalemate a few DTs. Oliveira caught the ball extremely I thought, which is a major plus in today’s game. It’s going to be interesting to track their success here this week as yesterday all 5 guys got good reviews.

Practice Standouts:

DT – Sean Kubit-Miller (6’0 302), Albion: He was the prospect the other day in the Marshalls group who’s number wasn’t on the roster. So, this is back-to-back strong days for him.

S – Ezekiel Edmonds (6’3 200), Clark Atlanta: The 6’3 200lb safety has very good footwork and is fluid in his backpedal. He was strong in 1-on-1s as well.

DE – Kevin Thompson Jr. (6’3 250), Bethune-Cookman: He is an impressive prospect. Heavy handed edge rusher that is extremely stout verses the run. He also stood out in the FCS Bowl as well.

OC – Michael Fleming (6’3 305), East Stroudsburg: Fleming played Left Tackle for the Warriors, but is making the move to the interior. The way he uses his hands in conjunction with his feet, was impressive yesterday in 1-on-1s.

ILB – Quentin Moon (6’1 230), Western Illinois: Terrific ‘thud’ player in 9-on-7 drills. He was consistent in his run fits as well as his ability in getting off blocks.

OT – Messiah Rice (6’6 310), Hampton: He’s all of 6’6 and definitely looks the part of an NFL offensive lineman. I thought he played the part as well yesterday also.

WR – Curtis Smith (5’9 169), SUNY-Maritime: Smith has tremendous acceleration and was able to consistently slip past and stack the defensive back during both 1-on-1s and Pass Skel. He’s been really impressive so far.

LB – Cardell Rawlings (6’1 240), Wingate: Putting together back-to-back strong All-Star game performances (National Bowl). Rawlings suddenness and explosiveness is evident when you watch him play. He’s can legitimately play all 3 backer spots.

CB – Issac Warren (6’1 195), Delta State: Big fan of how Warren uses his height to his advantage. He’s a patient player in both his backpedal, how he uses his hands and playing the ball once it’s in the air.

DE – Vincent Jackson (6’3 255), South Florida: Jackson was very disruptive during 9-on-7. It’s very tough for offensive linemen to get a good punch on him.

Desperados Practice Highlights

WR-vs-DBs & RBs/TEs-vs-LBs 1-on-1s

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OL-vs-DL 1-on-1 Drills

9-on-7 Drills

Pass Skel Drills

Monday Jan, 2019 1:48 PM | by admin | NO COMMENTS

College Gridiron Showcase – Day 1 Observations

College Gridiron Showcase Notebook: Day 1

Emory Hunt, FBGP Analyst

Day 1 of the 2019 College Gridiron Showcase got underway in Fort Worth, Texas. From my vantage point, all 32 NFL Teams and all 9 CFL teams were in attendance at McNair Stadium. Some teams had multiple scouts present. You know it’s scouting season anytime you see former NFL player, and current Cleveland Browns Front Office Exec. Alonzo Highsmith out and about. It’s that time of the year folks, and the CGS All-Star Showcase is a great event to kick off the 2019 All-Star Game Circuit.

The practice on Sunday was for the Small College Group (Marshalls) and the practices Monday-Wednesday will be for the two select groups (Wranglers & Desperadoes). The Small College Group only had Sunday to leave an impression on the scouts, as the rest of the week is for the two aforementioned groups.

Here’s a look at some of the standouts from Sunday’s practice:

QB Dominique Harris – 6’4 259, Benedict College: I thought Harris had the best day of the QBs, routinely making tight window throws with excellent velocity. He has a bit of a Cardale Jones-Rohan Davey-ness to his game and has put together back-to-back solid performances during the all-star circuit, having performed well at the National Bowl back in December.

RB Lamar Carswell – 5’7 183, Trine: Carswell just operates at a different speed. He was able to showcase both lateral quickness and explosiveness during 9-on-7s.

WR Ricky Rogers – 6’0 211, Indiana (PA): Rogers has a savvy about his game that allows him to consistently work himself open. I was also impressed with the level of body control shown in his ability to track the ball and haul in the reception.

WR Austin Calamita – 5’11 198, Western Connecticut State: This was my first time seeing Calamita play and I came away highly impressed with his explosiveness within his route running. After he does his work at the line of scrimmage, Calamita is able to explode into his route, creating a 2-3 yard cushion of separation between the defender. He’s also natural at catching the ball over his shoulders.

WR La’Darious McElroy – 6’5 238, Ouachita Baptist: McElroy has the ‘off the bus’ look about him. A physically imposing prospect that shows good quickness for a guy his size. He’s listed as an athlete here on the roster, so some teams may view him as either a bigger slot receiver, a split end (X) or even a Flex TE at the next level. He is able to catch the ball away from his body with ease and had a really good day.

TE Ryan Edwards – 6’2 253, Morehouse: I thought Edwards looked the most fluid out of the TE group. He caught the ball well and definitely knows where his hands are. Not overly explosive, but moves well enough to get himself open.

OT Travis Krall – 6’5 307, Bloomsburg: 1-on-1s I was impressed with Krall. Coming from the Huskies program, you rarely get to see a lot of pass pro reps, so I liked what I saw from him from a technical standpoint. He was solid in 9-on-7, that is expected considering how dominate as a unit they were at Bloomsburg.

DT Tyler Bembry – 5’11 338, Chowan: Fire hydrant of a player, who’s natural pad-level and leverage had him be a very disruptive player yesterday during 9-on-7s.

LB CJ Bivens – 5’11 244, Lindenwood: I thought his instinct vs the run was where it needed to be. And because of his ability to anticipate, he was able to consistently get good run fits during 9-on-7 and shrink space between he and the ball carrier during team-vs-team.

LB Antonio Harris – 6’1 230, Fairmont State: Harris brings good pop upon contact, showing just the right amount of aggressiveness at the position that allows him to COD pretty seamlessly if it’s play action.

CB Zuril Hendrick – 5’11 192, Edinboro: I liked his ability to matchup in 1-on-1s. He showed really good technique in press. He uses his hands well and has above-average footwork & hips to be able to turn and run with any type of receiver.

DB Andrew Roach – 6’1 183, Pace: Another stellar performance by the former Sacred Heart & Pace DB, having put together a solid week of work at the National Bowl in December. Roach was strong in 1-on-1s, even showing some versatility playing inside at times in the slot and back at safety.

There were other players that stood out (LB #37, LB #58 and DT #96) but their numbers weren’t reflected on the roster. I promise to get those names today.

Here are the Practice Highlights from Day 1 of the College Gridiron Showcase:

WR-vs-DB 1-on-1s

OL-vs-DL 1-on-1s

9-on-7 Drills

Team-vs-Team Drills

Sunday Dec, 2018 1:11 PM | by admin | NO COMMENTS

It’s Your Time Jalen

Gene Clemons, FBGP Analyst

On January 8, 2018 Jalen Hurts, the starting quarterback at the University of Alabama, had his entire world shook. He struggled in the first half of the College Football National Championship game and the Alabama Crimson Tide went into halftime losing to the Georgia Bulldogs.

It was in the locker room, losing 13-0, that Hurts learned the news that he would be watching the remainder of the game from the sidelines. It didn’t matter that Hurts had brought the team back in the past. His nearly unblemished record couldn’t get more faith bestowed upon him. Instead, he was left to watch as freshman Tua Tagovailoa led the Tide to a comeback victory, and a National Championship.

Hurts found himself in a lose/lose situation. If Alabama would’ve lost, he would be blamed regardless of how Tua played. When they won, it took mere seconds for the world to proclaim Tua as the starter coming into this season. It took Alabama head coach Nick Saban much longer, dragging the decision into the season and almost ensuring that Hurts would be stuck playing backup.

This is where the story diverges from most.

Instead of doing the logical thing and sitting out to preserve his redshirt, a move which would allow him to graduate from Alabama and transfer to another school with two years to play, he announced that he would play this season.

Then he was quiet.

He was quiet while Tua balled out. He was quiet while Tua catapulted to the top of the Heisman watch. He was quiet as onlookers bestowed this Alabama team Floyd Mayweather status (The Best Ever). He was quiet as critics took subtle shots at his play. “Tua unlocks the talent of these receivers.” “Tua gets all of these playmakers the ball.” Through it all, Hurts remained silent.

But he was also quietly working on his craft. In his limited opportunities to play this season, despite blowing many teams out, he quietly completed 74% of his passes for almost 700 yards and seven touchdowns. He quietly continued to take care of the ball. He also quietly got himself healthy.

We could see Tua had some kinks in the armor. Struggled vs pressure against Mississippi State. Struggled with health. He’s not built to take as much abuse as Hurts, and his lower body was feeling the affects.

The SEC Championship was the convergence of all those things, and through three quarters, Tua not only looked like anything but a Heisman candidate, he injured his ankle when a lineman was push back and stepped on him.

Suddenly, in the same building where Hurts’ head coach lost faith in him, facing the same team who made that coach feel as if he had to go in a different direction, he had an opportunity. Not for redemption. Two national championship births and SEC offensive player of the year spoke load enough about his ability as a quarterback and as a leader. Hurts had a chance to show that he would not only be a factor in this game, but the nation should be on the lookout for him next year.

Of course he tied the game on a touchdown pass to WR Jerry Jeudy and then won it on a signature Jalen Hurts run. In the process he made CBS color commentator Gary Danielson eat crow when he referred to Hurts as a “run first” quarterback. He was 7-9 for 82 yards and that Jeudy touchdown throw, converting critical 3rd downs in the process as well.

The question now isn’t about who plays in the playoffs. The question becomes where will Hurts be this time next year. He can’t spend another year like this. And now that every team in the nation has been reminded that he can handle a top SEC defense, what is the next logical move? What will be the final chapter in this epic college football story?

The best scenario is if Hurts calls up Gus Malzahn at rival Auburn and tells him to dust off that Cam Newton playbook for another run. He’s been the reason that Bama has continued their supremacy why not be the reason it comes to an end?

Whatever he decides, he doesn’t need to be quiet anymore. That time is over. Like Saban told him before he entered the game, “It’s your time Jalen!”
Questions? Comments?

Email: gclemons@footballgameplan.com

Twitter: @geneclemons

Thursday Oct, 2018 8:32 PM | by admin | NO COMMENTS

FBGPU’s Talkin’ Ball w/The Czar: Rod Milstead, Delaware State

Wednesday Oct, 2018 4:50 PM | by admin | NO COMMENTS

FBGP’s FCS Kickoff – 2018 Week 6 Preview

Wednesday Oct, 2018 4:49 PM | by admin | NO COMMENTS

FBGP’s NFL Week 5 Preview: Colts vs Patriots

Wednesday Sep, 2018 3:56 PM | by admin | NO COMMENTS

Fitzmagic is an Illusion

Don’t Buy Into the Fitz Hype

Gene Clemons, FBGP Analyst

Ryan Fitzpatrick has been great! There’s no denying that fact!

The Buccaneers are off to a great start behind the former Harvard star, and the passing game has been a primary reason. It has been reported that receiver Desean Jackson has endorsed the long-time veteran QB, to keep him as the starter. It makes sense coming from Jackson, who has five touchdown passes from Fitzpatrick and only one from Jameis Winston. But as much fun as it is watching Fitzpatrick dress up like an inflated Connor McGregor figurine, Jackson and Bucs fans need to pump the brakes on leaving Winston on the bench.

“Fitzmagic” is exactly what it sounds like, magic. It’s an illusion. And the idea that this illusion is somehow real, has been responsible for several other teams stunting their growth, while hoping that Fitzpatrick could bring them to the promised land. After he was barely visible in St. Louis and Cincy, he got his shot in Buffalo, and Fitzmagic was born; resulting in four seasons of personal mediocrity and below average team success.

In his next two stops as a starter, he was Fitztragic in Tennessee and Fitzbland in Houston. At 33 years old the Fitzmagic appeared again in New York and he posted his best statistical season of his career; 3900 yards, 31 touchdowns, 15 interceptions, and his team went 10-6. The following season he was Fitzgarbage en route to his worse season as a pro; 2700 yards, 12 touchdowns, and 17 interceptions, the second worst total of his career (23 ints in ‘11).

So is a five or six game sample size at almost age 36 is supposed to be proof that the Buccaneers should leave their young prodigy on the bench? Really? Since when?

Even if you argued that Fitzpatrick was better right now, we have seen that meritocracy doesn’t mean much at the quarterback position. Kaepernick is out of a job, but so many horrible quarterbacks are employed. Josh Allen and Sam Darnold are both starting when their teams decided to trade away AJ McCarron and Teddy Bridgewater, the best options for success on their teams. Tyrod Taylor would have the Browns at 2-0 if it wasn’t for field goal kicking so bad, it made Bucs fans cringe. Instead they are chanting for Baker Mayfield. Eli Manning has been terrible for years and his job has never been in jeopardy until he was justifiably benched last season in favor of Geno Smith. The Giants were destroyed for their correct decision and not only went back to the 37-year old Manning, but doubled down on him in the offseason by not adding any competition at the position, and letting Geno Smith end up with the Chargers.

People always bring up the turnovers for WInston as proof that he may not be the answer, but they conveniently forget all of the positives about his game. In his first three seasons, Winston has accounted for more yards (12,149 to 11,814) than Fitzpatrick in his best three seasons. They both complete passes at just above 60% but while Fitzpatrick has more touchdowns (82 to Winston’s 77 total TDs), Winston’s 44 interceptions in his first three years is 10 shy of Fitzpatrick’s best seasons. All of this, and most are willing to admit that Winston has superior arm talent, mobility, and is almost 11 years younger.

The reason that most media members are onboard with benching Winston has nothing to do with his on-field performance, and everything to do with questionable decisions that the quarterback made off the field dating back to college. Many have not, and never will, forgiven him for his bad judgements. This disdain for Winston as a person has skewed their views of him as a quarterback talent, which has led these people to believe that the Buccaneers would be better off cutting ties with him.

Hopefully the Tampa Bay braintrust is smarter than making a business decision based off emotion. The idea that you should not play your most talented players because you have a personal issue with the player is not conducive to winning. I am sure the other teams in the NFC, and especially the East, would love to see Fitzpatrick continue in this role because they know that eventually he will regress to the normal Fitz.

Fitzmagic is just like any other illusion. It is fun to watch for a short amount of time, but at some point you realize that it is not real and you are ready to go home. Winston is almost home Tampa Bay. Don’t stay away too long or you may find yourself trying to find a new home.

Questions? Comments?

Tweet: @geneclemons