This was a tough game for Logan Thomas.(Photo: Pittsburgh AP)
KCCD Editor: Jason Madson
This game features a few of my favorite prospects. Logan Thomas and James Gayle from the Hokies and Ray Graham from the Panthers. They didn’t disappoint for the most part. Check out my notes on the inside.
VIRGINIA TECH
#3 QB Logan Thomas*
-huge QB, if you watch the broadcast you know he’s 6-6 260 lb the announcers say it every 3rd play
-play action fake, throws a tight ball behind his WR, but completes it
-rolls out to right, overthrows an easy target. Had time to set his feet, but didn’t
-gets a little cocky on the sideline and takes a huge hit
-throws the post a little late, tipped and intercepted
-didn’t get his feet set again, overthrows the target
-has all day to throw with a mostly clean pocket, takes off running for no gain
-throws the ball up for grabs deep over the middle, intercepted again. Terrible throw, almost like he was attempting a throwaway
-wide receiver runs a quick slant, Thomas drills him with a rocket for the first down
-timing route to the sideline in traffic, very risky throw but complete
-drilled in the backfield, but rolls off the hit to prevent a loss
-threw late and behind the WR on slant, led to an incomplete pass. Needs to anticipate it better
-moves in pocket, away from rush, calmly delivers a tight spiral over the middle for a first down on 3rd -10
-pancaked a would be tackler at the end of a run
-a horse with the ball in his hand, carried at least 5 defenders 7 yards down the field
-throws another ugly pick. Had a WR short and one long, threw in between them to the cornerback who made an easy pick
Overview: The talent is clearly there, just needs to make better decisions. His footwork needs help, but that can be fixed. Has everything else an NFL team could want.
#7 WR Marcus Davis
-gigantic WR that runs and jumps extremely well
-used on a jet sweep, set up his blocks well
-came back to get the ball on a timing route, tough grab in traffic
-made another tough grab, while running, reaches back to make catch
Overview: Love his measurables. Hasn’t lived up to them yet though. This is his opportunity to prove himself.
#74 OC Andrew Miller*
-pulled more than the guards, mobile/athletic lineman
-had his head on a swivel in pass pro, assisted teammates on each side
-occupied his man, but was put on the ground
Overview: Feel he could play guard or center at the next level.
#99 DE James Gayle*
-very well put together
-driven back and put on the ground, didn’t have a strong base
-knocked chip block attempt to the ground and works thru the tight end quickly, getting good pressure on the QB. QB threw it away before the sack
-pushed offensive tackle to the ground, made play on running back at line of scrimmage
-looks freakishly strong on most plays
-ran around the right tackle, was held on the play, but still got the sack of the QB
-beat the right tackle with a fake inside, monster rip to the outside, this time the holding was called. 10 yard penalty that saved the QB from getting drilled
-can stack and shed with the best of them
-violent with his rip, just explodes thru it
Overview: This guy will be a monster coming off the edge, regardless of the scheme he plays in. Would look the best as a 3-4 OLB in my opinion, based on what I have seen.
#42 DE JR Collins*
-not as long as Gayle, but thickly built
-stays clean, works down the line
-missed the tackle after getting juked by the running back
-fought thru the chip block, hesitation move to the outside, exploded inside to beat the left tackle. Destroyed the QB as he released the ball
-used a minor inside bull rush to beat the left tackle again, was in the backfield in a blink of the eye
-comes clean down the line, makes 1 on 1 tackle on Ray Graham
-tends to stand up off the snap, would be that much quicker off the line if he fixes this
Overview: Saw some good aspects of his game and a few thing he can work on. Pad level is key with him, fix this and he could see a big time climb in the rankings.
#1 CB Antone Exum*
-built like a safety, huge arms
-played press man coverage and dropped back into zone
-worked free from a block to make tackle that saved a big play, open field behind him
-missed a field goal block by inches, came from the outside
-in press coverage, man released off the line with ease. Would love to see him jolt the WR
Overview: Size makes me think he’s playing safety at the next level. 6-0 220 lbs is a monster at the corner position. I’m impressed with his overall ability.
#51 ILB Bruce Taylor
-plays at a great pad level, in a football position
-cleared out of the running lane by an offensive guard
-throws blocker aside to make tackle at the second level
-blitzed, ineffectively up the middle. A little slow to his spot on this play
-read the screen pass, flies over to make the play but misses the tackle
-picked p the running back out of the backfield, tight coverage
-very next play, loses same running back in coverage
Overview: Was more impressed in this game with his teammate Jack Tyler. Taylor has some skills and is big bodied. Will get a shot at the next level based on these traits.
Head to page 2 for the notes on Pitt.
Pages: 1 2
Tags: Aaron Donald, Bruce Taylor, James Gayle, Logan Thomas, Ray Graham
