Note: Only Seniors being observed at this point.
Prospect recap:
Auburn Tigers
RB Onterio McCalebb was splitting time with Tre Mason and showed me exactly what I already new; he’s a quick change of pace back who does better on the outside and possess above-average vision. If he gets to the edge he has the ability to turn the corner and get to the second level rather easily.
Even with only two receptions he looked natural in the passing game and really needs to show that aspect of his game to NFL teams. I doubt he can be an effective in-between the tackle runner at the next level, as he just doesn’t have the strength to break tackles.
I was disappointed in the lack of attempts that WR Emory Blake received. He scored an easy TD on a go route in the middle of the field early in the game, but didn’t see another catch until the second quarter. I did like the fact that he was able to work the field and attempt to get open and looks like a willing blocker down field. Defiantly looking for more from him next week against Mississippi State and a matchup against Johnthan Banks should be a good one.
TE Phillip Lutzenkirchen was solid overall. He did a good job blocking and made some catches, but he’s not that athletic and probably won’t be one to outrun athletic LB’s in the NFL. He had nice grab in the middle of the field after he was left open, but other than that, he never wowed in the passing game.
A nice sight to see was CB T’Sharvan Bell making his debut after a terrible knee injury last season. He didn’t start the game, but finished with 7 tackles and should earn a late round look if he can prove he’s healthy. He has the size and length to stick around at the next level.
Clemson Tigers
Andre Ellington looked the part of the number one ranked senior RB against Auburn. To go along with his speed, he showed excellent balance and toughness as he was able to effectively run through the middle of the Auburn defense. In the middle of the second corner he put together an excellent run that shows the toughness and balance he brings to the table. There were only a couple of carries that went for negative yards, and his one-cut north-south runnig style was on full display.
For most speed backs they tend to dance behind the line of scrimmage and rely solely on speed, but not Ellington. As soon as he got the ball, he knew what he was going to do with it. I think his best chance of success at the next level will be in a zone-blocking scheme
Still, with his speed, I want to see him involved more in the passing game and see what he can do after the catch. That’s something to watch for and see if he gets added to his arsenal as the season goes on.
Unfortunately I didn’t watch too much of Center Dalton Freeman. In the plays that I did see, he looked very reliable in pass protection, although he wasn’t dynamic. He got off the ball quickly, but never pushed the defender off the screen. On a few run plays he stood out by getting to the second level fairly easy, but that’s really the extent of what I saw. Looking forward to more tape on him in the future.
I never scouted DE Malliciah Goodman prior to this game, but I wasn’t really blown away from what he showed in this game. He looked the part, with long arms and nice bulk, but aside from that he never really showed up.
He was slow off the ball and never really got up-field against the OT. I like his instincts, as he seemd to understand where the plays were going and I think he’s a much better run defender than pass rusher, but he just didn’t do anything for me in this game.
S Rashad Hall is a solid run defender who does a very good job tackling. He does a good job wrapping up and delivers a solid blow. He shows in the screen in almost every play and displayed solid range. Made a good interception on ball thrown where he goes and gets it at the highest point. I would like to see him in more one-on-one situations where we can judge his ball skills better.
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Jeremy Cabler covers the NFL Draft and College Football for Rant Sports. Check out his Scouting Reports, Prospect Recaps, and Player Rankings
Also, you can follow him on Twitter @JeremyCabler and @RantSports.
