Friday has been a factory for intriguing prospect games, and this one doesn’t disappoint in a Pac-12 match-up. While it doesn’t have great depth in future NFLers, at least at this point with Washington very young, it does feature one of the better cornerbacks in Desmond Trufant and an under-rated junior QB in Keith Price
Those two future Top 2 rounders plus more in this California vs. Washington scouting preview.
Keenan Allen, WR, California – #21, 6’3, 206 (JR)
ALLEN HAS SINCE BEEN RULED OUT FOR THIS WEEKENDS GAME WITH A LEFT KNEE INJURY
An elite athletic at receiver that has the balance, body control, and burst after the catch to make plays at all levels of the route tree. A stud since he arrived at California, Allen’s ability to high point the ball and play physically downfield when need be. But maybe what’s more impressive about Allen is his ability to work the shorter and mid-field routes with ball grabbing skills as well as the quickness and fluidity to turn and run after the catch despite his size. While he could improve his routes to be more efficient and position his body better for the next level, there aren’t a whole lot of flaws in this future Top 20 (if not higher) draft pick.
Desmond Trufant, CB, Washington – #6, 6’0, 170
Trufant is an excellent athlete with an ideal skill set for a cover corner. He has long arms and at 6 feet, good height to compete with taller receivers. He displays quick feet and hips quickly snap in changing direction and in turn and run. He doesn’t take false steps when redirecting or in his click and close. He has very good burst to the football and shows make up speed to recover downfield. However, Trufant has a wiry frame and subpar play strength. He has the athleticism to stay in his guy’s hip pocket in man, but when it comes to competing for the ball against bigger receivers, he can be out-physicalled. Perhaps the biggest knock on Trufant is his tackling ability. His tackling technique is often poor, rarely squaring up and wrapping up. Trufant undoubtedly has the natural skill set and athleticism to be a top cover man, but he must continue to get stronger and improve his overall physicality.
Keith Price, QB, Washington – #17, 6’1, 195 (JR)
A consistently accurate passer across the field, Price’s touch, ball placement, and control on the move is what NFL team’s likely will need to really trust to overlook his lack of ideal size. He’s got the arm accuracy and more than adequate arm strength, but he’ll need to be consistent in his decision making as well as show the willingness and timing to make throws on the outside and take chances with accuracy downfield the way he flashed in last year’s shootout vs. Robert Griffin and Baylor.
Aaron Tipoti, DT, California – #50, 6’2, 274
The high energy, explosive off the snap is nothing new for Cal defensive linemen, but Tipoti doesn’t have elite athletic upside or size/strength to make an NFL impact like defensive linemen before him. Still, his burst, finishing ability nt he backfield, and lower body strength to hold his point in run support could certainly make him a late round draft pick if he finishes his senior year on a strong note.
Others to Watch:
Sean Parker, SS, Washington – #1, 5’10, 200
Isi Sofele, RB, California – #20, 5’8, 186
Matt Summers-Gavin, OT, California – #75, 6’6, 295
Marc Anthony, CB, California – #2, 6’0, 200
Josh Hill, SS, California – #23, 5’11, 207
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