Monday April 02, 2007

Scrimmage Impressions

Scrimmage Impressions
Like many of you I had a chance to go to the football scrimmage on Saturday and came away mostly impressed. Keep in mind that this blog mostly covers one scrimmage and not an overview of the entire spring. It should also be noted the offense dominated Saturday but the defense was dominant on Wednesday. This is typical of spring ball. Remember the staff can match up certain looks against the offense or defense in order to give one side of the ball an advantage. In a way the staff can control the outcome of some scrimmages.

The Quarterbacks-I thought all of the quarterbacks played well. Michael Wade was just 2 of 9 but he has not played a lot in the last couple of scrimmages and he has an injured finger.

Cullen Harper threw the ball well and threw it on time for the most part. I was a little surprised the offense threw the ball downfield as much as they did and Harper looked sharp. I thought he looked like he was in command of the offense.

I know I am biased but I was on the field and saw Willy Korn take control of the second team offense. He just has a presence about him. His cadence sound different from the other quarterbacks. Roy Philpot of the morning show and CUTigers.com said, “He made good throws and showed nice arm strength. He doesn’t look like a freshman. He looked like he had been in the offense more seven practices.”

One Clemson assistant told me after the scrimmage, “Man he just has it. I am not sure what it is but he has it. He is everything we thought he would be when we first saw him three years ago.”

I thought Tribble Reese had one of his best days as well. He was 5 of 6 through the air and showed some good movement in the pocket.

James Davis ran hard and looked like he did before his shoulder injury last year against Georgia Tech. Davis got most of the carries with the first team because C.J. Spiller did not practice and Davis took advantage of the extra carries. I could be wrong but he looks like he has something to prove and I expect a big year from the rising junior.

Ray Ray McElrathbey was a surprised Saturday. He looked terrific with the ball in his hands. He broke one of the longest runs of the day and showcased toughness throughout the scrimmage. I think Ray Ray is more comfortable on offense and never could get used to playing zone while on defense. It is obvious he has a lot to learn and the protections will take him a lot of time but I think he has the skills to make an impact at tailback.

Jacoby Ford really looks more comfortable and looks like he is getting ready to make a huge impact in this offense. For those that point out the idea that he is a track guy trying to play wide out I ask the question, “How many times have you ever seen him drop the ball?” Ford is ready to become the go to guy in the passing game. He can be a deep threat but I also like the idea of turning an underneath route into a long catch and run. Again it is obvious he is one of the most improved players on the team.

Aaron Kelly had a nice day on Saturday and looked like he did as a red-shirt freshman. I got on Kelly sometimes last season because of his blocking efforts but in the passing game I have always thought he needs more touches. I think Kelly is a key in the offense for 2007.

The offensive line got whipped on Wednesday according to most that I talked to but they came back strong Saturday. Barry Humphries continues to get better. Thomas Austin been banged up but I thought the rest of the line looked solid. I thought Landon Walker looked like a future star. He has gained 15 pounds of muscle since arriving on campus in January.

Rickey Sapp got in the dog house a little during the matt drills and has been running with the second team defense but it is obvious he is a talent. In the scrimmage situation the quarterbacks were off limits and the whistle was blown when the quarterback was touched but Sapp looked extremely quick. He needs to get bigger and stronger and he needs to get more consistent against the run but the skills are there for Sapp to become a big-time pass rusher.
DeAndre McDaniel is everything I thought he would be. This is an outstanding athlete that looks the part and should see a ton of snaps as a true freshman. He is physical against the run. McDaniel will push the starters and could take over as a starter at some point in 2007.

Kavell Conner did not have a huge day Saturday but one assistant told me he had his best day at Clemson during Wednesday’s scrimmage. He had 13 tackles on just 33 plays in Wednesday’s scrimmage. He has moved back outside and looks like he is comfortable and plays well in space.

Cortney Vincent is not the best athletes but he is one of the few true leaders on defense. This is a young football team with few seniors and his leadership is a key. Vincent’s teammates realize he is not a great athlete but they also realize he gets the most out of his ability and that nets him respect from his teammates.

There were some negatives from Saturday but I thought you would enjoy a little positive about what I saw from Saturday. I know a lot of you went and would be interested to see where you agreed or disagreed. I would also be interested to see other thoughts on other players that caught your eye Saturday.

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