Series:
New Edition Series WR Room: Cam Vaughn All 22 Breakdown.
The Miami Hurricanes have reloaded the WR room from top to bottom with transfers and high school recruits, totaling seven new additions to the rotation. One of them is the 6'2", 185-pound, well-rounded Cam Vaughn, who transferred in from West Virginia after previously playing at Jacksonville State, which is now competing at the G5 level.Production
While at Jacksonville State, he recorded 48 receptions for 803 yards and five touchdowns while averaging an impressive 16.7 yards per catch.After transferring to WVU, he amassed 35 receptions for 541 yards and four touchdowns while averaging 15.5 yards per catch.
While at WVU, he suffered from horrendous QB play that severely limited his production. I believe he will be an efficient weapon even if he does not start, as drastically improved QB play will provide him with more opportunities, even if he receives fewer snaps. We saw Mensah connect with Vaughn twice for touchdowns during the spring game, which hints at chemistry between the veterans
Player Breakdown
Big play ability pops on tape. Cover 2 here and the CB doesn't get a hand on Vaughn or re-route him which allows for a straight shot downfield. The QB isn't looking so he misses the perfect window for a "Hole shot" (Behind the CB but in front of the Safety) and tosses up a 50/50 ball.
Vaughn effortlessly elevates in the air to high point the football over the defender. Elite strong hands and the strength to raise up even with a clear grab by the defender. This is what the kids call a "Head top".
He then still was able to keep his balance and finish the play for the big TD.
Here against playoff a contender in BYU. Man v Man on the outside with no Safety help over the top.
Vaughn does a great job vs soft press by recreating the line of scrimmage and freezing the CB with his double stick release. This ensures that the CB doesn't get a hand on him and opened up a free path down the sideline for an easy touchdown set up within the first 5 yards.
Despite it being a bad ball he was able to get low and adjust to it to finish the big play.
1 on 1 on the outside vs off man coverage.
Great job selling the slant and getting the CB to commit by manipulating the free release and attacking the inside leverage. Puts his foot in the ground and makes a smooth cut back vertical.
The second time on this breakdown that he shows the ability to high point the football through clear contact. This time he only needs 1 hand to finish it for the touchdown.
While playing in the conference USA championship game in 2024 he displayed the same ability on the "Sluggo" (Slant and go). Nice to see how explosive he is and that his route running ability carried over from the G5 to P4 level as he made this same play on the clip above.
RPO slant here. Does an excellent job erasing the cushion from the CB which keeps the defender frozen and does not leave them anytime to react to the inside cut.
The most impressive part was his strong hands snatching the ball out of the air while not breaking a stride which allowed him to split the CB and S for a 70+ Touchdown. Great hands catchers run through the football and this confidence has a direct impact on YAC opportunities.
This time vs Press man with CB inside leverage he attacks inside but quickly back out which forced the CB 1 more step inside which gave Vaughn free access downfield for an explosive touchdown. He is winning within the 1st 5 yards consistently.
Final Thoughts
After initially believing Vaughn was more of an athletic possession receiver due to his good size and route-running ability, it is clear after reviewing the tape that he can take advantage of man coverage to make big plays. With defenses giving a lot of attention to Mali and Barkate, as well as the other weapons in the room, he may have more opportunities to make those explosive plays downfield while providing a reliable big-bodied target who consistently makes the first defender miss underneath. I love the way he attacks the football in the air and expect him to be a consistent part of the rotation while taking over some games with his big-play ability.If you like the content and want to see more please check out the full film review on the Youtube link up top!
#GoCanes
