Category Archives: 2021

Photo Galleries, 2021, NFL, 2021, NCAA FB, Draft preview

2021 Reese’s Senior Bowl Photo Gallery/Practice Notes: National Team, Day 2

January 31, 2021 Peter Worilther Leave a comment

We look at Nebraska’s Brenden Jaimes’ technique, as well as many of the National team’s offensive linemen on Day 2 of the 2021 Senior Bowl. A Big Ten linebacker began to stand out with his positional versatility and a Pac-12 linebacker wasn’t too far behind.

Oregon State LB Hamilcar Rashed facing Purdue LB Derrick Barnes in KR drill, 2021 Senior Bowl, Day 2

Oregon State LB Hamilcar Rashed, Jr. vs Purdue LB Derrick Barnes, 2021 Senior Bowl, Day 2

Former Oregon State DE-OLB Hamilcar Rashed, Jr. (No. 11 pictured) shows his potential as a guard on kickoff return going against Purdue LB Derrick Barnes. After posting 14 sacks in 2019, Rashed, Jr. did not post a sack in 2020. During his career, he has shown the ability to play off the ball in spots. On Day 2, he worked over tight ends with his upper body strength when aligned outside as a Sam linebacker.

Ohio State LB Baron Browning covering Boston College TE Hunter Long, 2021 Senior Bowl, Day 2

Ohio State LB Baron Browning, Boston College TE Hunter Long, 2021 Senior Bowl, Day 2

Ohio State LB Baron Browning (No. 55 pictured) displayed coverage skill, enough strength to hold force on the edge (versus TEs), and disengaged favorably during Day 2 of the National team's practice session. Despite weighing in the 240-pound range, he moves well laterally.

Memphis PK Riley Patterson kicking at the 2021 Senior Bowl, Day 2

Memphis PK Riley Patterson kicking field goal, 2021 Senior Bowl, Day 2

Memphis placekicker Riley Patterson missed a couple of kicks on Day 1, but was much more consistent on Day 2 from 40 yards and beyond. Patterson's range is impressive, as he attempted eight kicks of 50 or more yards in 2020.

National DL vs. American OL, 2021 Senior Bowl, Day 2

National DL vs. National OL, 2021 Senior Bowl, Day 2

North Dakota State OL Dillon Radunz and California OL Jake Curhan impress with their hand placement during a team period on Day 2 of the National team practices. Wisconsin-Whitewater center Quinn Meinerz (No. 71 pictured) keeps his hands inside of UCLA DL Osa Odighizuwa (middle of the picture).

Nebraska OL Brenden Jaimes turns out Northern Iowa DE Elerson Smith, 2021 Senior Bowl

Oklahoma RB Rhamondre Stevenson gets the handoff, 2021 Senior Bowl, Day 2

On the backside of run away (Oklahoma's Rhamondre Stevenson getting hand off from Ian Book), Nebraska's Brenden Jaimes (No. 67 pictured) sends a message to Northern Iowa DE Elerson Smith (No. 47 pictured on this play). Jaimes played right tackle, right guard, left guard and left tackle during the week. On Day 2, he got into problems when over-setting (leaning to punch) at guard and turning sideways (parallel to sidelines) too quickly in the down at tackle. When he stayed square (at tackle or guard), he was tough to get around.

Ilinois State DB Christian Uphoff, Coastal Carolina DE Tarron Jackson 2021 Senior Bowl, Day 2

Coastal Carolina DE Tarron Jackson, Illinois State Christian Uphoff in kickoff drills 2021 Senior Bowl

Coastal Carolina DE Tarron Jackson (No. 99 pictured) and Illinois State DB Christian Uphoff both had their moments during the week. Jackson offers some versatility as a sub-package three-technique defensive tackle and Uphoff could be an H-LB in nickel/dime situations.

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2021 Reese’s Senior Bowl Photo gallery/Practice Notes: National Team, Day 1

January 31, 2021 Corey Chavous Leave a comment

The National team had several high profile players on its roster, including Alabama Crimson Tide Heisman Trophy winner DeVonta Smith. On Day 1, however, we spotlight disruptive defensive tackles, an FCS slot wideout and a flexible Fighting Irish defender in our Photo Gallery recap.

Ta'Quon Graham and Osa Odighizuwa working in drills, 2021 Senior Bowl

UCLA DL Osa Odighizuwa and Texas DL Ta'Quon Graham working the bags 2021 Senior Bowl

On Day 1, UCLA DL Osa Odighizuwa (No. 92 pictured) worked over guards as a three-technique defensive tackle, using a deft combination of power and quickness. He occasionally lost balance once up the field. Texas' Ta'Quon Graham (No. 49 pictured) had some issues with burly offensive guards on down blocks (due to pad level), but did show power when posting interior linemen as a one-technique defensive tackle.

Daelin Hayes rushing Feleipe Franks on Day 1 of the 2021 Senior Bowl practices

Notre Dame DE Daelin Hayes, QB Feleipe Franks 2021 Senior Bowl

Notre Dame DE Daelin Hayes (No. 9 pictured) bent around Oklahoma OT Adrian Ealy (pictured at the top) to force Arkansas QB Feleipe Franks to step up in the pocket on Day 1 of the National Team's practice session. Hayes later captured Franks on a naked bootleg and forced him to throw an errant pass that was nearly intercepted by California cornerback Camryn Bynum.

Purdue LB Derrick Barnes bending to meet UNC RB Michael Carter in the hole

Purdue LB Derrick Barnes bends in the hole versus UNC RB Michael Carter, 2021 Senior Bowl

In 2019, Purdue LB Derrick Barnes (No. 19 pictured) was asked to rush the passer quite a bit from an outside linebacker spot. His physicality was evident when he met Michigan FB Ben Mason in the hole on a lead isolation on Day 1 of 2021 Senior Bowl practices. UNC RB Michael Carter (No. 7 pictured) displayed his unique footwork to maneuver through line gaps throughout the week. Much like in school, Carter was efficient running behind pulling offensive linemen on Day 1.

Wisconsin-Whitewater OL Quinn Meinerz, Washington DL Levi Onwuzurike at 2021 Senior Bowl (Day 1)

Washington DL Levi Onwuzurike vs. Wisconsin-Whitewater OL Quinn Meinerz, 2021 Senior Bowl, Day 1

Washington DL Levi Onwuzurike (pictured swimming No. 71 Quinn Meinerz in the middle) used his quickness to get upfield penetration on Day 1 of the 2021 Senior Bowl practices. In one-on-one pass rush drills, his inconsistent hand usage allowed Meinerz to sit in the chair versus him. During a 9-on-7 period (run drill), Onwuzurike was flattened by MTSU OL Robert Jones. As evidenced in the picture above, pad level is a concern at times for Onwuzurike.

Washington CB Keith Taylor, Jr., South Dakota State WR Cade Johnson

Washington CB Keith Taylor, Jr. vs South Dakota State WR Cade Johnson, 2021 Senior Bowl (Day 1)

Washington's Keith Taylor, Jr. played in just three games in 2020 and South Dakota State's Cade Johnson did not play at all. Johnson's efficiency working in the slot extended to the sidelines, where he allowed his body to die along the chalk to stay inbounds. Taylor, Jr. had some success working against bigger receivers, but left an interception opportunity on the ground in a one-on-one period. Inside speed releases give him issues on occasion (Wallace, 1-on-1, Senior Bowl '21, Day 1).

Ole Miss TE Kenny Yeboah, Illinois State DB Christian Uphoff, Oklahoma DB Tre' Norwood, 2021 Senior Bowl

Ole Miss TE Kenny Yeboah going for ball versus Tre Norwood and Christian Uphoff, 2021 Senior Bowl

Ole Miss tight end Kenny Yeboah (No. 88 pictured) couldn't make this grab in man coverage versus Illinois State DB Christian Uphoff. Oklahoma's Tre Norwood had a strong break off the hash to help contend. Yeboah, a former Temple Owl, impressed in pass protection and produced some solid blocks as a down tight end turning out defenders.

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2021 Reese’s Senior Bowl Photo Gallery/Practice Notes: American Team, Day 2

January 30, 2021 Peter Worilther Leave a comment

We spotlight a hard-charging safety, two hybrid defensive line prospects, an underrated SEC wideout and a couple of intriguing tight ends in our breakdown of the American team’s Day 2 practice at the 2021 Reese’s Senior Bowl.

Mac Jones in the pocket at the 2021 Senior Bowl

Mac Jones QB Alabama in 2021 Senior Bowl

Alabama QB and Heisman Trophy finalist Mac Jones excelled with his ball placement on Day 2. He was quick in his decision-making all week. He demonstrated touch on back-shoulder (Red Zone) or tear drop throws during one-on-one periods (see Palmer, Day 2). The inaccurate throws were occasionally present on passes to running backs out of the backfield.

Georgia TE Tre' McKitty catches ball 2021 Senior Bowl, Day 2

Georgia and former FSU TE Tre' McKitty caught just six passes for the Bulldogs in four games this past season. On Day 2, however, he displayed savvy running routes and competed as a blocker. During the week, he made a number of terrific grabs and won several times versus man coverage.

Josh Palmer catching pass in 2021 Senior Bowl Day 2

Former Tennessee WR Josh Palmer catches ball away from frame in 2021 Senior Bowl (Day 2)

Former Tennessee WR Josh Palmer displayed all of the necessary tools during the week to suggest he can become a better pro than collegian. His stride closed the cushion on defensive backs. Palmer exhibited body control and long arms to snag passes from his frame, particularly on bootleg concepts. He had his way versus man coverage on several occasions during the week. His biggest weakness? A tendency to hop when getting into his inside or outside releases versus press-man coverage.

Kellen Mond deep in pocket 2021 Senior Bowl (Day 2)

Alabama LT Alex Leatherwood (No. 70 pictured) generally was solid during the week, but still set a short corner at times. Texas A&M QB Kellen Mond (No. 12 pictured) flashed during the week, but ball security continued to be an issue for him in the pocket (drops ball near end of Day 2). FSU DL Marvin Wilson (No. 21 pictured) versus Tennessee OL Trey Smith and Kentucky OL Drake Jackson had an up-and-down week.

Shawn Davis attempts to pick off pass during drills 2021 Senior Bowl, Day 2

American QB Kellen Mond attempted to get this pass in-between coverage (two-deep) but former Florida safety Shawn Davis could not reel in this interception attempt. Davis is known for his hard-hitting style, but he did intercept five passes over the last two seasons. The former Miami Southridge Senior High School (Fla.) product competed well, yet displayed some rigidness in pass coverage during the week.

Quintin Morris running with ball during 2021 Senior Bowl

Quintin Morris TE Bowling Green State, 2021 Senior Bowl

Bowling Green State's Quintin Morris showed his former wide receiver skills during the practices. With that said, he did have some instances where he rounded some cuts and allowed safeties to undercut him (Gillepsie, Day 1, INT). We were impressed how he came back on Day 2 and competed as a blocker, even recording a knockdown in a team period versus a linebacker. He still gets thrown around when sustaining, but that didn't stop him from running his feet through the whistle as a down tight end on Day 2 versus Sam linebackers.

William Bradley-King, Cam Sample 2021 Senior Bowl

Cam Sample DE-Tulane William Bradley-King DE-Baylor 2021 Senior Bow

These two defensive linemen caught our eyes during the week. Both did so for different reasons. Bradley-King was slippery inside and showed heavy hands versus tight ends. Sample was able to beat turn protection as a three-technique DT on Day 2, and kept fighting once walled in DL/OL pass rush drills. These are two hybrid-type prospects due to their willingness to mix it up as run defenders. Sample can perhaps be a third down defensive tackle and Bradley-King may be able to play some left defensive end.

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2021 Reese’s Senior Bowl Photo Gallery/Practice Notes: American Team, Day 1

January 30, 2021 Corey Chavous Leave a comment

There were several players who stood out during Day 1 of the American team practices at the 2021 Reese’s Senior Bowl. We go inside a few plays and give some of the notes from our film review in our photo gallery breakdown.

Richie Grant going for interception in 2021 Senior Bowl practice

Richie Grant S-UCF 2021 Senior Bowl

Former UCF safety Richie Grant (No. 27 pictured) is known for his ball skills, but he couldn't snag this interception in the rain during the last team period on Day 1 of the American practice. During the week, he took very good angles out of centerfield and covered slot wideouts effectively. He was not as effective in coverage versus tight ends.

Jamie Newman throws the ball in the rain 2021 Senior Bowl

Former Wake Forest QB Jamie Newman (No. 7 pictured) earned a reputation in school for coming through in the clutch. During the rainy conditions on Day 1 of American practices, Newman displayed his skill throwing on the move.

Kadarius Toney, Shi Smith, Robert Rochell 2021 Senior Bowl

13 Shi Smith and Kadarius Toney run crossing routes in the 2021 Senior Bowl

As former Central Arkansas cornerback Robert Rochell clues the quarterback, South Carolina's Shi Smith (No. 13 pictured) and Florida's Kadarius Toney (No. 1 pictured) run mirrored crossing routes. Both receivers left balls on the ground during the week but were generally effective working the middle of the field and beyond.

Missouri RB Larry Rountree, ECU OL D'Ante Smith, Grambling State OL David Moore

Larry Rountree III running in the 2021 Senior Bowl (Day 1)

Grambling State's OG David Moore and ECU OL D'Ante Smith seal Northwestern LB Paddy Fisher and Baylor DE William Bradley-King as Missouri's Larry Rountree III finds the cutback lane. SMU H-back Kylen Granson (No. 83 pictured) contributed with a kick-out block. Rountree III had a strong 9-on-7 Red Zone period on Day 1.

Tennessee's Trey Smith and SMU's Kylen Granson fitting blocks in 2021 Senior Bowl

American offensive line making their fits on Day 1 of 2021 Senior Bowl practices

The American offensive line fits its blocks up perfectly on this play. Tennessee's Trey Smith (No. 73 pictured) fits Auburn LB KJ Britt (No. 33 pictured) and No. 83 Kylen Granson set up his block versus FSU safety Hamsah Nasirildeen. Alabama offensive guard Deonte Brown (No. 65 pictured) is measuring his trek to LSU LB Jabril Cox (No. 19 pictured).

FSU DE Janarius Robinson, Grambling State OL David Moore and Iowa DL Chauncey Golston

Grambling State OL David Moore battles Iowa DT Chauncey Golston

Grambling State OG David Moore (No. 60 pictured) inside used his mammoth size to frustrate Iowa DL Chauncey Golston. Golston's ability to play inside or outside, however, stood out during the week. FSU defensive end Janarius Robinson's width (pictured vs. SMU's Kylen Granson) allows him to compete well versus tight ends on the edge.

DraftNasty Magazine film review, Day 1 (American practice)

Amercian Day 1 Notes, Part 3 DraftNasty film review

We included one snippet of our four-part film study from Day 1 of the American practices. To view our full breakdown from the 2021 Reese's Senior Bowl practices, please check out Corey Chavous' 2021 NFL Draft Guide.

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2021 Capital One Orange Bowl Photo Gallery

January 3, 2021 Corey Chavous Leave a comment

The Texas A&M Aggies finished off a 9-1 campaign with a fourth quarter flurry of scores versus a game North Carolina Tar Heels team that played without a plethora of its offensive firepower. We go inside the action with a photo gallery that describes some of the best action in the Aggies 41-27 victory over the Tar Heels. The game’s ebbs and flows were befitting of a New Year’s Six bowl.

2021 Capital One Orange Bowl fireworks display

2021 Capital One Orange Bowl halftime show

Hard Rock Stadium was the host for the 2021 Capital One Orange Bowl and the fireworks display at halftime was befitting of a new year.

Texas A&M RB Isaiah Spiller scores in the 2021 Capital One Orange Bowl

Isaiah Spiller RB Texas A&M

First-team All-SEC RB Isaiah Spiller scored the first touchdown of the game behind Texas A&M TE Ryan Renick. Spiller went over the 1,000-yard mark (1,036) with 11 carries for 50 yards and two touchdowns on the night.

Texas A&M DT DeMarvin Leal tackles UNC RB Josh Henderson

DeMarvin Leal makes the tackle

Leal (No. 8 seen tackling UNC RB Josh Henderson) started the game strong and was active throughout the contest. The former U.S. Army All-American finished 2020 with 2.5 QB sacks and seven tackles for losses. He also had a fumble recovery, interception and three pass breakups on the year.

Texas A&M DT Bobby Brown III making tackle

Bobby Brown III vs. Brian Anderson

On the last play of the first half, Texas A&M first-team All-SEC defensive tackle Bobby Brown III beat the block by UNC center Brian Anderson and put his 325 pounds on Tar Heels RB British Brooks.

UNC's Dazz Newsome catches touchdown in 2021 Orange Bowl

Dazz Newsome TD catch

Despite excellent coverage by Texas A&M freshman DB Antonio Johnson (No. 27 pictured), UNC WR Dazz Newsome was able to catch the tipped pass for a 28-yard touchdown in the second quarter.

Chase Lane making catch in 2021 Orange Bowl

Texas A&M WR Chase Lane athletic grab

Texas A&M freshman WR Chase Lane (No. 2 pictured) had a productive season capped off by this twisting 27-yard grab in second quarter of the 2021 Orange Bowl. He finished with 29 receptions for 409 yards and two touchdowns in 10 games.

UNC DT Tomari Fox vs. Texas A&M OL Jared Hocker

Fox vs. Hocker

UNC DT Tomari Fox (No. 56 pictured) -the younger brother of UNC OLB Tomon- fights off Aggies RG Jared Hocker (No. 73 pictured) despite giving up nearly 45 pounds.

Texas A&M OL Dan Moore called for holding vs. UNC OLB Tomon Fox

Fox vs. Moore

Fox (No. 12 pictured) drew this third quarter holding call versus Aggies second-team All-SEC offensive tackle Dan Moore (No. 65 pictured). Fox -who finished the year with seven QB sacks and 10.5 TFLs- made the first two tackles of the game.

Texas A&M RB Isaiah Spiller blocking for quarterback Kellen Mond

Kellen Mond and Isaiah Spiller

Spiller (No. 28 pictured) works downfield to get a block for quarterback Kellen Mond (No. 11 pictured) on this 24-yard run in the third quarter. The play was called back due to a holding call.

UNC CB Tony Grimes chases down Kellen Mond for sack in 2021 Capital One Orange Bowl

Tony Grimes QB sack

On a key third down in the third quarter, UNC freshman CB Tony Grimes chased down Texas A&M's Kellen Mond for a quarterback sack. Grimes finished the contest with three tackles, a quarterback sack and two pass breakups.

Tony Grimes in man coverage vs. Hezekiah Jones in the 2021 Orange Bowl

Tony Grimes covering Hezekiah Jones

Grimes was also competitive in coverage through the fourth quarter versus the Aggies wide receivers.

Nik Constantinou punting the ball in the 2021 Orange Bowl

Texas A&M P Nik Constantinou

Texas A&M freshman punter Nik Constantinou kicks this ball off the side of his foot in the fourth quarter. Despite the shank to his left, Constantinou averaged 42 yards per punt, landed two punts inside the 20-yard line and posted one punt of 50-plus yards in the Orange Bowl.

UNC QB Sam Howell catches the shotgun snap

Sam Howell QB-UNC

UNC QB Sam Howell was a dual-threat in the 2021 Orange Bowl. Not only did he complete 18-of-31 passes for 234 yards (3 TDs, INT), the sophomore signal-caller rushed for some key first downs. The yardage totals are misleading, due to the fact that he was sacked four times by the Aggies. The team gave up 34 sacks in 2020, which ranked 13th in the ACC.

Devon Achane catching pass in pregame warmups

Devon Achane RB-Texas A&M

Texas A&M freshman RB Devon Achane has the hand-eye coordination to get more involved in the Aggies passing game moving forward.

UNC LB Eugene Asante about to make tackle in the 2021 Orange Bowl

Eugene Asante squaring up the running back

Having the unenviable task of replacing first-team All-ACC LB Chazz Surratt (opted out of the game) proved to be no problem for UNC sophomore LB Eugene Asante (No. 7 pictured). He was a consistent presence from the onset and finished the game with 10 tackles.

Devon Achane throwing oranges to teammates

2021 Capital One Orange Bowl MVP Devon Achane

At the end of the game, 2021 Capital One Orange Bowl MVP Devon Achane (pictured on the podium) was throwing oranges to his teammates. Achane -the 2020 Gatorade Texas Boys Track & FIeld Athlete of the Year- finished with 140 yards on 12 carries and two touchdowns. He also had two receptions for 24 yards.

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Cade Johnson WR/KR-South Dakota State

January 2, 2021 Corey Chavous Leave a comment

Johnson will get an opportunity to show what everyone has seen from him in the FCS over the last few years in the 2021 Senior Bowl later this month. The 2019 AP first-team All-American is used on fly sweeps, speed shovels, speed outs, box fades (No.2 slot), slants and even one-step screens from the No. 3 position in bunch formations (back in 2018).

Johnson (No. 15 pictured vs. Kennesaw State in the 2018 FCS quarterfinals) has been an elite kickoff returner since stepping on campus. He returned two kickoffs for touchdowns back in 2018.

He demonstrates savvy working against off-man coverage in the slot or on the outside. His biggest impact may come in the return game, where he has very good peripheral vision and balance. We had the opportunity to watch him perform in the 2018 FCS playoffs versus Kennesaw State and his hand-eye coordination impressed in that contest.

Other Notes: Attended Bellevue West HS (Neb.) and earned all-state honors after catching 16 TDs and recording 4 INTs • Was a member of a state championship team in basketball • 2017 (1,166 all-purpose yards): 23 receptions for 318 yards (13.8 YPR) and 3 TDs; 28 yds/KR and 2 TDs • 2017: 32 tackles, TFL, 5 PBUs • 2018 (AP All-American): 67 receptions for 1,332 yards and 17 TDs; 27.2 yds/KR • 2019 (AP 1st Team All-American): 72 receptions for 1,222 yards (17 YPR) and 8 TDs; 8 carries for 149 yards; 21.7 yds/KR • Career Stats: 40 games, 162 receptions for 2,872 yards (17.7 YPR) and 28 TDs; 12 carries for 182 yards (15.2 YPC); 26.7 yds/KR and 2 TDs