Small School Scouting Notebook: Lone Star Conference, September 18th

  
 
Abilene Christian vs. Tarleton State

Abilene Christian
#15 QB, Mitchell Gale, 6’2 225 (PFA)
Showing improved arm strength and a live arm throughout the game, Mitchell Gale proved he could make all the throws with zip and placement whenever given functional space within the pocket. Forced to climb the pocket due to a consistent outside pass rush, Gale adjusted well to throwing lanes all afternoon by dialing down his velocity and delivering from a number of arm slots to hit open crossing patterns and drag routes. What stood out for Gale in this game was his presnap command of the offense, ability to progress through multiple targets, and excellent timing with each of his receivers. Having a quick setup and delivery, as well as sound throwing mechanics, Gale is fairly polished for a Division II level quarterback. At the same time, Gale’s good scanning vision can be marginalized by his penchant of holding onto the ball too long. In the first half, Gale was sacked 3 times and did not seem to have an internal clock with which to get rid of the football. Making the halftime adjustment however to correct his mistake, Gale utilized his functional mobility to take advantage of running room and pick up first downs with his legs. All in all, it was a very good performance for the ACU quarterback, who will be one of the more highly sought after priority free agents following the 2013 NFL Draft.

#13 DE, Ryan Smith, 6’3 295 (UFA)
Though he’s listed as weighing 295 pounds, Ryan Smith appeared much leaner and looked closer to 270 pounds than 300. Lacking the true size, girth, and strength to be a powerful edge setter, Smith underwhelmed by not getting off the ball or playing in the backfield. Laterally he showed good quickness and closing speed to make plays when unblocked from the backside, however his lack of natural pass rush ability cannot be a good sign for NFL scouts. He really needs to learn how to fight off blocks with better hand usage and develop some semblance of a pass-rushing repertoire if he expects to make the next level.

#31 CB, Steven Ford, 6’0 190 (UFA)
Transferring to ACU from FBS-level North Texas, Steven Ford proved why he belonged in the next level by displaying excellent burst and explosiveness out of his breaks. Clicking and closing on underneath routes, Ford punished receivers at the catch point with hitting power, while also setting a strong outside edge against the run. An intriguing Cover 2 corner prospect that reads through the route with his eye on the quarterback, Steven Ford could get looks from teams as a rookie camp invite.


Tarleton State
#78 OT, Adrian Campbell, 6’6 310 (UFA)
Despite flashing a strong anchor, heavy hands, and good balance for a big-bodied tackle, Adrian Campbell tired fast in this game and showed a lack of physical conditioning. Sloppy in the midsection and not in condition to play with sustained effort through 4 quarters, Campbell struggled all afternoon with the speed and quickness of Abilene Christian defensive ends. More concerning, is the lack of drive blocking ability shown from the thick and bulky tackle prospect. He’ll need to make drastic changes in his body type and conditioning if he wants to play at the NFL level.

#90 DE, Rufus Johnson, 6’5 257 (PFA)
Probably the most physically impressive specimen at the Lone Star Conference festival, Rufus Johnson really looks the part of an NFL caliber, 4-3 defensive end. Along with possessing plus size, length, and muscle definition throughout, Johnson also sports a quick, explosive first step, a non-stop motor, and excellent closing speed to finish plays in the backfield. While his leg drive and balance serve well for a power-speed combination at the Division II level, Johnson still remains very raw from a technique standpoint. He lacks a go-to move, doesn’t always read and react instinctively to the play, and can be influenced up the field or down the line of scrimmage by the blocker. A size-speed prospect with plus physical tools to develop, Johnson is a must-sign, priority free agent that all NFL teams should take a closer look at.

#19 S, Blair Johnson, 6’1 200 (UFA)
Holding above average size at the safety position with more than enough range, speed, and closing burst to make plays in the back half, Blair Johnson showcased a well-rounded skill set to earn a rookie camp invite at the next level. Johnson displayed the ball skills to track and break up deep passes, as well as the power and explosiveness to jar the football loose on routes across the middle of the field. Getting depth with each of his pedal steps and remaining balanced throughout his coverage drops, Johnson appeared comfortable in the free safety, “center fielder” position. Flowing fast in run support, Johnson showed equal effectiveness as the alley defender with his solid hit and stick strength. Not overly impressive in one single area, Johnson sports a complete skill set with the ability to play both safety positions.

NFL Teams represented: Carolina Panthers, St. Louis Rams, Houston Texans, Tampa Bay Buccaneers

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West Texas A&M vs. Texas A&M Kingsville

West Texas A&M
#3 RB, Khiry Robinson, 6’0 220
This Blinn JC transfer broke out in a big way for the LSC’s primetime game, displaying incredible balance, leg drive, and suddenness to break through arm tackles all night. Robinson’s ability to churn out yards past first contact, while making defenders miss with power and explosiveness, was impressive to say the least. A high 4.5-low 4.6 type of runner, Robinson wins with his short area burst and decisive cuts. Furthering his bid for a look from NFL teams, Robinson did not miss a single assignment as a pass blocker, picking up a-gap pressures on scan protections.

#67 OT, Manase Foketi, 6’5 320 (PFA)
Easily the top NFL prospect at the event and the most likely to be drafted, former Kansas State starting left tackle, Manase Foketi dominated Texas A&M Kingsville’s defensive ends with a combination of patience and violence. Having the length to play right tackle in the NFL, Foketi kick slides with good footwork, balance, and knee bend. He mirrored with no problem, keeping the pocket clean throughout the game for his quarterback by not turning the gate, and instead cutting off the speed rush with his surprisingly quick feet; once his opponent entered into striking range, Foketi was quick to punch, turn, and pancake his opponent with ideal technique and overpowering strength. Hand placement was excellent through the entirety of the game, as Foketi continually secured the chestplate of his opponent and controlled the point of attack. Recording somewhere between 5 and 7 pancakes, Foketi lived up to the expectations of scouts in attendance, possibly earning himself a draftable grade

.#2 DE, Tyrell Higgins, 6’3 285 (PFA)
Another FBS transfer player, Tyrell Higgins (formerly of the University of Texas) put on display his athletic physique and ideal 4-3 defensive end body type. Very well conditioned with the tools to succeed at the next level, Higgins played nearly 90% of his team’s defensive snaps, in addition to serving as one of the personal protectors on the punt team. Pressing the pocket by playing with leverage and active hands, Higgins showed the motor and leg drive necessary to be a strong-side end in a 4-3 scheme. Higgins carries his 285-pound frame impressively well, looking streamlined and athletic through-and-through. He’ll have to add to his rush variety, but Higgins did flash an inside, dip and rip move. With his athleticism and quickness, Higgins could be viewed as a possible 3-technique. At any rate, Higgins is a legit NFL prospect that will be signed following the draft.


Texas A&M Kingsville
#3 RB, Jonathan Woodson, 5’10 185 (UFA) 
The main attraction for NFL scouts in Jonathan Woodson had a rough go versus a stout West Texas A&M front seven. Without any running lanes between the tackles, Woodson tried too hard to bounce runs outside, resulting in negative yardage plays. This between the tackles indecisiveness isn’t likely to be a cause for concern, as Woodson is primarily viewed as a 3rd down, change-of-pace runner that offers plus speed and open field explosiveness. More concerning than the hesitation shown, is Woodson’s apparent lack of make-you-miss ability in the open field. Unable to elude or run through arm tackles, Woodson struggled to break through the 2nd level of the defense when given a clear path. His receiving skills were evident throughout, as he lined up in the slot on empty sets, caught the ball with his hands, and accelerated upfield immediately after the catch. Certainly not the type of performance he had hoped for, Jonathan Woodson has to get better blocking from his teammates upfront if he wants to be drafted next April.

NFL Teams represented: Carolina Panthers, St. Louis Rams, Houston Texans, Tampa Bay Buccaneers