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Akeem Ayers impressed, but UCLA couldn't stop Daniel Thomas
UCLA’s offense was difficult to watch last year and they relied a lot on a good defense to win games. Having lost Brian Price to the draft this year, could the Bruins maintain that quality? Initial thoughts based on yesterday’s defeat to Kansas State is that not much has changed – the offense still stutters and the defense looks good. One prospect who interests me more than a lot of others this year is outside linebacker/defensive end Akeem Ayers.
With the Seahawks now using a LEO pass rusher off the edge, Ayers fits the bill at 6’4″ and 255lbs. He had an excellent game despite his team’s 31-22 defeat and is one to watch. He might be Seattle’s best bet for a playmaker off the edge after UNC’s Robert Quinn (who missed the opening weekend through suspension). The first thing that you notice are his instincts – he makes quick, accurate decisions and that has helped him make a lot of big plays in his college career. Nothing different in 2010 so far – a recovered fumble early on being a perfect example, simply reacting quicker than anyone else to dive on the ball for a key turnover which led to an eventual touchdown run for QB Kevin Prince.
With eleven minutes left in the first half, Ayers lined up on the left hand side on the LOS in space. He moves to the left initially before engaging the right tackle. Ayers is able to get round the lineman with good hand use to jab the tackle and get inside. He gets to the quarterback just as he delivers the throw and instinctively gets his hands to the ball, tipping the ball high into the air and he’s unfortunate not to make a diving interception.
With seconds left until half-time, he showed why he might be a legitimate option as an edge rusher. He gets into top speed quickly from the snap and just flat out beat the left tackle from the right side, gliding past him with consummate ease. Only a strong second effort from the tackle to push him one handed off balance stops Ayers from recording a big sack, but his presence forces a bad throw which sails out of bounds. On the very next play Ayers lines up in a prevent scheme as part of a three-man defensive line, this time from the left hand side. He runs to the right tackle and delivers a perfectly effortless spin move to embarrass the tackle before chasing down the quarterback and physically shoving 228lbs running back Daneil Thomas to the turf. The hail mary attempt is delivered but incomplete, but it was interesting to see how much UCLA value Ayers as a rusher in that he was the one man attack with nearly everyone else in coverage.
Ayers recorded his only official sack of the game by again beating the right tackle off the edge with 9:19 remaining and throwing the quarterback to the ground. Again it’s good hand use, putting a punch on the tackle’s chest to jolt him back before bursting round the edge to make the sack.
What I also like about Ayers is despite giving up some size, he’s a very sure tackler and does a good job disengaging blockers. He lines up all over the field, but predominantly in this game at linebacker. He’s shown previously that he can cope in coverage (four interceptions last year), which essentially means you can leave him in for a lot of play calls. He’s got fluid hips and moves around freely, K-State very rarely threw in his direction because he did a very good job of taking away a target over the middle.
It wasn’t 100% positive though, he was caught well by the full back off the edge on a big TD run to start the third quarter. This came just moments after a bit of indecision in dealing with an option pass allowed running back Thomas to break off a big run.
Ayers is an instinctive playmaker with good overall talents who can be solid against the pass and run. He could be worthy of a first round grade with a lot of teams looking for outside linebackers who can rush and cover and he’s every bit a potential LEO edge rusher. Rather than focus on over rated prospects like Greg Romeus (DE, Pittsburgh) I’d suggest taking a look at UCLA’s Ayers.
I’m going to watch the tape of LSU vs UNC in a few moments. Bruce Carter (LB, UNC) and Patrick Peterson (CB, LSU) will be the main focus of attention. It appears Peterson picked up an injury during the game and left the field several times, including during North Carolina’s 97-yard TD score. Robert Quinn (DE, UNC), Marvin Austin (DT, UNC) and Greg Little (WR, UNC) all missed the game through suspension. Another top 2011 draft prospect – A.J. Green (WR, Georgia) – was also held out on opening weekend amid more agent issues, although it does appear Green is completely innocent and was merely held out as a precaution in an easy win for the Bulldogs against Lafayette.
It was a good start for Florida State quarterback Christian Ponder. Despite throwing an early interception, he scored four touchdowns and registered 167 passing yards in just a half of football against Samford. The competition level wasn’t great but this is a good start for another prospect who has the mobility, smarts and arm strength that will interest the Seahawks. On a couple of scores Ponder showed his ability to throw accurately on the move, which would be key in a Seahawks offense that will use a lot of play action and bootlegs. He also mixed up a lot of his passes, knowing when to take something off the ball and use touch and also when to put some force into his action. Ponder could gatecrash the top-20 if he can continue performing like this.
Jake Locker, the favorite of many to go first overall next year, had a mixed opening weekend. The stat line was good in Washington’s defeat to BYU – 266 yards and two total touchdowns. CBS Sportsline’s Rob Rang says Locker showed off his obvious talentsbut also his inconsistencies. I need to see Locker this year before making a judgement myself, but I think it’s far from a lock he’ll go first overall next April. I’ve been sceptical too of Stanford’s Andrew Luck, but he made a solid start against Sacramento State with four TD’s and 316 yards. If he can do that against the better teams he’ll face this year, it’ll make it more likely he declares in 2011 and goes high in the draft.
One to watch: UCLA's Akeem Ayers could play the LEO
There’s a lot of potential NFL prospects to watch in the first weekend of the CFB season. There would’ve been even more, but for a series of suspensions that have decimated North Carolina’s roster ahead of their game against LSU. Expect a relatively straight forward Tigers victory, as the Tar Heels cope without potential top-5 pick Robert Quinn and Marvin Austin (who is slightly over rated in terms of NFL potential). Keep an eye on Patrick Peterson (CB, LSU) and Bruce Carter (LB, UNC) – two defensive prospects with pro-potential who could be high picks next year. Deunta Williams (S, UNC) is also a bit over rated for me, but he’s been cleared to play in this game. It’ll also be interesting to see how Joe Barksdale (OT, LSU) performs having moved from right tackle to the blindside this year. Another name to watch is wide out Terrance Tolliver (WR, LSU) who is clearly talented, but needs to be more consistent himself and hope for more rounded quarterback play too. Greg Little (WR, UNC) is another talented receiver who might play a big role for North Carolina this year.
The other games I’ll be saving into the system are Miami (OH) vs Florida, Connecticut vs Michigan, Oregon State vs TCU, UCLA vs Kansas State, SMU vs Texas Tech and Boise State vs Virginia Tech. I’ve listed some of the prospects to watch below:
Akeem Ayers (DE, UCLA)
Could be a perfect fit for Seattle’s LEO pass rusher position. Ayers weighs in at 255lbs with good height (6’4″). Recorded six sacks last year but is known as an athletic playmaker – he registered four interceptions and scored three touchdowns for the Bruins in 2009. If he can increase his sacks this year, he could be a first round pick.
Rahim Moore (S, UCLA)
A ten interception season in 2009 but Moore on the radar and it’ll be interesting to see if he can get anywhere near that this year. More of a centre-fielder with good ball skills and vision, he’s tall (6’1″) but could add some size (197lbs).
Ryan Williams (RB, Virginia Tech)
As a redshirt freshman last year, Williams scored 22 total touchdowns and ran for 1655 yards. Has ideal height (5’10”) and decent size at 202lbs. A solid all rounder who looks destined for a NFL future, he should get a lot of carries this year and this will be a good test first up against Boise State.
Mike Pouncey (OL, Florida)
He could line up at tackle against Miami (OH) having previously played inside with his brother Maurkice (drafted by Pittsburgh in round one this year). One of the bigger name lineman in college football, he’s a good size at 6’4″ and 313lbs.
Stephen Paea (DT, Oregon State)
Solid interior defensive lineman who’s listed at 6’1″, 311lbs. Needs to be a big presence for the Beavers on defense this year and it’ll be interesting to see how he performs against a good TCU offense.
James & Jacquizz Rodgers (Oregon State)
Dynamic brothers offer unique playmaking opportunities for the Beevers. Neither will be drafted high or used as every-down types in the NFL. However, Jacquizz could be a solid change of pace running back and teams will look at James even if he lacks size as a receiver (both players are listed at 5’7″).
Nate Potter (OG, Boise State)
A guard with the athletic qualities to potentially move to the tackle position. At 6’6″ you can’t see him having a long term future along the interior and he needs to add some good weight (currently 293lbs on a tall frame).
In the games we’ve already seen, it was a frustrating time for some of Pittsburgh’s big name prospects. Jonathan Baldwin (WR, Pitt) recorded four catches for 71 yards including a 44-yard touchdown reception. However, he struggled to have a lasting impact in his team’s 27-24 OT defeat against Utah. It was an even more frustrating time for the anonymous Greg Romeus (DE, Pitt). He failed to register a sack and managed just four total tackles. I’ve long suggested Romeus is over rated as a top pass rushing prospect and needs to show more this year. Not a good start. Check out the video below courtesy of Draft Breakdown – a site that does a great job compiling prospect highlights. Follow them on twitter here.
USC’s senior wideout Ronald Johnson had a superb opening game, scoring three touchdowns, a two-point conversion and an 89-yard punt return score. He doesn’t have eye catching physical qualities or lightning speed, but overall he’s a very solid receiver who should be Matt Barkley’s #1 target this year.
Two prospects who won’t be legible for the 2011 draft are worth watching too. Rutgers Tom Savage (QB) and Mohamed Sanu (WR) are both sophomore’s but started as freshmen last year. Sanu in particular is a dynamic playmaker with good size (6’2″, 219lbs) who does a bit of everything. He helped the Scarlet Knights recover from a sluggish first half performance against Norfolk State to record three catches for 65 yards, including a touchdown. He also rushed four times for 19 yards. Savage has the look of a top QB prospect (6’5″, 225lbs) but has something of a side-arm throwing motion. It hasn’t been a big issue so far, because of his height. It’s a bit Philip Rivers-esque to look at. He was average against Norfolk State but playing with guys like Sanu, could be a good draft prospect in 2012 or 2013.
Finally for now, it’ll be good to see how Notre Dame line-up on offense against Purdue. The change to a spread system from more of a pro-style scheme could impact top prospects like Kyle Rudolph (TE, Notre Dame) and Michael Floyd (WR, Notre Dame) – but not necessarily in a bad way. Last year I just felt ND used far too many short slants and dump offs to get their yards – padding out wonderful stats for Jimmy Clausen and Golden Tate but not hurting enough teams and not really doing anything for either the QB or the WR’s stock. I like Floyd as a potential prospect for the Seahawks next year, because he’s the kind of wide out they’ve been looking for (tall, gets down field, fast). However, he has a lot of areas to improve – something the ND coaching staff have thankfully realised. Brian Bennett’s article on how Floyd has upped his workrate this off season is well worth a look.
College Football is back today. On my schedule tonight is Southern Miss at South Carolina and USC’s visit to Hawaii. I’ve listed below some of the names I’ll be keeping an eye on, feel free to make recommendations or requests in the comments section. There’s a lot of good games over the weekend but perhaps none more interesting than LSU vs North Carolina. Chris Steuber is reporting that Seattle will have scouts at the game. No surprises really considering the talent on offer, which includes potential top-1o picks like Robert Quinn (DE, UNC) and Patrick Peterson (CB, LSU). More on that game tomorrow.
Southern Miss @ South Carolina
Cliff Matthews (DE, South Carolina)
6’4″, 260lbs defensive end who looks set to become the teams defensive leader after influential Eric Norwood departed for the NFL. May struggle against double teams on a Gamecocks team that lacks much other quality on the defensive line. Matthews considered declaring for the 2010 draft after allegedly receiving a 1st-3rd grade from the NFL draft committee. Instead he returns for his senior year off the back of shoulder surgery. Registered seven sacks last season and 47 total tackles (including ten for a loss). Reports suggest he may have added weight and moved up to 275lbs, but in terms of the Seahawks scheme and the use of the slighter LEO pass rusher, I’d rather see him play in the 265lbs range.
Chris Culliver (CB, South Carolina)
A useful return man who earned Second team SEC honours as a free safety last year, Culliver will switch to cornerback for his senior year. He had seven pass breakups at safety, two sacks and a forced fumble/recovery. Culliver has registered 2215 kick return yards with a long of 67 yards. Athletic and good enough in the tackle to be worthy of keeping an eye on. Following Josh Wilson’s trade to Baltimore, there’s no point scouting cornerbacks in that 5’8″ or 5’9″ range. Culliver is a healthy 6’0″, 200lbs prospect who might be worthy of mid-late round grades next April.
Weslye Saunders (TE, South Carolina)
He’s suspended and won’t play against Southern Miss (agents, again). However, Saunders is a talented prospect and worth keeping an eye on if you have the chance to watch the Gamecocks later in the year. Enjoyed a bigger role with the team last year, particularly impressed in blocking situations whilst scoring three touchdowns. Hopefully the 6’6″, 273lbs prospect gets on the field in game two.
Anthony Gray (DT, Southern Miss)
Interior defensive lineman listed at 6’0″ and 304lbs. Listed in the Conference USA pre-season first team. Recorded 40 tackles last year including 1.5 sacks and seven tackles for a loss. Has the opportunity to put himself into late round discussions with a solid 2010 season. Southern Miss earned a reputation as a team who create turnovers last year and Gray’s presence as a three-technique who needs to be blocked played a large role in that.
USC @ Hawaii
Jurrell Casey (DT, USC)
6’1″, 305lbs Interior lineman who like Brian Price (DT, UCLA) last year, just finds a way to consistently get into the backfield. As a sophomore he recorded four sacks in USC’s rotation including two forced fumbles. Due to SoCal’s two-year Bowl ban, it would be a surprise if the team’s most talented juniors don’t declare for 2011 should they perform to expectations this year. Casey has the potential to be a top 20 pick if he can increase the stat line and unlike Price, prove he’s capable of staying on the field.
Kristofer O’Dowd (C, USC)
6’5″, 300lbs center who could warrant mid-round consideration in 2011. Injuries have been an issue for O’Dowd but he does have some mobility given his size and wouldn’t be completely ruled out of working in Seattle’s zone blocking scheme. Was benched by Pete Carroll at one stage in order to establish full health and O’Dowd has missed a lot of game-time. Still, he’s one of the big name interior lineman who often get over rated into first round talk because of reputation. That won’t happen, but O’Dowd can be a solid mid-round choice next April health permitting.
Nick Perry (DE, USC)
Nine sacks in his first season starting has drawn a lot of attention Perry’s way. The junior fits the bill as a potential LEO pass rusher (6’3″, 250lbs). Does a lot of his damage by exploding off the snap with good initial quicks. Struggles sometimes to disengage but should becomes less of an issue with greater experience and strengthening. Playing with an interior presence like Jurrell Casey, Perry has the potential to cause some damage this year. If he can record 12 sacks and continue to impress, there’s no reason why he won’t be someone we talk a lot about over the next few weeks.
Stanley Havili (FB, USC)
Just a fun player to watch in that he’s a full back who just makes plays. Have you ever known a full back register 894 receiving yards and 10 TD’s in their career? He also averages over 6-yards per carry rushing. It looked like Havili might be in trouble after a fight with teammate T.J. Bryant led to a suspension, but he was allowed to return to camp after several pleas from his teammates. It wouldn’t be a surprise if he scored a touchdown or two against Hawaii.
Could Notre Dame's Michael Floyd land in Seattle?
I’ve updated the mock draft section of the blog (which can be found in the title bar at the top of the page or by clicking here). It’s only a top-15 projection at this early stage. I’ve made a few changes after watching some game tape over the last week. Continue reading
Is Pittsburgh's Greg Romeus worthy of a first round projection?
If you ask Seahawks fans or pundits, ‘which area of the team shows the greatest weakness?’ a lot of people will say the defensive line. More specifically, it’s the pass rush that is of most concern. Only four teams registered less sacks than Seattle in 2009, with the Seahawks gently reaching a tepid 28 for the year. With Patrick Kerney retiring and others moving on, the team are trying out a number of different bodies this pre-season hoping one rises to the surface.
Unsurprisingly some are already looking ahead to the 2011 draft and forcasting the not-unlikely scenario that Seattle will select a defensive end in round one.
My message to those people? Beware. Continue reading
