Player Report – Week 7
Junior QB Trevor Lawrence (Clemson)
Lawrence is a special QB prospect. A guy like this comes around once a decade. Last year, he got off to a rocky start and was forcing throws into coverage in the early part of the season. In 2020, he has been in total command of the Clemson’s offense. His overall numbers speak for themselves. Against Georgia Tech, he went 24/32 for 404 yards, five TD’s and one INT (first pick of the season). He possesses ideal size, outstanding arm strength and mobility. His accuracy and ball placement have been outstanding this season. He has cleaned up his footwork issues that plagued him in the past. He makes difficult throws look easy. Only a handful of NFL QB’s can make throws that he makes on a regular basis. The Jets are hoping that they can land this guy with the No.1 overall pick.
Senior WR DeVonta Smith (Alabama)
He shocked everyone last year when he decided to return to Alabama for his senior year. Despite having Jeudy and Ruggs (both 2020 first round picks) on last year’s roster, Smith was the No.1 receiver and most consistent playmaker in the passing game. He has continued to shine this year. Against, Georgia he had 11 receptions for 167 yards and two TD’s. He is a very good route runner. He is precise in and out of his breaks. He has outstanding short area quickness that allows him to gain separation against man coverage. He displays good ball skills and terrific body control. He always comes up big against top competition.
Junior WR Jaylen Waddle (Alabama)
Waddle has assumed the role of a big play threat WR in this offense this year. He has shown glimpses of it the last two seasons, but he been playing on a different level this year. He already has five 100+ yard games. Against the Bulldogs, he had six receptions for 161 yards and one TD. He is extremely elusive in the open field. He easily makes defenders miss in space almost like a RB. He has also developed into a dangerous vertical threat in 2020. He is an athletic receiver with elite speed and outstanding acceleration after the catch that he displayed for everyone on a 90-yard TD catch. He is also a terrific return specialist.
Senior WR Jonathan Adams Jr. (Arkansas State)
He has shown consistent hands this season. He has excelled in those contested situations by being physical and using his size (6’3, 209). Adams Jr. excels on slants and go routes. He uses his large catching radius to his advantage. He also tracked the ball well over his shoulder on a 32-yard TD catch in the second half. He had 15 catches for 177 yards and two TD’s against Georgia State.
Junior CB Asante Samuel Jr. (Florida State)
The Seminoles upset UNC last Saturday in large part because of the strong play by their top cornerback Asante Samuel Jr. He held the talented junior WR Dyami Brown in check for most of the game. He already has recorded 25 tackles, three INT’s, two fumble recoveries and five pass deflections on the season. He is not afraid to get physical and challenge WR’s at the line of scrimmage. Despite being undersized, his speed, athleticism and instincts stand out on film.
Senior LB Riley Cole (South Alabama)
Cole had 15 total tackles against Texas State. He is a versatile LB with good size (6’3, 235 pounds). He was more of a pass rusher last season at OLB. This year, he is playing inside, which suits him best. I see him as an ideal 3-4 ILB at the next level. He is able to fight through the trash and shed blocks quickly. He takes good angles to the ball. He is also a terrific wrap up tackler in open space.
