The Work 3-10

Mar 10, 2014

**Here are some of my thoughts on the B2G Sports 7-on-7 tournament from over the weekend. These are my observations from Saturday.

**For the second week in a row, Da’Vante Phillips blew me away. His ability to go up and get the ball at its highest point is special and also snatch the ball with his hands away from his body really makes up for his lack of “elite” speed. Phillips made an incredible catch over Tyrek Cole in the back of the end zone where he just manhandled Cole. FSU leads.

**Speaking of Cole, I like him as a prospect, but I don’t think he is anywhere near a 5-star type corner like some (including myself) were making him out to be earlier in the process. He’s still a top-level corner, but he lacks size (strength) and does not have elite speed. Cole does have extremely long arms and elite cover skills.

**I have been one of JaQuan Johnson’s biggest advocates for a few years now, but some have questioned whether or not he would be big or fast enough to sustain is level of play at the next level. I never worried about his athleticism or size, but those critics need to be put to sleep. It is evident that Johnson is putting in major work in the weight room. He has really grown into his frame (says he is weighing 185 now) and wants to get to 190 for his season. His straight-line speed may not blow people away, but his change of direction is elite as well as his instincts. He is always around the football.

**Cavin Ridley (younger brother of Calvin) is a mystery man to most recruiting fans. I’ve mentioned him a few times recently on the site but finally got the chance to speak with him on Saturday. Cavin just transferred to Monarch from Stranahan, which was an expected move as he will now be with his brother and Shawn Burgess-Becker. As most would guess, him and Calvin are planning to play together in college. Cavin seems infatuated with UF and has Miami in the mix as well, but interestingly enough says he has not been in contact with any schools up to this point. There has been talk for months that Calvin Ridley would have to go to prep school instead of playing high school ball next season. There is no absolute confirmation on whether or not that will happen, but the talk from Saturday was that it is still a major possibility. Cavin is in a similar situation where he is older than his 2016 classification and we have been told that his transcripts are even worse off that Calvin’s at this point. The positive is that both have time to correct their situation in the classroom. The interview with Cavin will be up this week.

**A prospect who caught my eye this weekend was Flanagan’s Devin Gil (2016). Gil was playing safety for the Fire and is already a legitimate 6-1, 195. I spoke to Gil and he knows that schools will be looking to move him to linebacker, which he is open to doing. Gil’s frame along with his ball skills and athleticism look like an intriguing combination. He likes Miami a lot and that interview will also be posted this week.

**In some general recruiting news, keep an eye on the name Ben Humphreys from Mater Dei (Ca.). Humphreys (6-3, 210) is a 2015 4-star S/LB prospect who is friends with Brad Kaaya and Kaaya has let the staff know about him. I exchanged messages with Humphreys tonight and he is very interested in Miami. His highlights are impressive - http://www.hudl.com/athlete/1442761/ben-humphreys

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Mar 11, 2014

7on7 is by far most important for DBs. Still, it's just part of the things you take into account when looking at a prospect

WestEndZone

Mar 11, 2014

I hope the Ben Humphreys interest is real. Kid is a player. It's always a good sign when you see a kid dominating in multiple roles.

Ibis Wingz

Mar 11, 2014

HurricaneGlory said:
7on7 is by far most important for DBs. Still, it's just part of the things you take into account when looking at a prospect

A college coach told me the same exact thing yesterday. He said its the only position that they evaluate based on 7 on 7. His rationale was simple: you can't judge QBs in 7 on 7 because there is no rush and you can't judge receivers because they aren't getting punched in the mouth in 7 on 7, but a shut down corner is a shut down corner with or without pads. He further told me that they will overlook tackling deficiencies if a kid can cover.

J
Jassid82

Mar 11, 2014

Ibis Wingz said:
HurricaneGlory said:

7on7 is by far most important for DBs. Still, it's just part of the things you take into account when looking at a prospect

Click to expand...

A college coach told me the same exact thing yesterday. He said its the only position that they evaluate based on 7 on 7. His rationale was simple: you can't judge QBs in 7 on 7 because there is no rush and you can't judge receivers because they aren't getting punched in the mouth in 7 on 7, but a shut down corner is a shut down corner with or without pads. He further told me that they will overlook tackling deficiencies if a kid can cover.

But how is this a fair evaluation with NO pass rush? A DB can only hold the fort but so long.

I
IHATETHISPLACE

Mar 11, 2014

Jassid82 said:
Ibis Wingz said:

HurricaneGlory said:

7on7 is by far most important for DBs. Still, it's just part of the things you take into account when looking at a prospect

Click to expand...

A college coach told me the same exact thing yesterday. He said its the only position that they evaluate based on 7 on 7. His rationale was simple: you can't judge QBs in 7 on 7 because there is no rush and you can't judge receivers because they aren't getting punched in the mouth in 7 on 7, but a shut down corner is a shut down corner with or without pads. He further told me that they will overlook tackling deficiencies if a kid can cover.

Click to expand...

But how is this a fair evaluation with NO pass rush? A DB can only hold the fort but so long.

QB has to throw the ball in 4 or 5 sec in 7 vs 7

L
lostroche

Mar 11, 2014

When are these kids going to realize that if they all stayed home they would be playing for a National championship at least 2 out of the 4 years they're in college. Unbelievable the ignorance of these recruits.

tsimonitis

Mar 11, 2014

Jassid82 said:
Ibis Wingz said:

HurricaneGlory said:

7on7 is by far most important for DBs. Still, it's just part of the things you take into account when looking at a prospect

Click to expand...

A college coach told me the same exact thing yesterday. He said its the only position that they evaluate based on 7 on 7. His rationale was simple: you can't judge QBs in 7 on 7 because there is no rush and you can't judge receivers because they aren't getting punched in the mouth in 7 on 7, but a shut down corner is a shut down corner with or without pads. He further told me that they will overlook tackling deficiencies if a kid can cover.

Click to expand...

But how is this a fair evaluation with NO pass rush? A DB can only hold the fort but so long.

and he can't "punch the receiver in the mouth"

C
cowboycane

Mar 11, 2014

Jassid82 said:
Ibis Wingz said:

HurricaneGlory said:

7on7 is by far most important for DBs. Still, it's just part of the things you take into account when looking at a prospect

Click to expand...

A college coach told me the same exact thing yesterday. He said its the only position that they evaluate based on 7 on 7. His rationale was simple: you can't judge QBs in 7 on 7 because there is no rush and you can't judge receivers because they aren't getting punched in the mouth in 7 on 7, but a shut down corner is a shut down corner with or without pads. He further told me that they will overlook tackling deficiencies if a kid can cover.

Click to expand...

But how is this a fair evaluation with NO pass rush? A DB can only hold the fort but so long.

I kind of get it. You are able to see if a kid can flip his hips, mirror a receiver, etc. It isn't a complete picture but it is far more complete than what you get at the other positions mentioned.

To wit: if you see a quarterback or receiver dominate one of these things, that doesn't mean a ton; if you see a corner dominate, you know you have something special.

Canesfan1899

Mar 11, 2014

tsimonitis said:
Jassid82 said:

Ibis Wingz said:

HurricaneGlory said:

7on7 is by far most important for DBs. Still, it's just part of the things you take into account when looking at a prospect

Click to expand...

A college coach told me the same exact thing yesterday. He said its the only position that they evaluate based on 7 on 7. His rationale was simple: you can't judge QBs in 7 on 7 because there is no rush and you can't judge receivers because they aren't getting punched in the mouth in 7 on 7, but a shut down corner is a shut down corner with or without pads. He further told me that they will overlook tackling deficiencies if a kid can cover.

Click to expand...

But how is this a fair evaluation with NO pass rush? A DB can only hold the fort but so long.

Click to expand...

and he can't "punch the receiver in the mouth"

Still remember deon Bush putting WR's into the bench.

Rellyrell

Mar 11, 2014

I understand the 7 on 7 evaluation, but I wouldn't base my whole premise on how good a player will or will not be based upon that simulation. The fact is, I care about how a kid performs in an 11 on 11 game with pads on. Why? B/c that's all that matters. So what if they give the QB about 4 secs to throw the ball...that still means nothing. A QB not being rushed is everything and it still puts DBs at a disadvantage. I'm not lowering Cole's rating based upon a 7 on 7 game. I've seen him play enough DB in a real game to know the kid is a baller. Yes, he needs to get his weight up and work on a little more fluidity in the hips, but a player is a player and that guy is a player. I'm still taking him...but I also want Fitzpatrick...someone we've rarely been talking about lately. Of course I'm going to be biased to So. Fla kids b/c I know where the talent pipeline starts, but I can't dismiss kids w/ top-tier talent who resides in other states either. The NFL is not comprised w/ only So. Fla boys.

Rellyrell

Mar 11, 2014

Ben Humphrey is nice!! The fact that he plays at Mater Dei (a powerhouse school in Cali) and doing what he's doing against other powerhouse schools in Cali makes him more impressive. Hopefully we can snag him away from Stanford. How many kids have had ties w/ our program (Yeah, I'm talking about Treon Harris) or been our biggest fans since birth (Yeah, I'm talking about Sony Michel) and still wound up going to a different program. Kids like to see different things nowadays and loyalty is maybe 30% of the process nowadays. I'm hoping we land this kid b/c he's a stud and his measurables are coming against top HS programs in Cali.

Cane Dynasty

Mar 11, 2014

cane305 said:
Cane Dynasty said:

Nice reporting. Can you please refer to yourself in first person more often?

It lends credibility.

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bro. are you a journalism professor or something?

get out of here with that grammar **** bull ****

Wasn't talking about the grammar. Thx though.

Billy D Williams

Mar 11, 2014

Nick Saban said they pay no attention to 7 on 7 games or performances. Its what you do with the pads on that shows you skills and potential. 7 on 7 just further clouds the game with another layer of influences giving these kids their evaluations and advice. My buddy tried to get me to coordinate his 7 on 7 team offense up here Tampa. I told him I can only coach 11 players wearing pads and hitting. But he's a groupie and loves being around and knowing high school athletes. Always bragging about knowing this or that college coach and them calling him for his influence. Makes him feel "impotent"

LuCane

Mar 11, 2014

HurricaneGlory said:
7on7 is by far most important for DBs. Still, it's just part of the things you take into account when looking at a prospect

It's difficult to evaluate Safeties in 7 on 7. At least with Corners, you can get a good look at their feet, hips and general feel. Even then, the game is different when the pads come on. Cool to see athletes, though.

C
CANE1775

Mar 11, 2014

Gator Hatar said:
Nick Saban said they pay no attention to 7 on 7 games or performances. Its what you do with the pads on that shows you skills and potential. 7 on 7 just further clouds the game with another layer of influences giving these kids their evaluations and advice. My buddy tried to get me to coordinate his 7 on 7 team offense up here Tampa. I told him I can only coach 11 players wearing pads and hitting. But he's a groupie and loves being around and knowing high school athletes. Always bragging about knowing this or that college coach and them calling him for his influence. Makes him feel "impotent"

Saban may have said that, but when it comes to his DB's he feels that if you have the size and speed that he can teach the rest.

U
ucrew02

Mar 11, 2014

I think 7v7 has the most value for corners because their role in the run game is negligible, schematically, in most defenses. As D$ said, even safeties have the advantage of not having to make that run/pass read. They don't have to worry about being late picking up the tight end or slot receiver in man or late getting back into their third, half, etc.

You can see pure cover abilities in terms of footwork, limited hand placement stuff and hips but it's really just like anything else: another small piece of the puzzle

gogeta4

Mar 11, 2014

LuCane said:
Maybe this should be its own thread, but I think the 7 on 7 game is different enough that I'd be very careful with projections based on what is seen in that setting. I'm interested to hear from some of the coaches on here. I've played live (regular) and 7 on 7 flag and the approach is almost 100% different. Would like for Hollyhood or the like to throw a perspective on how this positively or negatively affects their players.

* False sense of what can or cant be done on the field. Some 5'5 150 wrs can get active in this scene as it is minimal contact or FEAR of contact.......It to me is just practice for qbs/wr's...i still dont even put much stock in to it as game film....Guys like Davante Phillips arent even suppose to impress in these scenses as he is a physical type wideout...but im glad to see him going off.

*Alot of these kids down here NOW..are going balls to wall in seven on seven for the FIRE or Express and when the pads come on aint doing a **** thing for their schools. I applaud BOOKER T as they always did the 7 on 7 circuit as a TEAM and it actually bettered their passing element etc...we now have kids making these aau flag teams cause of their "homeboy" and then expecting offers and all kinds of stuff.

-Add to it some guys do he on 7 thing but dont go all out with it...or try to not get injured...and their stock could fall even though they were just doing it to get in shape.

In other words i would use it as a tool for recruitment and evals..but one of the smaller relevant collaterals. I would look more so @ the qb works though....because you can still see decision making and ability their with tha position.....like what am i gonna get from watchinga wr run made up in the sand routes for 15 seconds with no rules?

gogeta4

Mar 11, 2014

850Cane said:
Da’Vante Phillips is truly a beast, FSU got them a good one. looks like Flanagan is State Champs or Bust with all that Talent they have.

^^^ LMAO....they aint gon win Sh*t.....I'm still not in on all the hype some of their guys are getting.

Having a former nfl player must bring some buzz.....but i dont believe the hype on their team and i live in the area.

Fountain of Canes

Mar 11, 2014

gogeta4 said:
850Cane said:

Da’Vante Phillips is truly a beast, FSU got them a good one. looks like Flanagan is State Champs or Bust with all that Talent they have.

Click to expand...

^^^ LMAO....they aint gon win Sh*t.....I'm still not in on all the hype some of their guys are getting.

Having a former nfl player must bring some buzz.....but i dont believe the hype on their team and i live in the area.

Honestly I never heard of Flanagan until Spence committed here. I'm just going off reports on this site.

T
Token cane

Mar 11, 2014

gogeta4 said:
LuCane said:

Maybe this should be its own thread, but I think the 7 on 7 game is different enough that I'd be very careful with projections based on what is seen in that setting. I'm interested to hear from some of the coaches on here. I've played live (regular) and 7 on 7 flag and the approach is almost 100% different. Would like for Hollyhood or the like to throw a perspective on how this positively or negatively affects their players.

Click to expand...

* False sense of what can or cant be done on the field. Some 5'5 150 wrs can get active in this scene as it is minimal contact or FEAR of contact.......It to me is just practice for qbs/wr's...i still dont even put much stock in to it as game film....Guys like Davante Phillips arent even suppose to impress in these scenses as he is a physical type wideout...but im glad to see him going off.

*Alot of these kids down here NOW..are going balls to wall in seven on seven for the FIRE or Express and when the pads come on aint doing a **** thing for their schools. I applaud BOOKER T as they always did the 7 on 7 circuit as a TEAM and it actually bettered their passing element etc...we now have kids making these aau flag teams cause of their "homeboy" and then expecting offers and all kinds of stuff.

-Add to it some guys do he on 7 thing but dont go all out with it...or try to not get injured...and their stock could fall even though they were just doing it to get in shape.

In other words i would use it as a tool for recruitment and evals..but one of the smaller relevant collaterals. I would look more so @ the qb works though....because you can still see decision making and ability their with tha position.....like what am i gonna get from watchinga wr run made up in the sand routes for 15 seconds with no rules?

To be honest almost every school fields a 7 on 7 team but those games don't start until the summer. This time of year is considered the all star 7 on 7 season. Booker T used to never have players in the all star season until this year.

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The Work 3-10

The Work 3-10

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