Featuring small school talent from the FCS and Division II levels, the South offensive squad holds a huge size advantage in the trenches. James Carmon, especially, is a gigantic 6’7, 345 lbs and looks to prove himself more than just a raw body. Landon Walker from Clemson, is the highest rated prospect on the squad and currently holds a 3rd-5th round draft grade here at Optimum Scouting.
FCS quarterbacks Nathan Dick and Aaron Corp will battle Jordan Jefferson for the top quarterback slot, which I see Nathan Dick coming away with. Both Dick and Corp display good anticipation for throwing lanes, accuracy across the board, and presence within the pocket. Jefferson has an uphill battle to climb, as most do not see him as a capable next level quarterback.
That being said, I would not be shocked if Jordan comes out and blows scouts away with his live arm, outstanding velocity, and overall athleticism. Jefferson needs to keep the ball off the ground, hit his receivers in stride with better ball placement, and improve his reads. Two Division II talents to watch out for are halfback, Daryl Richardson and tight end, Phillip Supernaw. Both need to step up this week, and I feel each of these players could end up establishing themselves at the top of their respective positions on the South offense.
Quarterbacks
1 (Tied). Nathan Dick, Central Arkansas
Younger brother of former Arkansas Razorback, record-setting quarterback, Casey Dick, Nathan Dick also began his career In Fayetteville with the Razorbacks. Though he transferred down to the FCS level, Nathan’s skill set should not be overlooked entirely. Nathan sees the field well and does an excellent job at the line of scrimmage, with presnap adjustments. Generally makes the correct read, throws with good placement, and shows some pocket mobility in avoiding pressure. The biggest question mark with Nathan Dick is his overall arm talent and arm strength; struggles to throw his receivers open or drive the ball into tight windows. Deep ball accuracy suffers because he struggles to consistently spin a clean ball. If he can come out and deliver the ball with improved zip, Nathan Dick could secure a priority free agent grade and possibly a late Day 3 draftable grade.
1(Tied). Aaron Corp, Richmond
Eerily similar to Nathan Dick, Aaron Corp began his collegiate career with the illustrious USC Trojans. Corp had secured the starting quarterback position, but due to injury, and an emerging freshman named Matt Barkley, Corp was forced to transfer down a level. Corp in his first year at Richmond, was again injured throughout the season; however, this past season Corp finally stayed healthy and produced impressive numbers. Really throws with good touch in between zones, flashing the ability to file the ball between the 2nd and 3rd levels of a defense. Like Nathan Dick, Corp also struggles with overall arm strength; more of an anticipator, Corp will also have to prove he can drive the ball into tight windows against press coverage.
3. Jordan Jefferson, LSU
A late add to the South squad, Jordan Jefferson had a roller coaster season that saw plenty of ups and downs, beginning with his preseason bar fight arrest that led to a 4 game suspension. Returning after the suspension, Jefferson regained the starting job and proceeded to perform incredibly efficient. Most of Jefferson’s numbers came off of play-action fakes, but nevertheless he did enjoy a solid season. Needs to put a disappointing BCS National Championship loss behind him, and impress scouts with his arm talent, mobility, and physical build. I really want to see how he takes to coaching and if he has improved in his progression reads.
Running Backs
1. Brandon Bolden, Ole Miss
Has some elusive, sudden, stop n’ start ability to his game, able to accelerate quickly past linebackers and into the open field. Powerfully built upper half with a solid frame that can take a beating. Indecisive at times between the tackles, but when he likes what he sees, Bolden can burst through the lane with great acceleration, lower his shoulder through contact, and string multiple moves together in the open field. Easily the best back here in Little Rock, I expect big things out of this SEC half back.
2. Daryl Richardson, Abilene Christian
Appears to have finally “put it all together” in terms of combining his athleticism and explosive open field running skills, with improved vision and feel between the tackles. Physically Richardson has all the tools you look for, and needs to solidify an NFL grade with a solid week here in Little Rock. 3. Joseph Banyard, UTEP
Transferred to UTEP from TCU, looks the part of an NFL 3rd down back, but simply lacks any ability to make defenders miss in space. Runs with too high of a pad level, which ultimately results in him going down after first contact. Locates free pass rushers consistently and does a nice job of working to get in correct position, but lacks strength at the point to hold up 1 on 1. Needs to be more decisive with his cuts in between the tackle box, as he too often dances in the hole. A well built back that maintains good overall body strength and doesn’t have bad size at all for the position, I would like to see more suddenness as a runner, more decisiveness in his cuts, and improved open field agility.
Wide Receivers
Top Wide Receiver: Darius Reynolds, Iowa State
Having scouted the Big 12 for the past season, I am truly excited to see Reynolds in this showcase setting. Even though Reynolds is not a physically imposing target, he does an excellent job of shielding defenders with his body, tracking and adjusting to poorly thrown passes, and high pointing the catch. Does not have the pull away speed you want, but sets up his man well with enough short area quickness and burst to create separation in the 3 step passing tree. Works well with his hands to fend off press coverage and should have no trouble getting off the line this week versus the South corners. I still am not convinced that he can create separation deep down field in the 5 step passing tree, and would like to see improved long speed from the guy.
Wide Receiver to Watch Out For: Wes Kemp, Missouri
Another Big 12 receiver, Wes Kemp is a bigger, taller wide out that similarly raises concerns about downfield separation. Limited by the youth at the quarterback position in Missouri, Kemp showed soft hands and good feel for underneath coverage as a secondary option. May struggle against aggressive corners this week, as he does not to disguise his routes well at all. Needs to be more sudden with his cuts and show fluidity in deeper developing route concepts.
Tight Ends
Top Tight End: Phillip Supernaw, Ouachita Baptist
Maintaining a large, 6’5, 240+ lbs frame, Phillip Supernaw truly looks the part of an NFL starting tight end. Plays with a nasty, mean streak in the run game, dominating his opponents and showcasing some snap at the point of attack. Needs to clean up route running and how more route diversity, but seems to display natural movement skills for his size. Very similar to Jason Witten as a route runner, albeit a RAW Witten, Supernaw uses his great size to simply box out or wall off defenders at the catch. This week will make or break this guy’s draft chances.
Tight End to Watch Out For: Taylor Thompson, SMU
Originally recruited as a tight end, but moved to defensive end because of his elite size and SMU’s lack of bodies, Taylor Thompson will move back to his natural position in tight end. Very good athletic ability for his size at 6’6 and 260+ pounds, Thompson needs to prove he has not lost his route running skills nor his hands. Although I only gave him a camp body grade at the defensive end position, I am intrigued to scout him from the tight end position. Could open some eyes this week.
Offensive Line
Top Offensive Lineman: James Carmon, Mississippi State
Mammoth of a man, big bodied, and extremely raw in terms of experience and overall technique, James Carmon moved over to offensive tackle despite being recruited to play defensive line.
Offensive Lineman to Watch Out For: Jaymes Brooks, Virginia Tech
A good, not great athlete, Jaymes Brooks shows the ability to really hold the point well for an undersized, interior lineman. Doesn’t reposition his hands well after initial punch, and I’m interested to see how he works versus the defensive linemen for the South squad.
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