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On Thursday, Brad Kaaya played in front of a TV audience as Chaminade took on rival Oaks Christian. Both teams have several D-I guys, so it was a good opportunity to evaluate Kaaya in a big-time environment. The game was nothing like the aerial battles Chaminade had to start the season-- they won 21-14, and Kaaya only had 183 yards on 16-26 passing. The running game, not Kaaya, carried the load. But after seeing him in an entire game and not just highlights, I am convinced James Coley has his quarterback of the future.
- The first thing you notice about Kaaya is his command over the offense. He has a lot of freedom to change plays at the line of scrimmage, and he makes very good sight adjustments. On one key third down, the corner was showing blitz, he recognized it and hit a quick hitch for a first down. He also goes through his reads at an advanced level. Kaaya was under pressure throughout the game, and Oaks Christian has several defensive backs that will play at the college level. But even against legit opposition, Kaaya still protected the ball and made sound decisions (0 turnovers).
- Different type of passer than I envisioned. He actually looks a lot like Stephen Morris. His accuracy was up-and-down (missing high a lot), but he has a power arm. Very good velocity on every route-- stick routes, downfield and especially seam throws. His ball placement was all over the place early, but when he's not rushing things he can be precise.
- Very good size. He looks smaller than he is because his upper-half is so long (like Morris), but he is well-put together and a legit 6'4.
- Decent athlete. He doesn't scramble as much as Olsen (or much at all), but he kept it once on a spread-option and looked natural running for 12 yards.
- Excellent balance in the pocket. This might be his most encouraging attribute. When he gets pressure, he is very good about reseting and is willing to step up up in the pocket. You don't see him drifting. He's also not afraid to get hit. He took big shots all game trying to get the ball downfield.
- His offense is pretty interesting. On one goal line play, he made a quick toss to the back and turned into a lead blocker (by design). Made the block, too.
- The game-winning drive said a lot about Kaaya. The running game took them down the field, but on a key third-down Kaaya stuck a slant with absolute perfect placement and velocity. Then on fourth and goal, Kaaya asked his coach for the ball and ran a QB sneak for a TD and the win.
- His demeanor really impressed me. Chaminade had a brutal fumble on the goal line right before the half. Instead of showing frustration, Kaaya snapped up, clapped his hands, and went right to his coach. When he got interviewed after the win, he spent the first minute talking about all the things the offense didn't execute.
- Jim Mora was there. Kaaya wasn't the only guy he was watching, but from what I've heard from UCLA sources they realize they've made a huge mistake.
Overall, the only negative was the inconsistent accuracy. Kaaya was very erratic, especially early, and we've seen some of that in the other cut-up videos from this season. But he flashes enough accuracy and touch to tell me that he just needs to develop. Everything else was excellent.
Based on how advanced he is and the system he plays in, I would not surprised if he came in ready to compete early in his career.
- The first thing you notice about Kaaya is his command over the offense. He has a lot of freedom to change plays at the line of scrimmage, and he makes very good sight adjustments. On one key third down, the corner was showing blitz, he recognized it and hit a quick hitch for a first down. He also goes through his reads at an advanced level. Kaaya was under pressure throughout the game, and Oaks Christian has several defensive backs that will play at the college level. But even against legit opposition, Kaaya still protected the ball and made sound decisions (0 turnovers).
- Different type of passer than I envisioned. He actually looks a lot like Stephen Morris. His accuracy was up-and-down (missing high a lot), but he has a power arm. Very good velocity on every route-- stick routes, downfield and especially seam throws. His ball placement was all over the place early, but when he's not rushing things he can be precise.
- Very good size. He looks smaller than he is because his upper-half is so long (like Morris), but he is well-put together and a legit 6'4.
- Decent athlete. He doesn't scramble as much as Olsen (or much at all), but he kept it once on a spread-option and looked natural running for 12 yards.
- Excellent balance in the pocket. This might be his most encouraging attribute. When he gets pressure, he is very good about reseting and is willing to step up up in the pocket. You don't see him drifting. He's also not afraid to get hit. He took big shots all game trying to get the ball downfield.
- His offense is pretty interesting. On one goal line play, he made a quick toss to the back and turned into a lead blocker (by design). Made the block, too.
- The game-winning drive said a lot about Kaaya. The running game took them down the field, but on a key third-down Kaaya stuck a slant with absolute perfect placement and velocity. Then on fourth and goal, Kaaya asked his coach for the ball and ran a QB sneak for a TD and the win.
- His demeanor really impressed me. Chaminade had a brutal fumble on the goal line right before the half. Instead of showing frustration, Kaaya snapped up, clapped his hands, and went right to his coach. When he got interviewed after the win, he spent the first minute talking about all the things the offense didn't execute.
- Jim Mora was there. Kaaya wasn't the only guy he was watching, but from what I've heard from UCLA sources they realize they've made a huge mistake.
Overall, the only negative was the inconsistent accuracy. Kaaya was very erratic, especially early, and we've seen some of that in the other cut-up videos from this season. But he flashes enough accuracy and touch to tell me that he just needs to develop. Everything else was excellent.
Based on how advanced he is and the system he plays in, I would not surprised if he came in ready to compete early in his career.
