The story of the game, from a fan point of view, will be the video game type start that you’ll see in the box score. Pittsburgh came out and gave up five (yes FIVE) fumbles on their first five possessions all leading to points for Georgia Tech. What’s more, Pittsburgh proved that they couldn’t stop the triple option attack in which Georgia Tech brings to the table.
The story of the season so far for the Pittsburgh Panthers, however may be the play of their super sophomores in Quarterback Chad Voytik and Running back James Connor (who also leads the ACC in rushing through this week). They’re an impressive combination, and the future looks a little less bleak for this program.
From a scouting perspective, they have one of the faster rising prospects in the country in OT TJ Clemmings.
By: Matt and Mike Vahey
He’s a got a solid frame, with long arms, who looks like he could add more weight to what already looks like an NFL body. While Clemmings struggled in his first season as an Offensive Tackle in 2013 after moving from Defensive End, from what I saw in this game the sky is the limit for this player.
Clemmings, while RAW, shows the tools to be a very successful tackle at the next level. He has long arms he uses to steer defenders past the pocket, and shows good power to get initial movement in the running game. Once he locks on, keeps his feet moving and will finish his blocks. He looks a bit lost at times when moving to the second level, and I would like to see more tenacity as a run blocker, but shows ability in both man and zone schemes.
There’s still a lot left to be desired in terms of technique work, as his hand placement is very inconsistent, as is his pad level. He flashed ability to anchor against a bull rush, but when left on an island can struggle against speed around the corner. Better footwork in this area would help, as he has the initial quickness to set and lock on.
Clemmings, while a work in progress, has shown consistent improvement in less than two years as an offensive lineman. Clemmings may need a redshirt year in the NFL, but if he continues the level of progression he’s shown from defensive lineman to offensive tackle, I potentially see a starting right tackle in the NFL for years to come.
Other ACC Notes:
Georgia Tech vs Pittsburgh
Pittsburgh
– #28 Anthony Gonzalez, OLB – This was a tough day for the senior linebacker. Already undersized, he struggled mightily against the triple option, consistently finding himself out of position or making the wrong read, particularly in the first half (to his credit most of the team struggled in this aspect).
– #74 Matt Rotheram OG – What sticks out first is the sheer size of this man, what’s more impressive is that for a man of this size it appears he moves surprisingly well, being asked to pull frequently in the running game. However, doesn’t create as much surge in the running game as his size would suggest. His size does help in the passing game, as he was able to hold is ground very well limiting interior pressure. Rotheram looks like he could get exposed against slighter interior defenders with good burst and initial quickness as he’s not the most fluid moving laterally.
Georgia Tech
– #70 Shaquille Mason, OG – Short and squatty player who plays with a natural leverage due to his relatively short stature (6’1”). Impressive initial surge in the running game, as he consistently moves defenders off their spot (a key function in the triple option). However, Mason too often looked off balance, letting his pads get over his knees and falling off his blocks. When he’s able to sustain, he was a difference maker. Not asked to pass block often but has good knee bend, doesn’t appear to have superior lateral quickness to mirror in pass protection.
– #54 Quayshawn Nealy, LB – Another undersized linebacker, Nealy picked up one of Pittsburgh five fumbles. Pursues to the ball with good, not great speed. Nealy needs to protect his legs, as he too often was on the ground our out of position due to cut blocks. Shows good pursuit angles and solid with his reads, however doesn’t jump off the film at you.
North Carolina Vs. Virginia
Even with it being Virginia’s homecoming, it was Marquise Williams who put on a show at Virginia on Saturday afternoon. Virginia led most of the game, but they couldn’t hang out for win, not trailing until the 4 minute mark in the game. Marquise Williams Threw two touchdowns and ran for another leading the Tarheels to the victory.
But another player that stood out on the offensive side of the ball was Virginia RB # 25 Kevin Parks. The Cavaliers leaned on Parks throughout the game, and Parks was up to the challenge racking up 111 yards on 25 carries and a score and then adding another 4 catches for 19 yards and another score. Parks was impressive making great cuts as soon as he saw a hole to hit. Not very big (5’8’’ and 200 pounds) he did most of his damage between the tackles, continually gaining almost 5 yards at a time. In the game he moved up the Virginia all-time leading rushing list, and is now top 5 in rushing in the ACC. Coming off a 1000 yard rushing season a year ago, Parks is well on his way to get that this year and just seems to be very consistent every game.
While consistent, but not flashy, he is an every down back for the Cav’s, in order for him to ensure spot in this years draft, he is going to have to show that he can continually be the 25 carry back with 100 + yards. If he can continue throughout the rest of the year, he shows promise for the next level.
Other Scouting Notes:
Virginia
– Henry Coley, #44 LB: Coley is the leader at MLB for Virginia, and it shows. Coley is all over the field and does a little bit of everything. What really shows is his speed to fly around the field and be a part of seemingly every play. During this game he had 10 tackles and 1 for a loss, and what doesn’t show in the stat sheet is his blitzing ability, being third in the conference in sacks with 3. Has great athleticism, but will get caught with his head in the backfield and play faked, as evidence on the Williams 52 yard td run in the 2nd quarter.
– Daquan Romero #13 OLB: Moreno is another LB for the Cavaliers that is extremely active around the field. Consistently playing behind the line of scrimmage, and blitzing off the edge. Coley and Romero complement one another, a good athlete and is extremely durable, having played in almost every game since his freshman year.
North Carolina
–Travis Hughes, #9 LB: Another player with a lot of experience, playing in almost every game of his career, is a solid Middle Linebacker for UNC with good size at 6’2’’ and 220 pounds. Against Virginia he lead the team in tackles, and showed good range and athleticism. Also was tasked with rushing off the edge in passing downs, which seemed to come natural for him. Did seem to not square up and missed a few tackles going for the arm tackle rather than wrapping up.
-Tim Scott , #7 Safety: Scott is a physical player at the safety position, and plays bigger than he is (6’, 195 pounds). He was making plays all over the field for UNC this week with 9 tackles and a breakup. Started off shaky, missing a tackle that went for a touchdown, but has all-conference ability, being named in 2012 and it shows. Good in over the top coverage and comes up to make plays.
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