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OKLAHOMA V. CINCINNATI
Week 2: September 4, 2008
Oklahoma 52
Cincinnati 26
CINCINNATI
TREVOR CANFIELD, RIGHT GUARD (6'5 305) SENIOR (# 76)
BIO
By far the best offensive lineman on the Bearcats, Canfield is an ornery blocker. He plays to the whistle (and sometimes beyond), and displays great strength. He cannot be bull rushed. Can get to the 2nd level and shield blocker. Good, not great athlete who has to make sure technique is sound to prevent defender getting inside/outside. Has the size to play right tackle, although he has no experience there at Cincy. Solid player. A day 2 player who offers value as a reserve lineman with the chance to develop into a starter.
MARDY GILYARD, WIDE RECEIVER (6'1 190) JUNIOR (# 1)
Bio
STATS: 7 catches 119 yards (17.0 avg); 97 yard kickoff return TD
Former cornerback. I did not even have Gilyard on my radar but came away very impressed. He plays very fast and runs good routes. He displayed great hands, and open field moves both as a receiver and as a kick returner. When in the open field he sets up defenders and reads blocks well. A player to keep an eye on.
TERRILL BYRD, DEFENSIVE TACKLE (6'1 290) SENIOR (# 95)
Bio
2 time All Big East and a 3rd team All American in 2007. Byrd is generously listed at 6'1. When playing 100%, Byrd can get under a lineman's pads and string a play out. He also shows good pursuit for a D Tackle. However, he let lineman get under him too often, and was taken out of plays. Appears to have short arms which does not let him get his hands on offensive lineman to hold the point. Looks like a rotational tackle at best in the pros.
DEANGELO SMITH, FREE SAFETY (6'0 190) SENIOR (# 6)
Bio
Really liked what I saw of Smith who was always around the ball. Not a big safety, but not afraid to make a hit. Showed solid ball skills, and can probably play cb in the pros. He does have experience at cb for Cincy.
MIKE MICKENS, CORNERBACK (6'0 190) SENIOR (# 21)
Bio
Another defender I was impressed with. Mickens showed solid man to man coverage. Was beat on a double move. Oklahoma tried to stay away from him when possible. Smooth hips allow him to stay with the receiver. Not much of a tackler. The skill set is there. Starting caliber CB in the pros.
OKLAHOMA
PHIL LOADHOLT, LEFT TACKLE (6'8 337) SENIOR (# 79)
Bio
Highly regarded Offensive lineman who failed to impress. Lazy on his blocks, did not go to the whistle. Short, slow choppy steps on pass protection. Needs to use his long arms more on pass protection. Speed rushers are going to give him a huge problem at the next level. Showed little power Does not get out of his stance low (even for a 6'8 player). A complete non factor at the second level, often stood around in the hole. He got by in this game on natural ability, but will not be successful at the next level if he doesn't pick up his technique.
DUKE ROBINSON, LEFT GUARD (6'5 335) SENIOR (# 72)
Bio
Widely considered to be the best guard prospect by a large margin. I will need to watch several more games, because I did not see much to be excited about regarding Robinson. I did find it odd that he was substituted for on a couple of early series (not consecutive) by Brian Simmons. Robinson is big, and if he gets his hands on you, you are not getting away. He can knock you down to the ground with his great strength. He looked extremely slow when asked to pull, and often times could not get to his target on the 2nd level in time due to his very slow game speed. He looked gassed after any series that lasted more than 3 plays. Like Loadholt, often saw him standing around instead of seeking out a defender. He did not even look like a top 5 guard in this game.
JON COOPER, CENTER (6'3 290) SENIOR (# 50)
Bio
Very smart player, knew exactly where to go on each play. However, Cooper lacks strength and was often pushed back by the D Line. A great help blocker on pass protection. Many talk about him being a solid center prospect but I was far more impressed with Caldwell from Alabama.
SAM BRADFORD, QUARTERBACK (6'4 218) SOPHOMORE (# 14)
Bio
Stats: 29-38 395 yards (76.3 %) 5 tds 2 INT
Loved what I saw from Bradford this game. Prototype size for a qb, Bradford did a fantastic job in the passing game. One thing I really liked about him was his willingness to hit the checkdown receiver. When asked to stay in the pocket, showed good presence. Threw several completions before receivers made their cuts. Threw ball perfectly over dropping linebacker and between two defenders. Throws a very catchable ball with nice zip. On one touchdown threw the ball to where only his receiver could catch it on the outside. Sometimes lets the ball float, but it appeared he only did that when the receivers were wide open in the flat. Other than that threw a nice ball. On one completion, easily threw the ball 40 yards in the air. Bradford is a big time pro prospect and a future 1st rounder.
DEMARCO MURRAY, RUNNING BACK (6'1 205) SOPHOMORE (# 7)
Bio
Stats: 15 carries 88 yards (5.9 avg) 1 td; 2 catches, 13 yards
Has a 2nd gear when he gets past the tackles. Upright runner. Shows good feel for passing game. Not afraid to block, he came up and hit a D Lineman on one play. 1 cut runner, would be perfect in an Alex Gibbs style blocking scheme. On a couple of plays tried to do to much, cutting across the field instead of limiting loss. Solid prospect, I think he needs 1 more year at Oklahoma before thinking of coming out (he is a redshirt sophomore). Could play himself into the 1st round with another year of experience (both on the field and in the weight room). Elite kickoff return skills.
RYAN BROYLES, WIDE RECEIVER (5'11 175) FRESHMAN # 85)
Bio
Stats: 7 catches 141 yards (20.1 avg) 1 td
Best receiver on the field, which is saying alot considering he is a redshirt freshman. Very fast player who knows how to get open. Runs great routes, has great hands, and made an amazing leaping catch on one play while being blanketed by double coverage. He will explode next year when he becomes the focal point of the receiving corps.
JUAQUIN IGLESIAS, WIDE RECEIVER (6'0 204) SENIOR (# 9)
Bio
Stats: 3 catches 67 yards (22.3 avg) 1 td
Had a great double move on future pro Mike Mickens in 1 on 1 coverage. Great route runner. Has been steady throughout his career with the Sooners.
AUSTON ENGLISH, DEFENSIVE END (6'3 253) JUNIOR (# 33)
Bio
All Big 12 selection last year at defensive end. Crashes into the offensive lineman or tries to outrun him.. Not impressed.
JEREMY BEAL, DEFENSIVE END (6'3 253) SOPHOMORE (# 44)
Bio
Wow. This kid is good. Lined up at MLB close to the line on several plays in addition to defensive end. Very strong player who shows a surprising array of pass rush moves. Stout against the run, he also showed great pursuit. He has a bright future with many NFL possibilities as either a 3-4 MLB, a 3-4 OLB, or a 4-3 end. Dominant 2 way player.
TRAVIS LEWIS, WEAKSIDE LINEBACKER (6'2 232) FRESHMAN (# 28)
Bio
Lewis was all over the field. What I loved to see from such a young player is him maintaining his gap. He was outweighted by about 100 pounds by some lineman, but he still took them on which bottled up holes. He showed tremendous pursuit and hard hitting ability. With another year in the weight room, Lewis is going to become a top prospect at LB.
Links to other "Scouting the Future" posts:
Florida v. Miami
Rutgers v. Fresno State
Alabama v. Clemson
Week 2: September 4, 2008
Oklahoma 52
Cincinnati 26
CINCINNATI
TREVOR CANFIELD, RIGHT GUARD (6'5 305) SENIOR (# 76)
BIO
By far the best offensive lineman on the Bearcats, Canfield is an ornery blocker. He plays to the whistle (and sometimes beyond), and displays great strength. He cannot be bull rushed. Can get to the 2nd level and shield blocker. Good, not great athlete who has to make sure technique is sound to prevent defender getting inside/outside. Has the size to play right tackle, although he has no experience there at Cincy. Solid player. A day 2 player who offers value as a reserve lineman with the chance to develop into a starter.
MARDY GILYARD, WIDE RECEIVER (6'1 190) JUNIOR (# 1)
Bio
STATS: 7 catches 119 yards (17.0 avg); 97 yard kickoff return TD
Former cornerback. I did not even have Gilyard on my radar but came away very impressed. He plays very fast and runs good routes. He displayed great hands, and open field moves both as a receiver and as a kick returner. When in the open field he sets up defenders and reads blocks well. A player to keep an eye on.
TERRILL BYRD, DEFENSIVE TACKLE (6'1 290) SENIOR (# 95)
Bio
2 time All Big East and a 3rd team All American in 2007. Byrd is generously listed at 6'1. When playing 100%, Byrd can get under a lineman's pads and string a play out. He also shows good pursuit for a D Tackle. However, he let lineman get under him too often, and was taken out of plays. Appears to have short arms which does not let him get his hands on offensive lineman to hold the point. Looks like a rotational tackle at best in the pros.
DEANGELO SMITH, FREE SAFETY (6'0 190) SENIOR (# 6)
Bio
Really liked what I saw of Smith who was always around the ball. Not a big safety, but not afraid to make a hit. Showed solid ball skills, and can probably play cb in the pros. He does have experience at cb for Cincy.
MIKE MICKENS, CORNERBACK (6'0 190) SENIOR (# 21)
Bio
Another defender I was impressed with. Mickens showed solid man to man coverage. Was beat on a double move. Oklahoma tried to stay away from him when possible. Smooth hips allow him to stay with the receiver. Not much of a tackler. The skill set is there. Starting caliber CB in the pros.
OKLAHOMA
PHIL LOADHOLT, LEFT TACKLE (6'8 337) SENIOR (# 79)
Bio
Highly regarded Offensive lineman who failed to impress. Lazy on his blocks, did not go to the whistle. Short, slow choppy steps on pass protection. Needs to use his long arms more on pass protection. Speed rushers are going to give him a huge problem at the next level. Showed little power Does not get out of his stance low (even for a 6'8 player). A complete non factor at the second level, often stood around in the hole. He got by in this game on natural ability, but will not be successful at the next level if he doesn't pick up his technique.
DUKE ROBINSON, LEFT GUARD (6'5 335) SENIOR (# 72)
Bio
Widely considered to be the best guard prospect by a large margin. I will need to watch several more games, because I did not see much to be excited about regarding Robinson. I did find it odd that he was substituted for on a couple of early series (not consecutive) by Brian Simmons. Robinson is big, and if he gets his hands on you, you are not getting away. He can knock you down to the ground with his great strength. He looked extremely slow when asked to pull, and often times could not get to his target on the 2nd level in time due to his very slow game speed. He looked gassed after any series that lasted more than 3 plays. Like Loadholt, often saw him standing around instead of seeking out a defender. He did not even look like a top 5 guard in this game.
JON COOPER, CENTER (6'3 290) SENIOR (# 50)
Bio
Very smart player, knew exactly where to go on each play. However, Cooper lacks strength and was often pushed back by the D Line. A great help blocker on pass protection. Many talk about him being a solid center prospect but I was far more impressed with Caldwell from Alabama.
SAM BRADFORD, QUARTERBACK (6'4 218) SOPHOMORE (# 14)
Bio
Stats: 29-38 395 yards (76.3 %) 5 tds 2 INT
Loved what I saw from Bradford this game. Prototype size for a qb, Bradford did a fantastic job in the passing game. One thing I really liked about him was his willingness to hit the checkdown receiver. When asked to stay in the pocket, showed good presence. Threw several completions before receivers made their cuts. Threw ball perfectly over dropping linebacker and between two defenders. Throws a very catchable ball with nice zip. On one touchdown threw the ball to where only his receiver could catch it on the outside. Sometimes lets the ball float, but it appeared he only did that when the receivers were wide open in the flat. Other than that threw a nice ball. On one completion, easily threw the ball 40 yards in the air. Bradford is a big time pro prospect and a future 1st rounder.
DEMARCO MURRAY, RUNNING BACK (6'1 205) SOPHOMORE (# 7)
Bio
Stats: 15 carries 88 yards (5.9 avg) 1 td; 2 catches, 13 yards
Has a 2nd gear when he gets past the tackles. Upright runner. Shows good feel for passing game. Not afraid to block, he came up and hit a D Lineman on one play. 1 cut runner, would be perfect in an Alex Gibbs style blocking scheme. On a couple of plays tried to do to much, cutting across the field instead of limiting loss. Solid prospect, I think he needs 1 more year at Oklahoma before thinking of coming out (he is a redshirt sophomore). Could play himself into the 1st round with another year of experience (both on the field and in the weight room). Elite kickoff return skills.
RYAN BROYLES, WIDE RECEIVER (5'11 175) FRESHMAN # 85)
Bio
Stats: 7 catches 141 yards (20.1 avg) 1 td
Best receiver on the field, which is saying alot considering he is a redshirt freshman. Very fast player who knows how to get open. Runs great routes, has great hands, and made an amazing leaping catch on one play while being blanketed by double coverage. He will explode next year when he becomes the focal point of the receiving corps.
JUAQUIN IGLESIAS, WIDE RECEIVER (6'0 204) SENIOR (# 9)
Bio
Stats: 3 catches 67 yards (22.3 avg) 1 td
Had a great double move on future pro Mike Mickens in 1 on 1 coverage. Great route runner. Has been steady throughout his career with the Sooners.
AUSTON ENGLISH, DEFENSIVE END (6'3 253) JUNIOR (# 33)
Bio
All Big 12 selection last year at defensive end. Crashes into the offensive lineman or tries to outrun him.. Not impressed.
JEREMY BEAL, DEFENSIVE END (6'3 253) SOPHOMORE (# 44)
Bio
Wow. This kid is good. Lined up at MLB close to the line on several plays in addition to defensive end. Very strong player who shows a surprising array of pass rush moves. Stout against the run, he also showed great pursuit. He has a bright future with many NFL possibilities as either a 3-4 MLB, a 3-4 OLB, or a 4-3 end. Dominant 2 way player.
TRAVIS LEWIS, WEAKSIDE LINEBACKER (6'2 232) FRESHMAN (# 28)
Bio
Lewis was all over the field. What I loved to see from such a young player is him maintaining his gap. He was outweighted by about 100 pounds by some lineman, but he still took them on which bottled up holes. He showed tremendous pursuit and hard hitting ability. With another year in the weight room, Lewis is going to become a top prospect at LB.
Links to other "Scouting the Future" posts:
Florida v. Miami
Rutgers v. Fresno State
Alabama v. Clemson
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