Enjoying a great week in Little Rock Arkansas with fellow scouts Chad Reuter of NFL Network, Wes Bunting of National Football Post, and Russ Lande of Sporting News, I was able to get a good feel for most of the prospects at the Player’s All-Star Classic, and feel there could be more than 20 players drafted from the event. Most of the scouts left after Thursday’s practice, but I stated behind and got a few good reads on some players I wasn’t able to scout on Tuesday or Wednesday. Due to my own school schedule, I could not stay for the game itself, but am hopeful to receive a copy of the game film so I can finish off my weekly evaluations.
Based off of how team practices went, here’s the starting lineups I personally would roll with on Saturday, scouting matchups to watch, and who I believe will be the players of the game.
North GameDay “Should Be” Starting Lineups
Quarterback – Alex Tanney, Monmouth
Running Back – Michael Smith, Utah State
X and Z Receivers – Michael Willie, Arizona State and Marcus Rivers, Buffalo
Slot Receiver – Julian Talley, UMass
Tight End – James Hanna, Oklahoma
Offensive Tackles – Darrion Weems, Oregon and John Cullen, Utah
Offensive Guards – Tyrone Novikoff, Idaho and Paul Cornick, North Dakota State
Centers – Mark Asper, Oregon
Defensive Ends – Brett Roy, Nevada and Jamie Blatnick, Oklahoma State
Defensive Tackles – Ronnie Cameron, Old Dominion and Christo Bilukidi, Georgia State
Outside Linebackers – Adrian Robinson, Temple and Tahir Whitehead, Temple
Inside Linebacker – Caleb McSurdy, Montana
Cornerbacks – Derrius Brooks, Western Kentucky and Clarence Laster, SW Oklahoma State
Safeties – D.J. Campbell, Cal and Cyhl Quarles, Wake Forest
NOTES: An easy choice in my opinion for the North quarterback, Alex Tanney really proved to scouts that he has an NFL caliber arm and above average accuracy across the field. Dominique Davis might end up with the start just because he’s the only FBS quarterback on the team, but Tanney deserves the start after his week of practice. Michael Smith was an easy choice as the starting tailback, although Derrick Coleman will likely receive his fair share of touches early, as he had a solid week in his own right. Receiver Michael Willie will be thrown to early in the quick, 3 step passing game, and I’d expect him to break off at least on big catch (15+ yards), breaking at least one tackle. Marcus Rivers from Buffalo is a build up receiver that won’t create a ton of separation, but is a smooth route runner and could sneak behind the secondary on a play-action shot downfield. Julian Talley will do his thing on Saturday, working the middle with drags, crossers, slants, and dig routes, as well as the sidelines on quick outs. The UMass prospect must bring his A-game because his matchup will more than likely be against Northwestern State corner Jeremy Lane; this matchup is discussed later in the post. Tight James Hanna will get the starting nod, and will be targeted on seam routes and digs across the middle of the defense; Cal tight end Anthony Miller will be brought in on running downs because of his excellent blocking skills. The two top offensive linemen of the North both hail from Oregon University, Darrion Weems and Mark Asper, and both will have a tough task in blocking the formidable front seven of the South squad.
Defensive ends Brett Roy and Jamie Blatnick, though best suited in 3-4 OLB roles, will probably start at ends today for the North defense. Roy plays with solid fundamentals, technique, and high football IQ, whereas Blatnick wins with sheer power, force, and pushback off the edge. Christo Bilukidi would be the best fit at 1-technique, and Ronnie Cameron would be the best bet at the 3 technique; if so, the North would have quite the formidable pass rushing duo from the interior defensive line positions. Zach Nash from Portland State would’ve gotten the start at “Sam” backer and moving Tahir Whitehead to “Will”, but a Thursday practice hamstring pull will likely keep Nash out of the game altogether. Caleb McSurdy and Korey Toomer are close in my mind, than in the eyes of the coaching staff, as McSurdy has worked with the first group all week long. Toomer is a better athlete and more fluid in coverage, but McSurdy is a more powerful backer that tackles with great effort and strength. The two will likely platoon each other at the position. Derrius Brooks will unquestionably be the number one starting cornerback, but the other cornerback could be anyone’s guess. I’m going with Clarence Laster, small school prospect from SW Oklahoma State who did nothing but compete all week long. Laster was the most physical, sometimes overly physical, cornerback at practice, played some safety throughout the week, and should see a ton of playing time on Saturday. D.J. Campbell and Cyhl Quarles round out the North’s starting defense.
South GameDay “Should Be” Starting Lineups
Quarterback – Aaron Corp, Richmond
Running Back – Daryl Richardson, Abilene Christian
X and Z Receivers – Darius Reynolds, Iowa State and Toney Clemons, Colorado
Slot Receiver – Terrance Wilkerson, SMU
Tight End – Taylor Thompson, SMU
Offensive Tackles – James Carmon, Mississippi State and Landon Walker, Clemson
Offensive Guards – Antoine McClain, Clemson and Kyle Nunn, South Carolina
Center – Jaymes Brooks, Virginia Tech
Defensive Ends – Jacquies Smith, Missouri and Dezman Moses, Tulane
Defensive Tackles – Rennie Moore, Clemson and Damon Harrison, William Penn
Outside Linebackers – Aston Whiteside, Abilene Christian and Antonio Leak, Henderson State
Inside Linebacker – Jake Trantin, William and Mary
Cornerbacks – Jeremy Lane, Northwestern State and Coty Sensabaugh, Clemson
Safeties – Kelcie McCray, Arkansas State and Corey White, Samford
NOTES: While I won’t be utterly shocked if Jordan Jefferson gets the nod, Aaron Corp should be the starting QB for the South squad. Corp has a much better feel and understanding of the game, progresses through multiple reads without any hiccups, makes quick decisions, spins a catchable ball, and displays plus anticipation. Can alter his throwing delivery to accommodate the throwing lane, and has good enough feet to reset his feet to target after avoiding the rush. Could be in for a good game. Running back Daryl Richardson, who will likely be the backup in the game to Brandon Bolden, should end up being the most productive back for the South squad and is a dark horse in my mind, for offensive player of the game as he could be counted upon for offensive production throughout the latter portion of the game. Darius Reynolds and Toney Clemons will both catch their fair share of footballs, each put on display very good hands and ability to snatch the ball away from their chest, and both will be targeted early and often; Reynolds can be expected to catch at least one drag and one curl, and Clemons can be expected to catch one slant and one comeback route. At tight end, Taylor Thompson opened the eyes of NFL scouts with an impressive week of practice. A collegiate defensive end who hadn’t played tight end since high school, Thompson transitioned to the position naturally and smoothly, never once looking back; I don’t expect many passes thrown his way, given the talent pool at receiver, but do expect him to snare each and every pass thrown his way. Offensive guard Antoine McClain hopes to cement his status as one of the best overall prospects at the Player’s All-Star Classic, with a strong performance Saturday following a strong week of practice. Will likely be tasked with blocking Ronnie Cameron of Old Dominion, another scouting matchup I will note later in the post. Both tackles, Landon Walker and James Carmon, will have to put forth their best efforts if they expect to control opposing ends Brett Roy and Jamie Blatnick, who’ve played very well all week.
Filling the middle of the defensive line, William Penn and CAA Defensive Player of the Year Damon Harrison will likely play the 1-technique, while the explosive and agile Clemson tackle, Rennie Moore, will likely play the 3-technique. If the North is forced to double team Damon Harrison, Rennie Moore will wreak havoc in the opposing backfield, as he proved to be nearly unblockable when lined up over the guard or center in pit drills. Ends Jacquies Smith and Dezman Moses set a hard edge, and even have the power and push to corral the quarterback within the constraints of the pocket. Antonio Leak and Aston Whiteside likely won’t see the field at the same time, as both were taking snaps at the “Sam” backer position during the week, but are the two most physically dominant and impressive prospects at the position for the South. Sammy Brown will more than likely start at the “Will”, blitzing off the edge and occasionally matching up with the opposing tight end. Aston Whiteside will also see time at defensive end, in 3rd down or obvious passing situations, as he is the South’s most complete and explosive pass rusher. Jake Trantin isn’t the liability Garrick Williams is in coverage, which is why I’ve penciled him in as the starter; I wouldn’t be shocked if Williams ended up started however, as he is much more sudden at the point, brings a pass rush element, and has more pop in his pads. Corners Coty Sensabaugh and Corey White will line up over the outside receivers, while Jeremy Lane matches up with the slot receiver; the South squad ran strictly man or off-man coverage with a single high safety throughout the week. Kelcie McCray without question was the top safety on the South squad and took essentially every first team rep.
Scouting Match-ups to Watch Out For
1. Julian Talley vs. Jeremy Lane
-Guarding the slot whenever faced with 11 personnel, Jeremy Lane didn’t do as well as on the outside, with landing his jam at the line of scrimmage; Talley showed excellent off the line quickness, sudden stop and go ability to set up his route stem, and the ability to separate at the route break. Talley’s speed and quickness matched with Lane’s athleticism, physical approach, and ball skills, could prove to be the most exciting matchup to watch.
2. Michael Willie vs. Coty Sensabaugh
– An outside matchup with Willie and Sensabaugh, here we have a major contrast in playing styles; Willie is the sudden, explosive, and out of control athlete, whereas Sensabaugh is the speedy, cognizant, and heady corner that plays with plus feel for the game. If Willie doesn’t disguise his routes better and take heed to his receiving coach’s warning of playing out of control, Sensabaugh could jump an underneath route for a pick-six.
3. Jacquies Smith vs. Darrion Weems
-This will be the pass protection matchup to watch for those of you trench players out there; Smith runs on a hot/cold motor at times, but can power through blockers with his thick, powerful arms, sound hand placement, and has a solid counter rush move to win late. Weems does a very good job with his initial kick steps, hand punch, and anchor, but struggles to stay with his man for the duration of deeper developing pass drops (5 or 7 step drops). If coverage holds up, it will be interesting to see if Weems can hold up 1 on 1 versus Smith for extended periods of time.
4. Caleb McSurdy vs. Daryl Richardson
-During film study of McSurdy, lack of sideline-to-sideline attacking speed and consistent block shedding worried me; however, McSurdy attacked blockers very well, with correct shouldering, and filled with consistency. It will be interesting to see if he is able to fill quick enough to eliminate Richardson’s big run capability; if the South team throws some zone run schemes at McSurdy, I’m confident that Richardson will take advantage of McSurdy’s lack of great speed en route to the 3rd level of the defense.
5. North Offensive Guards vs. South Defensive Tackles
-As noted just after the listed starting lineup, the South’s defensive tackle combination could spell disaster for the North guard-center-guard teaming. Damon Harrison and Rennie Moore can’t be given 1 on 1 opportunities, because they will win those battles nearly every time. I expect the North to double up on Harrison and bring the back up through the middle on a chip block to curl check down responsibility to help with Rennie Moore. At any rate, this should be an exciting linemen matchup to watch.
Likely Gameday Stars
If the North Wins
Offensive Player of the Game: Julian Talley, UMass
-Timing has never been an issue this week with Julian Talley, as he’s been equally productive with whoever has thrown him the ball. Talley’s speed and ability to separate could get him into the end zone for multiple scores.
Defensive Player of the Game: Brett Roy, Nevada
-Roy has been the most consistent defender here, constantly getting to the football and never allowing blockers to stay latched onto him. It’s not crazy to project double-digit total tackles for this future 3-4 OLB, who sheds with remarkable consistency and excellent technique.
If the South Wins
Offensive Player of the Game: Daryl Richardson, Abilene Christian
-Bernard Scott’s half brother, Daryl Richardson is easily the fastest back here and could possibly run in the mid-to-low 4.4’s at his NFL Pro Day. Richardson is an effortless runner that takes smooth, efficient strides, can make tacklers miss in space, and showed off underrated receiving skills out of the backfield. Will close the game out if the South defense dominates like I think it will.
Defensive Player of the Game: Coty Sensabaugh, Clemson
-A natural leader and excellent communicator on the field, I just have a feeling Sensabaugh will come up with a huge play in Saturday’s game. Coty Sensabaugh recognizes opposing route concepts quickly, sees thing pre snap in which he relays to his teammates, and never allows himself to be out of position. Can jump underneath routes because of his great recovery speed, and will have a very competitive matchup with Michael Willie as discussed previously.
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