I've always enjoyed esu and others' commit breakdowns in the past and have tried to offer mine up each year. Despite Beaty's 3-33 record, I just can't help myself rolling through each commits video and trying to consider how each recruit projects on our roster. This is obviously through the eyes of an amateur, but frankly, not sure the amateur eyes on this board have been that much worse than our paid coaches (see Torneden at FS vs. Nickel discussion).
Note/Disclaimer: To the skeptics and optimists regarding our staff, this breakdown is assuming proper player development. One of the primary reasons our teams have been so bad is not the recruiting, it is more of a player development breakdown.
Anthony Pooka Williams - Dom and Pooka should be a great 1-2 punch for the next 3 years. Pooka should immediately get 5-6 touches a game next season. He just has too much natural speed not to get him the ball. He looks like the burners that TCU or OU have each season. And you can tell by the fact he doesn't look like he's running that fast, but is still outracing everyone (even when they have the angle). His film shows the ability to be a traditional back w/ a nice feel for the position, however, he does try to outrace everyone to the perimeter. Personal opinion on the RB spot: Herbert, Dom, and Pooka should get 95%+ of the touches next season. If Pooka is over ~170 pounds, I think you have to give him a look on KR too.
Azur Kamara - He's clearly one of our prize gets. This is a theme that will be mentioned throughout, but we FINALLY put length as a priority on our defense. Defending the spread is often about taking away throwing lanes and make life hard on opposing quarterbacks. We had to have had one of the lowest wingspans of any defense in the country last year (and prior years). And it showed. Kamara is long and seems to have the body to play more than just 3rd downs. In an ideal world, he starts opposite of Armstrong. Regardless, he'll push Ehambe for the starting spot.
Charles Cole - He reminds me of Daniel Wise and would be an obvious replacement should he leave. To be clear, he's not as good as Wise, but he is quick, has decent size, and appears to have nice hands. If Wise leaves, he'd be my pick to start opposite JJ Holmes. If not, he'll be a high quality back-up to Wise and likely the 3rd most-used DT. Very nice victory.
Corione Harris - He is the prize of the class and its not close, so kudos to Rivals for his ranking. He's a football player. He's got great closing speed, solid length and a nice feel for the game. If he could get on campus for Spring, he'd push for that starting spot opposite of Defense. Regardless, I expect him to see his snaps increase throughout the season and will be a likely starter as a soph.
Davon Ferguson - This is not necessarily a positive statement, but I think this guy will start at one of the safety spots next year. He is a bit bigger than Mike Lee, so I'd expect him to be able to start opposite of Lee in replacement of Miller. But he's much faster than our other safeties, seems to play physical and have a good feel for the game. I remember commenting that he, as a fresh, made a number of tackles for his squad.
Elmore Hempstead - man he's fluid. He and Ferguson will upgrade the speed of our secondary. I think he'll be our best true cover corner. Hard to say how big and physical he is, but if his measureables check-out, I think he will start on day 1 opposite of Defense (really too bad he can't get out in May, but I agree w/ the staff's decision to still take him).
So if you're keeping track at this point, this is the first 6 players (alphabetically) that I expect to start or push for heavy minutes immediately depending on what Wise/Armstrong do. Very nice.
Elijah Jones - He is certainly the longest corner we've had since Dexter McDonald. Personally I thought his backpedal was not great, and his top end speed was "okay." I think he'll need to be coached up quite a bit. If I were DC, the spot I think he could make the most impact is at the 3rd down Nickel/Dime corner. So many teams now put their TE and bigger WR's in the slot now--he could cover those guys tomorrow much better than Torneden. I'll be surprised if he pushes for the top spot as I have Defense, Hempstead, Harris ahead of him. If Bowen were to actually play more zone defense, he'd improve his chances of playing immediately.
Foster Dixon - In a perfect world, Dixon is purposefully beefed up to be the DE/DT 5-technique combo guy. This would require Armstrong to return and Kamara to be the real deal. He's a big guy but I didn't see the requisite "punch" for a guy of his size on his tackles. Too many times he was sliding to the turf. I don't see the bend or speed either to be an impact edge player. I do think he could hold a gap when asked, but if the right guys come back, and if he has a RS available, I'd really try to RS and turn him into a DT next season. He's got the frame to carry 280ish.
Jacobi Lott - Wow what a get. His film is really impressive. Considering we can't seem to sign any HS DT's ever (seriously, Beaty has not signed a HS DT yet--this year 4), I'd try him there. He's probably better as a mauling guard, but he's quick and got really nice clubbing power that I think he could play inside. We should no longer be anywhere close to considering starting True Frosh at guard, so why not try him at DT for a season--see how it goes, and then move him to OL if its not the right spot this time next year? I don't know where he'll start, but he'll be a starter very soon. This is the Dorance Armstrong find of this class--so glad he signed.
Jeremiah McCullough - If McCullough starts, he'll beat out Torneden at the 1st and 2nd down NB spot. But Torneden was very solid in the 2H of the year, so I doubt he beats him out. I don't see the top end speed or athleticism to play at the Big 12 back-level. Ferguson and Lee/Richmond are better fits for this conference. Beaty mentioned that he's a hard hitter on twitter--I'd even give him a quick look at a 3rd down LB. I just think he needs to play near the box and will be a ST guy.
Mac Copeland - His senior film was pretty solid. If KU is going to get better, this is the type of guy who should be a Big 12-level starter as a JR/SR. He's going to need to get bigger, but I think he has good bend, solid feet, and good hands. Just needs time and very good player development. I don't know Copeland at all, but its getting to know the person/player that is so important in evaluations like this: will he put the time and effort into football required to become a starter? If so, he's going to be a very nice find.
Najee Stevens McKenzie - This is a huge find. Finally a true 3rd down rushing DE. If used properly, he should be an absolute nightmare on about 35-40 snaps a game rushing off the edge. Good length, great burst, and good bend. I don't think he's big enough (and nor would you try to get him to add 35 pounds) to play every down at DE. But as a rush end, KU found a very nice threat. Even if Armstrong leaves, Kamara and Ehambe are your likely starting DE's and NSM/Bean are your 3rd down DE's.
Nick Williams - His senior film was interesting. He looked like he lost some weight and was perhaps nursing a shoulder issue cause he did a lot of lunging/elbow blocking. He's more highly rated than Copeland, but I think I'd pick Copeland. He's a bit of a waist bender and I'm skeptical of his hands. But he is HUGE. Like Copeland, a program must be in place to maximize his capabilities. Could he developed into a Larry Maczyk in 3-4 years? Sure, but our OL player development must improve.
Stephon Robinson - I thought his film was the toughest to judge. He's fast, but just how fast (never really caught from behind, but also not eye-catching run away from you ability)? He's very slippery, but he also looks to be pretty small. These little details matter cause its the difference between being a legit Big12 weapon and not. I'll be legit curious to see where he ranks in the Kerr Johnson / Quan Hampton / Ryan Schadler pecking order out of spring ball. If he's last of that foursome? Woof, but i don't expect that. I think he'll be at least 3rd.
There ya have it. I'll update after more signees roll-in.
How I'd use the final 7 scholarships: 1 QB, 1 TE (HS), 1 DE (Emery), 1 DT (HS), 1 LB, and 1 Best available.
Quick note Devonta Jason though--his film was solid, but in the end, I think he'll have more of a Nigel King-level impact for Mississippi State than a Calvin Johnson-like impact. Just not the top end speed or separation, but he is strong and has great hands. Wish him well. He is my 3rd most desired LA commit behind Harris and Pooka.
Note/Disclaimer: To the skeptics and optimists regarding our staff, this breakdown is assuming proper player development. One of the primary reasons our teams have been so bad is not the recruiting, it is more of a player development breakdown.
Anthony Pooka Williams - Dom and Pooka should be a great 1-2 punch for the next 3 years. Pooka should immediately get 5-6 touches a game next season. He just has too much natural speed not to get him the ball. He looks like the burners that TCU or OU have each season. And you can tell by the fact he doesn't look like he's running that fast, but is still outracing everyone (even when they have the angle). His film shows the ability to be a traditional back w/ a nice feel for the position, however, he does try to outrace everyone to the perimeter. Personal opinion on the RB spot: Herbert, Dom, and Pooka should get 95%+ of the touches next season. If Pooka is over ~170 pounds, I think you have to give him a look on KR too.
Azur Kamara - He's clearly one of our prize gets. This is a theme that will be mentioned throughout, but we FINALLY put length as a priority on our defense. Defending the spread is often about taking away throwing lanes and make life hard on opposing quarterbacks. We had to have had one of the lowest wingspans of any defense in the country last year (and prior years). And it showed. Kamara is long and seems to have the body to play more than just 3rd downs. In an ideal world, he starts opposite of Armstrong. Regardless, he'll push Ehambe for the starting spot.
Charles Cole - He reminds me of Daniel Wise and would be an obvious replacement should he leave. To be clear, he's not as good as Wise, but he is quick, has decent size, and appears to have nice hands. If Wise leaves, he'd be my pick to start opposite JJ Holmes. If not, he'll be a high quality back-up to Wise and likely the 3rd most-used DT. Very nice victory.
Corione Harris - He is the prize of the class and its not close, so kudos to Rivals for his ranking. He's a football player. He's got great closing speed, solid length and a nice feel for the game. If he could get on campus for Spring, he'd push for that starting spot opposite of Defense. Regardless, I expect him to see his snaps increase throughout the season and will be a likely starter as a soph.
Davon Ferguson - This is not necessarily a positive statement, but I think this guy will start at one of the safety spots next year. He is a bit bigger than Mike Lee, so I'd expect him to be able to start opposite of Lee in replacement of Miller. But he's much faster than our other safeties, seems to play physical and have a good feel for the game. I remember commenting that he, as a fresh, made a number of tackles for his squad.
Elmore Hempstead - man he's fluid. He and Ferguson will upgrade the speed of our secondary. I think he'll be our best true cover corner. Hard to say how big and physical he is, but if his measureables check-out, I think he will start on day 1 opposite of Defense (really too bad he can't get out in May, but I agree w/ the staff's decision to still take him).
So if you're keeping track at this point, this is the first 6 players (alphabetically) that I expect to start or push for heavy minutes immediately depending on what Wise/Armstrong do. Very nice.
Elijah Jones - He is certainly the longest corner we've had since Dexter McDonald. Personally I thought his backpedal was not great, and his top end speed was "okay." I think he'll need to be coached up quite a bit. If I were DC, the spot I think he could make the most impact is at the 3rd down Nickel/Dime corner. So many teams now put their TE and bigger WR's in the slot now--he could cover those guys tomorrow much better than Torneden. I'll be surprised if he pushes for the top spot as I have Defense, Hempstead, Harris ahead of him. If Bowen were to actually play more zone defense, he'd improve his chances of playing immediately.
Foster Dixon - In a perfect world, Dixon is purposefully beefed up to be the DE/DT 5-technique combo guy. This would require Armstrong to return and Kamara to be the real deal. He's a big guy but I didn't see the requisite "punch" for a guy of his size on his tackles. Too many times he was sliding to the turf. I don't see the bend or speed either to be an impact edge player. I do think he could hold a gap when asked, but if the right guys come back, and if he has a RS available, I'd really try to RS and turn him into a DT next season. He's got the frame to carry 280ish.
Jacobi Lott - Wow what a get. His film is really impressive. Considering we can't seem to sign any HS DT's ever (seriously, Beaty has not signed a HS DT yet--this year 4), I'd try him there. He's probably better as a mauling guard, but he's quick and got really nice clubbing power that I think he could play inside. We should no longer be anywhere close to considering starting True Frosh at guard, so why not try him at DT for a season--see how it goes, and then move him to OL if its not the right spot this time next year? I don't know where he'll start, but he'll be a starter very soon. This is the Dorance Armstrong find of this class--so glad he signed.
Jeremiah McCullough - If McCullough starts, he'll beat out Torneden at the 1st and 2nd down NB spot. But Torneden was very solid in the 2H of the year, so I doubt he beats him out. I don't see the top end speed or athleticism to play at the Big 12 back-level. Ferguson and Lee/Richmond are better fits for this conference. Beaty mentioned that he's a hard hitter on twitter--I'd even give him a quick look at a 3rd down LB. I just think he needs to play near the box and will be a ST guy.
Mac Copeland - His senior film was pretty solid. If KU is going to get better, this is the type of guy who should be a Big 12-level starter as a JR/SR. He's going to need to get bigger, but I think he has good bend, solid feet, and good hands. Just needs time and very good player development. I don't know Copeland at all, but its getting to know the person/player that is so important in evaluations like this: will he put the time and effort into football required to become a starter? If so, he's going to be a very nice find.
Najee Stevens McKenzie - This is a huge find. Finally a true 3rd down rushing DE. If used properly, he should be an absolute nightmare on about 35-40 snaps a game rushing off the edge. Good length, great burst, and good bend. I don't think he's big enough (and nor would you try to get him to add 35 pounds) to play every down at DE. But as a rush end, KU found a very nice threat. Even if Armstrong leaves, Kamara and Ehambe are your likely starting DE's and NSM/Bean are your 3rd down DE's.
Nick Williams - His senior film was interesting. He looked like he lost some weight and was perhaps nursing a shoulder issue cause he did a lot of lunging/elbow blocking. He's more highly rated than Copeland, but I think I'd pick Copeland. He's a bit of a waist bender and I'm skeptical of his hands. But he is HUGE. Like Copeland, a program must be in place to maximize his capabilities. Could he developed into a Larry Maczyk in 3-4 years? Sure, but our OL player development must improve.
Stephon Robinson - I thought his film was the toughest to judge. He's fast, but just how fast (never really caught from behind, but also not eye-catching run away from you ability)? He's very slippery, but he also looks to be pretty small. These little details matter cause its the difference between being a legit Big12 weapon and not. I'll be legit curious to see where he ranks in the Kerr Johnson / Quan Hampton / Ryan Schadler pecking order out of spring ball. If he's last of that foursome? Woof, but i don't expect that. I think he'll be at least 3rd.
There ya have it. I'll update after more signees roll-in.
How I'd use the final 7 scholarships: 1 QB, 1 TE (HS), 1 DE (Emery), 1 DT (HS), 1 LB, and 1 Best available.
Quick note Devonta Jason though--his film was solid, but in the end, I think he'll have more of a Nigel King-level impact for Mississippi State than a Calvin Johnson-like impact. Just not the top end speed or separation, but he is strong and has great hands. Wish him well. He is my 3rd most desired LA commit behind Harris and Pooka.
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