A much more spirited and lively group of coaches, the South practice began clicking pads and competing right from the first drill. Heavy rain and thunderstorms ended the South practice prematurely, putting a screeching halt to the team drills.
Big winners from the South practice were Aaron Corp, Daryl Richardson and Aston Whiteside.
Quarterbacks
-So far so good with Jordan Jefferson, who spun a nice ball with great velocity in 2 practices. Hitting his spots early, Jefferson’s been fairly accurate on the roll and flashed deep ball touch. Top and bottom halves aren’t entirely in sync; produces all of his zip from upper body and rip thru. Will have to learn to transfer his weight more consistently, bend a bit more, and get better with his coverage reads. Has ripped the ball all across the field and certainly has the arm talent to be drafted late.
–Nathan Dick threw off an athletic base with balance and good feet today, really setting his feet to target well. Struggled with a couple handoffs early in practice; all in all a so-so day for the Arkansas native.
–Aaron Corp had much better day today, albeit not spectacular. Corp spins a very nice ball, gets rid of the ball with a quick release, and gives his receivers a catchable ball. Does a nice job in weight transfer; One problem pointed out by Cecil Lammey, was a lethargic, lazy approach Corp has in the 3 step pass game; that being said, Corp is very active and up on his toes for 5 to 7 step passing game. Shows a good feel for the game and was starting to really get in a nice rhythm before inclement weather cancelled practice.
Running Backs
–Joe Banyard looked solid catching the ball out of the backfield and intrigues as a possible 3rd down back at next level. Not much more to note with Banyard other than receiving skill. –Daryl Richardson from ACU had another great practice, showing off his elite speed and acceleration, as well as receiving skills to be an all around back. Ran good routes today and looks more and more like a potential difference maker at the next level.
Wide Receivers
–Wes Kemp injured himself late in the first practice and was unable to go today; whether or not his spot was taken remains to be seen. Kemp, likely is out for the rest of the week.
–Darius Reynolds and Toney Clemons continued their dominance as top receivers for the South squad. Reynolds continues to exhibit plus hands and a solid all around game. Clemons is more sudden and explosive, and catches the ball equally well. Really snared the ball away from his body today and had another solid practice.
–Terrance Wilkerson, looks like the South’s best pure slot guy; Wilkerson dips real low into his cuts, has some explosive burst in and out of cuts to separate, and plays with great competitiveness. Has proven so far to be more than just a return specialist, but a viable 3rd/4th receiver.
Tight Ends
–Taylor Thompson has looked very natural and fluid this week at tight end, switching over the line of scrimmage from defensive end where he played in college. A tall, big bodied guy that runs very well for his size, Thompson put on display a great pair of hands, really secures the ball well after the catch, and can even attack the seams with his downfield speed. Certainly looks draft worthy in my eyes as a project tight end that can start down the road.
–Phillip Supernaw hasn’t looked great, but hasn’t looked bad either. Tightly wound in the upper half but able to adjust pretty well to throws behind and away from his chest. Doesn’t handle contact well at all and needs to improve his balance down the field. Doesn’t create any separation and isn’t a dynamic downfield weapon.
Linebackers
–Antonio Leak looks like an NFL prospect the more and more I watch him in practice; hopefully I can get a hold of some game film soon in order to give him a comprehensive draft grade. Thickly set backer that has good bulk to his lower half, and again, certainly looks the part.
–Garrick Williams is a downhill, run down backer that really struggles when lined up in man coverage; beat by the running back on an angle route over the middle of the field. According to someone close to the Texas A&M football program, Williams was benched by Mike Sherman early and throughout last season due to off-field issues; this likely was the center of most interviews with Garrick Williams, who will be working to make an NFL roster next season.
–Jake Trantin, in contrast to Williams did look good in coverage. Trantin has good feet, bodies and trails well in man, and thus far has practiced pretty well for the South squad.
–Sammy Brown struggled a bit, flashed a bit of an attitude, and doesn’t finish the play like you want him to. Brown, who really should dominate this level of competition, has instead played down to the level of his opponents. In a shortened practice, Brown underachieved.
–Aston Whiteside has showed, in two days of practices, that he does in fact have the movement skills to play in space. He bounces well in coverage, is light on his feet, and was able to run down the seams in the tight ends hip pocket all day. Possesses girth and mass to hold the point on the line, and carries his weight impressively. Has had a great week to this point and continues to solidify his draftable grade.
Defensive Backs
–Jeremy Lane again proved why he’s the top cornerback prospect here this week with a solid performance. Lane will play physical on the line with just about anyone, presses effectively, and has the frame to stack on more weight. After practice in day 1, apparently Lane pulled off 2 standing back flips in succession. Amazingly talented and gifted, this small school prospect has the physical tools to be a long-term starter in the league.
–Corey White from Samford has looked very good this week, showing off a strong body, compact and tightly wound explosive skill set that can trail in man coverage real well.
–Gary Gatson of Arkansas came across as a quick twitch athlete t.with good feet. Attacks the ball in air and displayed plus body control at times today.
–Coty Sensabaugh continued to perform at a high level, proving to be one of the more consistent corners at this even
–Kelcie McCray, though linearly built and thin around the waist, has very good ball skills; intercepted a pass during individual drills, avoiding a wandering Sammy Brown and Aston Whiteside, staying in bounds, and completing the catch.
–Tramain Thomas showed some foot speed and hip burst in movement drills, sometimes over exerting himself to the point of lost balance.
-And finally, Darius Prelow struggled tremendously to keep up with the other corners. A bit heavy footed in his breaks, Prelow gets stuck in his pedal and plays out of control at times. Gives great effort and works hard, but has made too many simple mistakes this week; was the eighth man in line for cone drills, and still ran the drill wrong. Tough day for the Louisiana-Monroe prospect.
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