Balco
Footballguy
I will be breaking down game film for at least one college game a weekend. The first in the series:
Alabama v. Clemson
Week 1 - August 30, 2008
ALABAMA
ANDRE SMITH, LEFT TACKLE (6'5 340), JUNIOR (# 71):
Many have made it a two player competition as to who is the best Left Tackle prospect, Michael Oher from Ole Miss or Smith. Well, Smith did not disappoint at all during the game, turning in a dominant performance. One thing that really stood out to me was his athleticism for being so big. He did a great job shuffling his feet in pass protection, and recovered nicely when the end made an inside move. His technique is great as he has great knee bend, and knows how to use the defenders momentum against him in passing situations. He keeps his pad level surprisingly low in the run game, and takes excellent angles. He neutralizes his defender on backside run plays, and shields him off when the ball is run to his side. Was asked to go to the 2nd level several times and did a great job. You can tell his intelligence as he does not just try to outmuscle defenders. He takes steps to 1st shield them off (reach blocks) and then drives them out of the play. When blocking linebackers, he runs to a spot where the play is supposed to be, and does not just lock on his defender and run out to him. Seems like a small thing, but many lineman do not do this. Very fundamental. This guy is a franchise left tackle prospect.
ANTOINE CALDWELL, CENTER (6'3, 292), SENIOR (# 59):
Great game by Caldwell. Tremendously athletic, he did a great job in the middle of the line, where Alabama did the most damage. Quick off the snap, he is not going to blow a defensive lineman off the ball, but he does not get driven back. He takes great angles, giving the backs a great crease to run through. His double team blocks were great, as he stayed on the double team for one second and then broke off to hit the linebacker. Very under control when he gets to the 2nd level, almost looked like a full back on some plays. He is going to be a solid starting center at the next level, or could be switched to guard. Very, very good player.
NICK WALKER, TIGHT END (6'5 255), SENIOR (# 88):
Stats: 7 catches, 67 yards (9.6 average)
I must say, he has one of the worst three point stances I have ever see (he looked like a toad), but after never really hearing about him, I came away very impressed. And it is not because of his 7 catches. The guy is a very active, physical blocker. And it looks like he can add even more weight to that frame. The receiving was a nice surprise, although most of the catches were because Clemson was so focused on the run, that Walker was wide open on play action. He was split out wide on many plays and showed good hands. Not a burner, or 85 catch guy at tight end, but a solid blocker who is underrated as a receiver. He makes a great second tight end on an NFL team.
JOHN PARKER WILSON, QUARTERBACK (6'2 210) SENIOR (# 14):
Stats: 22-30 (73 %), 180 yards, 2 tds. 147.5 passer rating
Do not think Wilson's skills translate very well to the Pros. He benefited greatly from Clemson focusing on the run, and completed many short passes to wide open targets. Shows zip on the ball in intermediate range. He does not have touch on the long ball, and overshot his receivers on passes in the air over 12 yards. He does not go through his progressions and locks onto his first option. Has good pocket sense and knows when to run with the football.
JULIO JONES, WIDE RECEIVER (6'4 210), FRESHMAN (#8):
Stats: 4 rec. 28 yards (7.0 avg), 1 td
Was looking forward to seeing Jones on some deep routes, but that was not in the game plan for Alabama. What I saw was a player with great hands, catches the ball with his hands and not chest, and positions himself well in front of the defender. He is not a guy who is going to go down easy as well. Obviously didn't see much, but he is the real deal.
MARK INGRAM, RUNNING BACK (5'10 215), FRESHMAN (#22):
Stats: 17 carries, 96 yards (5.6); 2 catches, 5 yards
Wow. What a polished back for a true freshman. he made one mistake all game, and that was not following his guard on a trap, and trying to cut back too early. I am sure he learned his lesson. Zero wasted motion from this kid, squares his shoulders and lowers his pads. One cut, downhill runner. If you don't square up on him, you will fall off. Has a thick lower body, and enough speed to pick up chunks of yards (see his 28 yard run), although not a burner. No way he is 5'11 like the announcers said. I would say 5'9 is more accurate. Bright future. I am definitely going to keep tabs on him.
GLENN COFFEE, RUNNING BACK (6'2 197), JUNIOR (#38)
Stats: 17 carries, 90 yards (5.3 avg); 1 catch for 9 yards
I though Ingram showed a better skill set running the ball, as Coffee just took the handoff and went straight ahead. The way Alabama's line was blocking that was a good move. He didn't really show me any change of direction skill, and runs a little upright.
TERRENCE CODY, DEFENSIVE TACKLE (6'5 380), SOPHOMORE (# 62)
Defensive player of the game, he really stood out. 380 pounds! And he can move! Weight concerns will likely hurt his draft stock, but this guy is a big time nose tackle prospect. He cannot be moved and was often in the Clemson backfield disrupting the pkay. Reminds me of an in his prime Grady Jackson (a very good thing).
CLEMSON
CULLEN HARPER, QUARTERBACK (6'4 220), SENIOR (#10):
Stats: 20-34 (58.8 %), 188 yards (99.39 passer rating)
I wanted to get a good look at Harper because he seems to be on a lot of lists as a sleeper NFL prospect. He looked horrible. He does have prototypical size, and throws a nice tight spiral, but that is the only good things I can say. He has a windup delivery, and like Wilson, he locks onto his primary target, either waiting too long for him to get open, or throwing into coverage (He stared down a receiver at one point and threw into triple coverage). And the Clemson offensive system does not have many pro style plays in it. He was throwing a lot of wide receiver/running back screens and 3-4 yard dump passes. When asked to go even marginally long, he was inaccurate.
AARON KELLY, WIDE RECEIVER (6'5 190 pounds), SENIOR (# 80)
Stats: 5 catches, 28 yards (5.6 average)
Another player I was looking forward to seeing, and I did not come away impressed at all. He is not a good route runner. Kelly looks like he takes plays off when he is not the primary option on a play, and for a guy 6'5 can get knocked off his route pretty easily. Unlike Julio Jones, Kelly does not use his height to his advantage. He might put up 1,000 yards this year, but he is not a good pro prospect. They use him on wide receiver screens and 3-5 yard passes.
C.J. SPILLER, RUNNING BACK (5'11 190), JUNIOR (#28)
Stats: 2 carries, 7 yards (3.5 avg); 2 rec. 27 yards (13.5 avg)
While watching Spiller yesterday, all I could think to myself is that he is a Felix Jones clone (a good thing). It was tough to get a read on Spiller (or James Davis for that matter) in the running game, because there was 2 defenders in the backfield before they could even take the handoff. Spiller showed his explosiveness on his kick return touchdown, and showed his great receiving ability on his 2nd catch. He has great hands and runs receiver routes when asked. He was the fastest player on the field by far, that really stood out. The one huge question mark for me is his blocking. Not once was he asked to block in the passing game.
JAMES DAVIS, RUNNING BACK (5'11 210), SENIOR (#1)
Stats: 6 carries, 13 yards; 1 reception 11 yards
The main reason I decided to watch this game was so I could take a look at Spiller and Davis. Unfortunately they got a combined 8 carries. Like Spiller, Davis was tough to rate because he didn't even have time to square up to the line of scrimmage. I was disappointed in his blocking. He attacked the line of scrimmage like a good blocker should, but he gave love taps, if any hit at all on the defender. This can be corrected, I was just surprised at his lack of aggression. He did have two nice pass blocks on their last drive.
JACOBY FORD, WIDE RECEIVER (5'10 185), JUNIOR (# 6)
STATS: 2 Receptions, 53 yards
He got hurt early. Speed really stood out. Very fast. Think he has a future as a kick returner and slot receiver in the NFL. Interested to see what he does with a bigger role in 2009.
DA'QUAN BOWERS. DEFENSIVE END (6'5 265), FRESHMAN (#93)
I cannot believe this guy is only a freshman. He is explosive off the ball, and while I thought he was just going to use his speed rush all day, he started to vary up his moves. He got a number of hurries, and held his own in the running game. With more experience (more strength, weight) he is going to be a beast. He was the only Clemson defender that stood out during the game, and they have alot of Preseason All ACC players.
Alabama v. Clemson
Week 1 - August 30, 2008
ALABAMA
ANDRE SMITH, LEFT TACKLE (6'5 340), JUNIOR (# 71):
Many have made it a two player competition as to who is the best Left Tackle prospect, Michael Oher from Ole Miss or Smith. Well, Smith did not disappoint at all during the game, turning in a dominant performance. One thing that really stood out to me was his athleticism for being so big. He did a great job shuffling his feet in pass protection, and recovered nicely when the end made an inside move. His technique is great as he has great knee bend, and knows how to use the defenders momentum against him in passing situations. He keeps his pad level surprisingly low in the run game, and takes excellent angles. He neutralizes his defender on backside run plays, and shields him off when the ball is run to his side. Was asked to go to the 2nd level several times and did a great job. You can tell his intelligence as he does not just try to outmuscle defenders. He takes steps to 1st shield them off (reach blocks) and then drives them out of the play. When blocking linebackers, he runs to a spot where the play is supposed to be, and does not just lock on his defender and run out to him. Seems like a small thing, but many lineman do not do this. Very fundamental. This guy is a franchise left tackle prospect.
ANTOINE CALDWELL, CENTER (6'3, 292), SENIOR (# 59):
Great game by Caldwell. Tremendously athletic, he did a great job in the middle of the line, where Alabama did the most damage. Quick off the snap, he is not going to blow a defensive lineman off the ball, but he does not get driven back. He takes great angles, giving the backs a great crease to run through. His double team blocks were great, as he stayed on the double team for one second and then broke off to hit the linebacker. Very under control when he gets to the 2nd level, almost looked like a full back on some plays. He is going to be a solid starting center at the next level, or could be switched to guard. Very, very good player.
NICK WALKER, TIGHT END (6'5 255), SENIOR (# 88):
Stats: 7 catches, 67 yards (9.6 average)
I must say, he has one of the worst three point stances I have ever see (he looked like a toad), but after never really hearing about him, I came away very impressed. And it is not because of his 7 catches. The guy is a very active, physical blocker. And it looks like he can add even more weight to that frame. The receiving was a nice surprise, although most of the catches were because Clemson was so focused on the run, that Walker was wide open on play action. He was split out wide on many plays and showed good hands. Not a burner, or 85 catch guy at tight end, but a solid blocker who is underrated as a receiver. He makes a great second tight end on an NFL team.
JOHN PARKER WILSON, QUARTERBACK (6'2 210) SENIOR (# 14):
Stats: 22-30 (73 %), 180 yards, 2 tds. 147.5 passer rating
Do not think Wilson's skills translate very well to the Pros. He benefited greatly from Clemson focusing on the run, and completed many short passes to wide open targets. Shows zip on the ball in intermediate range. He does not have touch on the long ball, and overshot his receivers on passes in the air over 12 yards. He does not go through his progressions and locks onto his first option. Has good pocket sense and knows when to run with the football.
JULIO JONES, WIDE RECEIVER (6'4 210), FRESHMAN (#8):
Stats: 4 rec. 28 yards (7.0 avg), 1 td
Was looking forward to seeing Jones on some deep routes, but that was not in the game plan for Alabama. What I saw was a player with great hands, catches the ball with his hands and not chest, and positions himself well in front of the defender. He is not a guy who is going to go down easy as well. Obviously didn't see much, but he is the real deal.
MARK INGRAM, RUNNING BACK (5'10 215), FRESHMAN (#22):
Stats: 17 carries, 96 yards (5.6); 2 catches, 5 yards
Wow. What a polished back for a true freshman. he made one mistake all game, and that was not following his guard on a trap, and trying to cut back too early. I am sure he learned his lesson. Zero wasted motion from this kid, squares his shoulders and lowers his pads. One cut, downhill runner. If you don't square up on him, you will fall off. Has a thick lower body, and enough speed to pick up chunks of yards (see his 28 yard run), although not a burner. No way he is 5'11 like the announcers said. I would say 5'9 is more accurate. Bright future. I am definitely going to keep tabs on him.
GLENN COFFEE, RUNNING BACK (6'2 197), JUNIOR (#38)
Stats: 17 carries, 90 yards (5.3 avg); 1 catch for 9 yards
I though Ingram showed a better skill set running the ball, as Coffee just took the handoff and went straight ahead. The way Alabama's line was blocking that was a good move. He didn't really show me any change of direction skill, and runs a little upright.
TERRENCE CODY, DEFENSIVE TACKLE (6'5 380), SOPHOMORE (# 62)
Defensive player of the game, he really stood out. 380 pounds! And he can move! Weight concerns will likely hurt his draft stock, but this guy is a big time nose tackle prospect. He cannot be moved and was often in the Clemson backfield disrupting the pkay. Reminds me of an in his prime Grady Jackson (a very good thing).
CLEMSON
CULLEN HARPER, QUARTERBACK (6'4 220), SENIOR (#10):
Stats: 20-34 (58.8 %), 188 yards (99.39 passer rating)
I wanted to get a good look at Harper because he seems to be on a lot of lists as a sleeper NFL prospect. He looked horrible. He does have prototypical size, and throws a nice tight spiral, but that is the only good things I can say. He has a windup delivery, and like Wilson, he locks onto his primary target, either waiting too long for him to get open, or throwing into coverage (He stared down a receiver at one point and threw into triple coverage). And the Clemson offensive system does not have many pro style plays in it. He was throwing a lot of wide receiver/running back screens and 3-4 yard dump passes. When asked to go even marginally long, he was inaccurate.
AARON KELLY, WIDE RECEIVER (6'5 190 pounds), SENIOR (# 80)
Stats: 5 catches, 28 yards (5.6 average)
Another player I was looking forward to seeing, and I did not come away impressed at all. He is not a good route runner. Kelly looks like he takes plays off when he is not the primary option on a play, and for a guy 6'5 can get knocked off his route pretty easily. Unlike Julio Jones, Kelly does not use his height to his advantage. He might put up 1,000 yards this year, but he is not a good pro prospect. They use him on wide receiver screens and 3-5 yard passes.
C.J. SPILLER, RUNNING BACK (5'11 190), JUNIOR (#28)
Stats: 2 carries, 7 yards (3.5 avg); 2 rec. 27 yards (13.5 avg)
While watching Spiller yesterday, all I could think to myself is that he is a Felix Jones clone (a good thing). It was tough to get a read on Spiller (or James Davis for that matter) in the running game, because there was 2 defenders in the backfield before they could even take the handoff. Spiller showed his explosiveness on his kick return touchdown, and showed his great receiving ability on his 2nd catch. He has great hands and runs receiver routes when asked. He was the fastest player on the field by far, that really stood out. The one huge question mark for me is his blocking. Not once was he asked to block in the passing game.
JAMES DAVIS, RUNNING BACK (5'11 210), SENIOR (#1)
Stats: 6 carries, 13 yards; 1 reception 11 yards
The main reason I decided to watch this game was so I could take a look at Spiller and Davis. Unfortunately they got a combined 8 carries. Like Spiller, Davis was tough to rate because he didn't even have time to square up to the line of scrimmage. I was disappointed in his blocking. He attacked the line of scrimmage like a good blocker should, but he gave love taps, if any hit at all on the defender. This can be corrected, I was just surprised at his lack of aggression. He did have two nice pass blocks on their last drive.
JACOBY FORD, WIDE RECEIVER (5'10 185), JUNIOR (# 6)
STATS: 2 Receptions, 53 yards
He got hurt early. Speed really stood out. Very fast. Think he has a future as a kick returner and slot receiver in the NFL. Interested to see what he does with a bigger role in 2009.
DA'QUAN BOWERS. DEFENSIVE END (6'5 265), FRESHMAN (#93)
I cannot believe this guy is only a freshman. He is explosive off the ball, and while I thought he was just going to use his speed rush all day, he started to vary up his moves. He got a number of hurries, and held his own in the running game. With more experience (more strength, weight) he is going to be a beast. He was the only Clemson defender that stood out during the game, and they have alot of Preseason All ACC players.
I definitely will be.
