This guy gets his own thread like Devlin.
Fantastic signing by our slow front office. Was basically the best center in college football before blowing out his knee in 2009. Widely regarded as a top 3 center in the 2011 draft.
Fantastic signing by our slow front office. Was basically the best center in college football before blowing out his knee in 2009. Widely regarded as a top 3 center in the 2011 draft.
Production 2 2007: (7/3) Appeared in seven games at center, starting three. 2008: (13/13) Started every game at center. 2009: (8/7) Appeared in 8 games and started 7 at center. 2010: Started all 13 games at center
Height-Weight-Speed 4 Is taller than most center prospect and has adequate bulk. Is relatively well-proportioned but his frame appears to be maxed out and he's thick and he has thick ankles. Shows adequate mobility for the position.
Durability 5 Dislocated right kneecap during 2009 fall camp and missed opener (SJSU), as a result. Started next five games before a shoulder injury and lingering effects of the kneecap injury forced him out of the next three (Oregon State, Oregon, Arizona State). He played sparingly vs. Stanford and sat out vs. UCLA before returning for final two games of '09. In 2008, he has surgery to repair a torn labrum in left shoulder. In 2007, he suffers a dislocated right kneecap versus Washington and misses the next four games.
Intangibles 2 Tough guy. Has battled through injuries and is willing to play through pain. Passionate about the game. No baggage or academic issues.
1 = Exceptional2 = Above average3 = Average4 = Below average5 = Marginal
Offensive Center Specific Traits
Pass Protection 3 Shows great awareness in pass pro. At his best when uncovered, giving help to both sides and picking up stunts, blitzes, etc. Does a very good job of moving his feet after initial contact. But he lacks ideal range and will have a hard time mirroring-and-sliding in space. Will get jarred at times but consistently shows ability to sink his hips and reset. Works hard to stay balanced but has a tendency to be a forward leaner at times.
Run Blocking 4 Understands angles and does a nice job with first step. Consistently gets in good position as a zone-run blocker and will keep his feet moving while locked on. Uses good leverage and is tough, but simply lacks good overall strength. Lacks explosive initial pop. and rarely jars defensive linemen with initial contact. Struggles to sustain at times versus defensive linemen with powerful hands.
Awareness 1 Excellent awareness. Knows all the assignments and does a great job making line calls. Uses his feet and hands extremely well when working with his guards. Head is always up and on a swivel.
Toughness 2 A scrapper. Doesn't have great physical tools but finds ways to win battles with technique and toughness. Effort is outstanding.
1 = Exceptional2 = Above average3 = Average4 = Below average5 = Marginal