College Gridiron Showcase: Day 3 Observations (PM Practice)

Wranglers Offense Takes the Field in the Afternoon vs the Desperados Defense

Emory Hunt

In what turned out to be a gorgeous afternoon in Fort Worth, the 2nd practice of the day between the Wranglers Offense and Desperados Defense, was just as spirited and intense as the morning group. There was no drop-off in both ‘wow’ plays and moments from McNair Stadium.

Safety First

This was a really good practice for the Safeties. David Griffith (UL-Monroe), Rob Rolle (Villanova) and Ezekiel Edmonds (Clark Atlanta) all had really good days in 1-on-1s and in Pass Skel. The way this group worked today, you’d think they’ve played with one another for years. This was evident during pass skel. The communication they showed amongst their group was impressive.Edmonds seems to always be around the ball.

Don’t let the Size Fool You

Defensive Tackles Miles Brown (Wofford) and Rodney Jackson (Grambling) are your shorter defensive tackles that win with natural leverage, but also explosiveness and quickness off the ball. It’s easy to get fooled by their height, but that’s how many OL on Day 3 were fooled by that assumption. Albion’s Sean Kubit-Miller is another one that has put together a strong week of work. He’s been one of the more consistent defensive tackles in attendance.

Canadian Defensive Prospects Stellar in 2nd Day

There’s a big difference in the style of play between the Canadian game and the American game. And the biggest difference is along the line of scrimmage and out on the perimeter. On Day 2 both DT Connor Griffith (British Columbia) and DB Jamie Harry (Ottawa) had a bit of an up-and-down day as they were getting acclimated to the differences of the American game, which includes the consistency of the speed, the more physical play and along the line of scrimmage, being a yard off the ball. Well, those guys are some fast learners as they got off to a great start to Day 3 and it remained that way throughout. Griffiths was able to have a lot of success in both 1-on-1s and 9-on-7s, finding himself in the backfield a lot. While Harry was a completely different player in coverage on Day 3, using his 6’1 206lb frame to his advantage, winning a lot of battles in 1-on-1s.

Practice Standouts

QB – Drew Anderson (6’4 222), Murray State: Anderson was excellent today in Pass Skel periods. He’s got really good zip on the ball and has definitely elevated himself this week in the eyes of scouts.

TE – Ari Werts (6’3 220), East Tennessee State: Despite playing with a slight injury, Werts was excellent on Day 3. He does a really good job catching the ball away from his body, also showing the ability to sacrifice his body for the reception. Him gutting it out on Day 3 earned him a lot of praise from the scouts in attendance.

OC – Chandler Miller (6’2 300), Tulsa: A quiet consistency for the former Golden Hurricane, Miller was strong in 9-on-7 periods on Day 3. He’s quickly able to get underneath the pads of the defensive linemen and move them from defensive line to safety. That’s how far his moves guys off the spot.

OT – Dino Boyd (6’3 293), Cincinnati: I don’t think I’ve seen Boyd lose a rep in 1-on-1s since I’ve been here. He’s been stellar in that regard. And despite not having the ‘ideal measurables’, Boyd gets it done in pass pro and does a great job exploding off the ball in the running game.

WR – Jody Fortson (6’4 224), Valdosta State: I really like the game of Jody Fortson. You can envisioning him playing on the outside or inside as a bigger slot receiver. He doesn’t shy away from the fact that he’s 6’4, as he is always willing to use his body to make the reception.

CB – Keenan Johnson (5’10 183), Central Florida: Johnson is one of the more active corners out there this week. I was impressed with his ability to mirror-and-match, play press and how he plants-and-drives on the ball. He’s been one of the better corners here all week.

CB – DeAndre Farris (5’9 196), Western Kentucky: Farris has very good recovery ability for the position. He’s very quick, explosive and seems to always be involved in the play. He’s going to have a home inside as a pro.

CB – Ike Warren (6’0 192), Delta State: Warren definitely looks the part of what you want at the position, and has played that way as well. He’s a physical corner that I feel as though could thrive in a heavy press scheme.

Day 3 Practice Highlights: Wranglers Offense vs Deperados Defense

WRs/RBs/TEs-vs-LBs/DBs in 1-on-1s

OL-vs-DL 1-on-1s

9-on-7 Drills

Pass Skel Drills

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