Small School Scouting Notebook: Week 2

In another week of the small school scouting notebook, our staff looks at eight games in particular, including four quarterbacks, all with differing skill set.

Look for notes on Delaware, Delaware State, Illinois State, Montana, Appalachian State, Nicholls State, Missouri State, McNeese State, Eastern Washington and Southern Utah, along with general small school notes.

Scouting Notes by Eric Galko, Alex Brown, Mark Dulgerian, and Jimmy O’Brien.

Delaware vs. Delaware State
Paul Worrilow, OLB, Delaware
Worrilow had a very active day, even for his standards. Worrilow flowed to the ball much better, seemed to be in more consistent position, and fill the hole much more efficiently. He still struggles in coverage and doesn’t get great depth, but in the short area, he can be effective.

Nick Elko, QB, Delaware State
Elko didn’t impress me all that much in my pre-season scouting, but as a timing, short area passer, he was extremely effective early on. He showed great ball placement both in the pocket and on the move, anticipated the routes of his receivers well, and didn’t seem overly phased by pressure. He suffered through some team drops, and seemed to get frustrated and checked off passes as his receivers continued to struggle. Still he flashed some promise as a short passing quarterback.

Justin Wilson, WR, Delaware State
Wilson seemed on point with all of his routes, especially his comeback and hitch routes on the outside. He got great depth, and exploded off his lead foot to drive back to the ball (which Elko was on point with consistently). He struggled severely with press coverage, unable to shed it each and every time he faced it. An NFL slot receiver only, Wilson in a short area scheme could be effective, even at the NFL level.

Illinois State vs. Eastern Michigan
Matt Brown, QB, Illinois State
The 6’4, 238 pound passer has ideal size and build, with especially well built upper half for a quarterback. A quick, over the top release, Brown showed great velocity control in the mid areas and a quick release in short routes. However, he was forced to make quick decisions and anticipate routes/defense more than he would have liked thanks to poor blocking in front of him. He lacks great athleticism, stared down receivers at points, and his ball placement downfield isn’t great. However, he does spin a clean ball on the move and showed good mechanics on the outside. I’m certainly intrigued by his skill set based off of this game.

Montana vs. Appalachian State
Demetrius McCray, CB, Appalachian State
McCray blanketed his man all night, while recording 2 interceptions, including the game clincher in the endzone, with less than a minute to play.

Brandon Grier, OLB, Appalachian State
Grier may be a better pro prospect than his teammate, All American linebacker Jeremy Kimbrough, was simply the best defensive player on the field all evening. In what may have been his national coming-out party, Grier recorded 13 tackles, 3 tackles for loss, and 2 sacks, including two key stops on Montana’s final drive.

RELATED: Small School Scouting Notebook: September 4th

Nicholls State vs. South Alabama
Cory Kemps, P, Nicholls State
While specialists don’t normally make my scouting notebook, Nicholls State punter Cory Kemps showed off an NFL leg and the accuracy to go along with it. Downing the ball at the 2 and 1 yard lines in successive punts, with another hitting inside the 5 and rolling into the endzone, Kemps’ placement was outstanding early and throughout this game. Moving past the coffin corner aspect of punting, Kemps also flipped the field on 3 punts of 45, 52, and 53 yards. With his ability to win the field position battle and pin the opposing offense deep in their own territory, Kemps should be on NFL teams’ undrafted free agent lists. Doubling as a kickoff specialist, Kemps doesn’t have an overpowering leg, but was able to angle a kick through the back left half corner of the endzone, continuing his display of control on the football. Punters are people too, and Cory Kemps, a former scholarship kicker for Purder and 1st team All-American Southland punter, certainly has a chance to make it at the next level.

Missouri State vs. Louisville
Cadarrius Dotson, WR, Missouri State
The lone bright spot in a blow out loss against Louisiville, this undersized slot receiver won downfield by avoiding contact through his route and effectively attacking the leverage of the opposing cornerback. Quicker than fast with sudden change of direction and elusiveness after the catch, Dotson is a slot receiver to watch out for in the Missouri Valley Conference. Against two top 25 teams in Louisville and Kansas State, Dotson has led the Bears with 10 receptions, 132 yards receiving, and the team’s only passing touchdown.

McNeese State vs. McMurray
Darius Carey, WR, McNeese State
A mention in last week’s column, Darius Carey dominated this weekend versus Division II newcomer McMurry. Posting over 115 yards of total offense, 25 coming off 3 carries and 90 coming off 4 receptions, Carey affirmed our previous evaluation of him being the team’s most explosive playmaker. Scoring two touchdowns of 13 and 52 yards, Carey continues to impress on the perimeter with his ability to create yardage after the catch

Eastern Washington vs. Washington State
Kyle Padron, QB, Eastern Washington
Padron almost most defeated FBS Wash St, timing looked off throughout game but showed a live arm that kept team in game. Does not get rattled but but accuracy was inconsistent throughout.

Southern Utah vs. California
Brad Sorensen, QB, Southern Utah
Overall had an average performance against best competition faced. Looked shaky in the first half, struggling with anticipation and adapting to Cal’s speed on D. Looked more comfortable facing pressure in 2nd half and seemed to see more of the field, completed passes to 10 different receivers.

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General Scouting Notes
-Abilene Christian star quarterback Mitchell Gale was held without a touchdown for the first time in 33 straight games. Kingsville defense head Gale to 13-31 and just 137 yards. Not a good showing for a small schooler with a lot of upside.

-Bemjidi State tight end Brian Leonhardt suffered a foot injury after a loss to Upper Iowa two weeks ago and didn’t play this past week. He’ll need to play if he wants to remain a trendy tight end sleeper.

-Wesley quarterback Justin Sottilare was very effective in the team’s win over Salisbury, spreading the ball effectively and running his short passing game effectively. He’s a division III quarterback to follow this season.