Week 1 college football notes

September 3rd, 2016 | Written by Rob Staton

— LSU were bad against Wisconsin. They can’t develop a quarterback in that system. Even when they had Zach Mettenberger throwing to Odell Beckham Jr and Jarvis Landry the offense stuttered and stalled. They need their defensive talent to make plays and that’s what cornerback Tre’Davious White did today with a 21-yard pick-six with LSU trailing 13-0:

White could’ve been a first round pick this year and should be in 2017. He’s also a good return man and will wow teams with his character. LSU still lost today, because of the QB situation. Leonard Fournette did his best behind a bad O-line but left the game hurt late on. It didn’t appear serious. LSU has wasted its three years with Fournette and he’ll likely end his college career without a Heisman, despite being the best player in CFB for such a long time.

— I remember quarterback Patrick Towles flashing for Kentucky during Bud Dupree’s senior year. He’s now a graduate transfer at Boston College and is quite underrated. He’s big, toolsy and mobile. He had a couple of mistakes against Georgia Tech today and he needs to limit the turnovers this year. He won’t be a high pick. However, a team with a good QB coach could turn him into a solid pro. In a year without many intriguing quarterback prospects, Towles is one to monitor.

— I was never a big fan of Texas A&M’s Ricky Seals-Jones and a bad 2015 season wasn’t a major shock. He was being tipped as an early round pick but had little choice but to return this year after a poor season. Against UCLA he looked a lot better — hinting that the light has finally switched on. He looked smooth, didn’t have any bad drops and he’s using his big frame properly to shield DB’s and gain position. His ceiling is probably more of a round 2-3 type prospect but this was a positive start for Seals-Jones. He almost made a spectacular grab to set up a possible game winning field goal with three seconds remaining. Only a great defensive play denied RSJ as he extended and high-pointed a deep throw. He has the frame teams love (6-5, 235lbs).

— Myles Garrett is one of four prospects destined to go very early next year (with Leonard Fournette, DeShaun Watson and Jonathan Allen). Garrett could’ve played in the NFL as a freshman. He’s a special talent — a thoroughly modern EDGE rusher. Here’s his first sack of the 2016 season vs UCLA today. Notice the power and ability to drive the left tackle off the LOS. He’s not just a speed rusher:

— Georgia running back Nick Chubb suffered a horrendous injury last year and it’s pretty astonishing he took the field today against North Carolina. On one play in the first quarter he exploded through a hole at the LOS and dragged two defenders for extra yardage at the second level. It took a facemask penalty to bring him down. He finished the drive with a two-yard score, ploughing up the middle. His cuts were good, he drilled a couple of defenders at the POA. He finished the game with a 55-yard touchdown run, sprinting away from the defense. He finished with 222 yards and a couple of scores. Chubb might have lost a step but he’s very much back. His stock will be impacted by medical checks next year.

— North Carolina RB T.J. Logan is an explosive athlete. He had a huge 95-yard kick return TD to begin the second half vs Georgia and quickly followed it up with a 35-yard rushing score where he tiptoed down the sideline and leapt into the corner of the end zone. One player to track going forward.

— Vanderbilt’s Zach Cunningham is a really fun player to watch. Unfortunately with the way the NFL is going, it’s impossible to judge a linebacker until we see his combine/pro-day workout. The position is judged on speed. It’ll be the same for Florida’s brilliant Jarrad Davis. Still, Cunningham’s instincts and closing burst look good:

— I’ve only watched half of the USC-Alabama game and will finish it on Sunday. Marlon Humphrey is big, physical at cornerback and capable of going very early. He’s fluid in coverage despite his size/physicality. The 2017 class of CB’s could be superb. Jonathan Allen had a couple of sacks in the first half and is destined to go early. Tim Williams is an impact EDGE player and had several splash plays. This ‘Bama defense is loaded again.

I’m going to do a list in the week of players who could be first round picks — plus a few thoughts on some underrated/overrated prospects.

138 Responses to “Week 1 college football notes”

  1. Volume12 says:

    E. Washington WR Cooper Kupp is a stud. His age might hur him though.

    And ‘Bama WR Ardarius Stewart kinda reminds me of Doug Baldwin. Explosive route runner and seems to play with a giant chip on his shoulder.

    • Volume12 says:

      BTW, agree on CB Marlon Humphrey. I do believe he’s the best corner in CFB.

      Tennessee CB Can Sutton was a man amongst boys the other on night too.

      • Trevor says:

        Agree with you completely Vol. Humphries and Sutton look like locks to be 1st rounders. They are both really physical as well which is so rare among great cover corners add in White rom LSU and you could have 3 corners go in the top 15 IMO.

        This draft class looks loaded at CB and RB.

        • Volume12 says:

          Possibly 4 with Clemson CB Cordrea Tankersley.

          CB, RB, EDGE, TE, and even LB is loaded. And this WR class at least for me is underrated.

          Last year O-line, DT, and kind of RB was it.

          • C-Dog says:

            Interesting enough, loaded in a lot of areas Seattle could be looking to address in the coming draft. I’m starting to think corner might be something they take higher than they have done in the past. Edge and LB being other primary targets

  2. Volume12 says:

    Just me or is USC CB Adoree Jackson the most overrated corner in CFB?

    • RealRhino2 says:

      Not just you. Contender for most overrated over all with Smith-Schuster, Banner, and everybody else on USC . . . .

      That team has a lot of quit in them.

      USC with the classic blunder (along with never starting a land war in Asia) of giving the full time job to the interim plodder, looks like.

      • CharlieTheUnicorn says:

        I thought #22 was making some nice plays in the game.. pass defenses and helping on the rush defense.

        • RealRhino2 says:

          Gotta be honest, didn’t see the first half, when (it sounded like) the D had a little more spirit to them. My off-the-cuff dig was more about how USC recently has signed all kinds of touted athletes who turn into not much. I remember the handwringing when they signed Max Browne. Took me a 2-minute highlight video to give my two-word assessment: can’t play. Not to toot my own horn, but he still doesn’t look good.

          These latest two are much the same. Basically you’ve got two guys who are good at running. Actually being football player, meh. Scout I heard recently who was excited about Jackson essentially said, “Phenomenal athlete, I’d like to see him do a better job (went on to mention everything a CB is supposed to do) . . . .”

          • CharlieTheUnicorn says:

            His WRs didn’t help him out much. The OL looked like the Hawks OL for 3 qtrs :P…. and the running game / play action pass game was non-existent. They also had some terrible field position.

            I thought the defense held up pretty well, they got gassed since they were playing so much when the offense kept going 3 and out. The 2 LBs being suspended right before the game didn’t help the cause, then another one got thrown out of the game for being an idiot.

            There are some tremendous athletes on the team, several guys caught my eye as possible next level NFL types.

  3. East Side Stevie says:

    Man I love Nick Chubb and North Carolina Tj Logan. Chubb wont be available when seattle drafts, but TJ on the other hand will be a player to monitor!

  4. The Hawk is Howling says:

    Hey Vol!

    Dwane Washington of the Huskies made the lions. He had this kickoff touchdown and a 58 yard td run. 7th round steal as you remember I wanted the Hawks to draft this kid!

    https://youtu.be/GY8MnxDgIfA

    • Volume12 says:

      I did. Thought he could be a CJ Prosise type kind of guy for us. Glad for him. He’s battled a to in throughout his CFB career. He’ll be an exciting player for Detroit.

      Thanks for the heads up Cragie. Didn’t know he made their team.

      Love watching that highlight too.

  5. East Side Stevie says:

    V 12 how many picks do we hav next year if you break it down round by round? We dont already have our list of conditional selections do we? I dont expect us to have a 3rd round conditional pick like we have had the last couple of years.

    • Volume12 says:

      8.

      1st
      2nd
      3rd
      4th* (Irvin)
      4th* (Sweezy or Okung)
      5th
      6th
      7th (Kevin Norwood trade)

      • Volume12 says:

        14 rookies made this team! 6 UDFAs!

        22 of our 53 man roster are UDFAs

        We’re one of the 7 youngest teams in the league. Youngest we’ve been since 2013. 4 guys on the roster are 30 or older? Maybe 5?

        We got 5-6 UFAs next off-season? K Haushcka is one of them but he ain’t going nowhere. Not after the emphasis we just saw this put on STs.

        • The Hawk is Howling says:

          The best part of that is it gives all the players with chips on their shoulders (not the one’s playing for the 49’s ha ha), More reason to come to the Seahawks. Always complete holds true here, for real!

          I am so glad Football is back!

          Days to look forward to!

      • CharlieTheUnicorn says:

        Okung is a 5 or 6.. and something got traded today, might be the 7th

        • cha says:

          Conditional 7th, that’s why I’m guessing V12 didn’t list it.

          The comp picks aren’t determined yet but will be fascinating to see how they view Okung’s deal for comp purposes. As a one year deal? Or the whole 1 year + 4 year option deal?

          • Volume12 says:

            Your right. That’s exactly why I excluded it.

            And they aren’t set in stone. I’m going off of overthecap.com, which someone pointed out to me. Cool little site. Thank you whoever that was.

            IIRC Okung doesn’t count if they cut him or something.

            • cha says:

              OTC is currently projecting the Sowell signing doesn’t cancel one of the high picks out so that’s good.

      • East Side Stevie says:

        Seems a lot lower then what we have had in the more recent drafts. Any chance we can pick up some more picks, and wow only a 4th for Bruce?

        • Volume12 says:

          Absolutely.

          Starting this year you can trade comp picks.

        • CharlieTheUnicorn says:

          8 picks is more than enough…. only OL, LB and maybe DE are “glaring” holes.. if you can call them that. There aren’t honestly that many positions or holes that need filling. Of course, if you could trade up and get a Christian McCaffrey type of player…. or perhaps John Ross…. I’m for bundling picks for quality players.

          • cha says:

            So much flexibility with all those picks, and now all of them tradable.

            The Hawks UDFA game is so strong they could keep playing the draft like they did this year, trading down and getting a good haul from a desperate team, and trading up to grab guys who have slipped but are great values.

  6. Volume12 says:

    Gotta say. Clemson WR Mike Williams looks like a top 10-15 pick. Was unstoppable tonight. Showing no side effects of that broken neck from last year.

  7. East Side Stevie says:

    Hopkins then Watkins Clemson has been steadily producing rare wide receiver talent

  8. icb12 says:

    Stanford has the best player in college football.
    They did last year too.

    It never was and still isn’t fournette.

    My opinion of course.

    • Volume12 says:

      Best player in CFB maybe. But, I question what McCaffrey is at the next level.

      Love his personality, work ethic, but if a team sees him as a workhorse, that’ll be a mistake IMO. 3rd down back.

      • Trevor says:

        Vol I am with you on MaCaffrey. I love his game but I don’t see him as a 3 down back at the next level. I think he could be exactly what the Hawks wanted when they traded for Harvin a true offensive weapon. I think he would shine in our system and would love to see him in a Hawks uni. We may already have that guy on the roster in Prosise though. At least that is my hope.

        My biggest fear is NE get him because in that system he would be scary.

        • David M2 says:

          Agreed Trev,

          I told V-12 the same thing a few months back. I’d fear NE getting a hold of him. He’d be their next Welker, but more explosive.

    • peter says:

      Not sure you can say he’s the best in CFB. Last year? Absolutely. This year? I dunno. I kind of want to see Chubb play a few and see where he’s at.

      Not saying he’s better yet then mccaffrey/fournette, just saying there’s a chance.

    • Rob Staton says:

      McCaffrey’s an awesome player. But Fournette is a generational talent.

      • Kenny Sloth says:

        McCaffery looks like Troymaine Pope to me.

        Just fast enough to get it the space. Really unsure of his floor and ceiling

        • Volume12 says:

          He has stiff hips. Watch when he cuts, he slows/gears downs continuously.

          He’s not RB Reggie Bush. Bush was a to steal Rob’s term ‘generational athlete.’ Now, obviously not in the NFL, but I’m concerned that’s what the kind of player he’ll be at the next level.

          IDK how true it is, but a buddy of mine that works for NUC Draft Bible told me Cleveland scouts love him.

    • icb12 says:

      ¯\_(ツ)_/¯

      I’m going to disagree. I think he could be a 3 down guy at the next level.
      I’m not convinced that the arguments otherwise are legit.

      Unfortunately (or fortunately?) for him, he is going to be pigeonholed as a 3rd down guy/slot receiver/returner.

  9. rowdy says:

    It looks like Elliott made the team? What was his injury that he was carted off for?

    • teejmo says:

      A sprained ankle. I saw him jogging back onto the field just before Seattle missed the two-point conversion, so it really isn’t much of an injury.

  10. DC says:

    BYU RB Jamaal Williams is looking impressive.

  11. Trevor says:

    The Alabama D is scary good again this year. They are just stacked year after year and say what you like about Saban but his staff coaches those kids up.

    They are so hard to evaluate as pro prospects because they play so well as a unit and are so disciplined that they don’t really show the flashes or weaknesses kids with inferior talent around them do. I think that is why in recent years a lot of their guys have slid and in some cases why they get over drafted too.

    I think Humphrey, Williams and Allen are sure fire first rounders though and would love to see either of these 3 lining up with thier old team mate Jarran Reed in a Hawks uni.

    • Volume12 says:

      LB Reuben Foster is incredible! Best LB in the country along with Florida’s Jarrad Davis.

      Foster just destroys blocks. His physicality left my jaw dropped.

      Love ‘Bama.

      • Trevor says:

        I just went back to watch the USC game again to check him out and yep another beast to monitor. I think the Hawks take an LB early this draft.

        • Volume12 says:

          LB Ryan Anderson was a monster in the run game too. Destroyed OT Zach Banner at the POA.

          Might be a better fit for a 3-4 defense, but he’s still an intriguing SAM candidate.

  12. nichansen01 says:

    Seahawks claim defensive tackle Garrison Smith from the 49ers. Performed well this preseason with 15 tackles, including 2 sacks and 5 tackles for loss.

    • C-Dog says:

      Just saw that. Wonder who they let go. They have a ton of safeties, but it could it mean letting go of Hamilton

  13. Volume12 says:

    Seahawks add LB Jordan Tripp to the PS (former VMAC visitor), OL Robert ‘Snack’ Myers (former VMAC visitor), DT Tylor Harris, TE Marcus Lucas.

    CB Marcus Burley and RB Troymaine Pope were claimed.

    Pinkins, Jordan Hill, Terry Poole, and one other guy made it to IR.

    • teejmo says:

      Poor Joe Sommers, delegated as “the other guy.” Of course, considering he went to some school called Wisconsin-Oshkosh, I can’t really blame you.

    • C-Dog says:

      No shocker Burley and Pope were claimed. Really happy for Pope.

    • Trevor says:

      Was really hoping to see Pope on the Practice squad. Loved his play in pre-season. Glad for the kid though as he seems like he has a great attitude and was almost out of football 2 months ago.

      • C-Dog says:

        It was going to be a really tough choice between Pope and Collins. I didn’t think either would make it past waivers

        • smitty1547 says:

          Shocked we cut Burly he had the best preseason of anyone in my opinion, we would have won SB had he been active

        • David says:

          Could have easily seen Collins make it through waivers. He did not put anything impressive on tape and has no special teams value (unlike Pope with his 61-yard KR).

  14. The Hawk is Howling says:

    Good for Pope! Now his little girl can get her room full of toy’s I think being on the active roster guarantees him around $650,000.

    I’m happy about the Garrison Smith pick up. Two sacks and 5 tackles for loss. Chip Kelly makes some questionable moves. Another Undrafted Free Agent to the roster!

    Go Hawks!

    • Volume12 says:

      Seattle has really loaded up on run-stuffing DTs and safety depth.

      BTW, WR Kasen Williams is on the PS.

      1 LB
      1 DT
      1 WR
      1 TE
      1 OL

  15. The Hawk is Howling says:

    Any word on Kenny Lawler and Brandon Bryant?

    I just read Kasen Williams was signed to the practice squad already.

    Who else do you guys want?

    Palacio is another keeper for me.

    Go Hawks!

  16. D-OZ says:

    Lawler next,bulk him up for Red Zone catalyst. Great hand’s in the zone….

  17. The Hawk is Howling says:

    Hawks release Justin Hamilton to make room for Smith.

    • C-Dog says:

      Saw that. Hope they are able to hang onto him on the PS, although wouldn’t be shocked if another team snags him. He played very solid ball in the preseason. Smith had a soaring ProFootball Focus grade though. Can’t fault the team for picking him up.

      • CharlieTheUnicorn says:

        He had around 15 tackles and 2 sacks….. something Seattle needs from the DL… pressure

  18. D-OZ says:

    Shout out to Palacio!!!!

  19. D-OZ says:

    Snider, the EYE OF THE HAWKS!!!!!!

  20. Volume12 says:

    Another RB to monitor. ND’s Tarean Folston- 5’9, 215 lbs.. One cut and go, powerful, runs hard and with good leverage, always falls forward, rumored to be a high character kid too.

    Prosise got his shot lost year because Tolstoy tore his ACL.

    • Volume12 says:

      *Folston.

      Who is that WR from ND? 6’6, born in Germany.

      One of my sleepers is Texas RB D’Onta Foreman. Similar to a Le’Veon Bell when he was at Michigan St.

    • icb12 says:

      Folston ain’t 215… look at him.
      He seems slower, wondering if that acl has some lingering issues.

      • Volume12 says:

        Entirely possible. I’m going off what his listed weight is. Might not be 215.

        Just like Mebane wasn’t 310-315 and Lynch wasn’t 215-218 either. That would mean he weighed only 3-6 lbs more than RW. Huh uh. Lynch was probably more closer to 230.

  21. The Hawk is Howling says:

    Okay Boy’s here is our practice squad as it stands now. This is from Field Gulls and our good M8 Kenneth Arthur.

    http://www.fieldgulls.com/2016/9/4/12793516/seahawks-complete-practice-squad-roster-2016-final

  22. James says:

    Past experience shows 3 or 4 of these guys are keepers, and the rest are on extended tryout. John and Pete will cycle through about 25 guys on the PS each season. Glad to see Kasen there, for I believe he has real promise as a true SE. Palacio seems like a real find, just makes plays, KPL is on notice.

    • bigDhawk says:

      Not sure why KPL is still on the roster. They must need him on ST, though I don’t even see that given his inability to tackle.

      • Drew says:

        The safety they traded for is going to be tried at WILL to add competition to that spot….so KPL isn’t safe

  23. The Hawk is Howling says:

    Just thought of this maybe only 9 on the practice squad because if they sign a fullback one player will revert to The PS from the 53. Maybe?

    • bigDhawk says:

      I think the player must clear waivers, so it’s not an automatic reversion.

      • The Hawk is Howling says:

        Yeah I was trying to figure that one out? Pretty sure you are correct BigD. Though with every team already filling their 53 could be a calculated tatic by John Schneider? We shall see

        Go Hawks!

  24. The Hawk is Howling says:

    I’ve tried looking up Brandin Bryant and haven’t found any news. Let us know if anyone finds out! Cheers

  25. CharlieTheUnicorn says:

    Full practice squad roster as of September 4:

    Marcus Lucas, TE
    Robert Myers, G
    Jordan Tripp, LB
    Tylor Harris, DE
    Kasen Williams, WR
    Kache Palacio, LB
    Kenny Lawler, WR
    Will Pericak, OL
    Rodney Smith, WR

    • bigDhawk says:

      About half this list is players that were not on our roster during TC. We all saw that coming, right?

      • Volume12 says:

        Right?

        And half this list won’t be the same come week 4 or so.

        I do they either attended a pro day or brought these guys in as VMAC visitors. WR Rodney Smith and OL Will Perciak I’m unsure of in those regards.

  26. Volume12 says:

    Texas RB D’Onta Foreman is a grown a** man. Dude is a monster!

    That is one tough, physical, just lower the shoulder and pick up a couple yards kind of back.

  27. Volume12 says:

    Anyone else think that ND QB DeShone Kizer has as much talent as Clemson QB DeShaun Watson?

    And ND OT Mike McGlinchey is more talented than UCLA Connor McDermott. Thought McDermott struggled badly yesterday. Maybe because he was lined up against the 1st or 2nd best talent in the country, EDGE Myles Garrett, but Texas LB/EDGE Malik Jefferson is one of the best Sophomore’s there is.

    Texas A&M EDGE Daeshon Hall was fantastic too. So far he looks like a more consistent and well rounded player. Was just as good playing the run as he was at applying pressure. Disruptive.

    I’m also much more impressed by Texas QB Shane Buechle than I’ve been by UCLA QB Josh Rosen.

    What a game though. Can’t wait to see if any game will top that this year.

    • The Hawk is Howling says:

      I was working during the Notre Dame – Texas game watched the hilights. First impression and I knew nothing about this kid is that Deshone Kizler reminds me of non other but Russell “The Man” Wilson. Moves like Russ, is stout like Russ, and has a nice touch like Russ. So he is mos def one to watch.

      Go Hawks!

      Why am I the only one doing this?

      Come on Lads, too Battle!!!

      Go Hawks!!!

      • Volume12 says:

        Gotta check out Texas RB D’Onta Foreman.

        IDK if I’ve seen a back in college this year with as much heart and passion. Even though it’s one game I’m going off all the tape I’ve watched on draft eligible backs This kid is all heart!

        Great size, good speed, extremely physical/tough, incredible feet, and one of the most patient runners at waiting for his hole to open.

        At his size, those blend of skills is almost impossible to find.

  28. Nathan says:

    Paul Dawson waived.

    • Ukhawk says:

      P.J. Is a great shout. So productive at TCU. I’m shocked Hawks did not dig more into the FA SLBs.

  29. D-OZ says:

    The Hawks need to bring Bryant back. Com’on Pete&John!!!

  30. Rik says:

    Here’s my conspiracy theory. PCJS are trying out the two safeties they brought in for conditional 7th round picks, but they really only want one of them as a special teamer in the Lockette mold. I expect them to waive one of the two within the week (theregy saving one 7th round pick) and resign Bryant to the active roster. That would explain why he hasn’t shown up on the practice squad even though he had a solid preseason.

    • cha says:

      Pro Football Rumors ‏‪@pfrumors‬ 2h
      2 hours ago
      S L.J. McCray is headed back to the ‪#49ers after failing his physical w/ the ‪#Seahawks

  31. Rik says:

    I read up on Garrison Smith’s pro day (he wasn’t invited to the 2014 combine). He was a productive lineman in college with 6 sacks his senior year, but he is not an explosive athlete.

    5.23 s in the 40-yard dash
    broad jump of 8 feet 2 inches
    vertical jump of 24 inches
    bench-pressed 225 pounds 23 times

    • C-Dog says:

      I don’t think Jordan Hill’s workout was that explosive either, though. Some players have a special knack. We shall see.

      • Volume12 says:

        The Defensive tackle is one position that doesn’t have to be SPARQ’D up athletes for PC/JS.

        IMO, we’re gonna see a small shift in draft philosophy from this team. Not completely, but I do believe their drafts are going to resemble 2016’s more in terms of athleticism.

  32. smitty1547 says:

    ND and Texas game was great got to football blood going, that little freshmen QB for TX looks to be a really good one to watch develop for a few years

  33. The Hawk is Howling says:

    We signed our fullback, Tani Tupou to the 53. We went with the UDub grad. The new McCray didn’t pass his physical so that was an easy choice for which safety to keep

    Go Hawks!

  34. Volume12 says:

    According to Elias Sports Bureau, there are more UDFAs on NFL active rosters (481) than 1st and 2nd round picks combined (481).

    And FB Tani Tupuo becomes our younger version of Tukuafu. Pro day #’s are almost identical and of course they both can play on the O-line. I like that move.

  35. Volume12 says:

    Has anyone checked out Ohio St WR Curtis Samuel? Former RB moved to receiver. Could be this year’s version of Braxton Miller. Excellent route runner.

  36. James says:

    It has been my good fortune to have stumbled by dumb luck onto the best football, and more specifically the best coaching, on the planet. I grew up an Alabama fan, and attended the university for undergrad and law school during Bear Bryant’s final decade of coaching and final three national championships. Then I move to Seattle and after excessive doldrums, find myself with Pete Carroll’s Seahawks. The same Pete Carroll who became the best college coach in the nation in the post-Bear-Bryant era. And now, of course, Nick Saban is at Alabama dominating college football the way only Bear Bryant and Pete Carroll did. I guess I have had a charmed football life. And now, the circle closes, with Nick Saban hiring Lane Kiffen as his OC, and today Steve Sarkisian as an offensive analyst. Two coaches who, of course, co-coordinated the USC offenses under Pete Carroll.

    Pete could hardly be more different in style than Nick Saban, or for that matter Bear Bryant, but genius recognizes genius and it should be no surprise that Saban has tapped Pete’s offensive protégés. The common thread is winning, and these disparate coaches believe the formula to win is a pro-style offense built upon a powerful running game first and foremost. You won’t see a loathsome spread offense, or a 50 passes per game fire drill, anywhere near these hall of fame coaches.

  37. The Hawk is Howling says:

    Thanks for sharing that James! Imagine Nick Saban taking over for Pete Carroll when he retires. I’m sure Saban wants another shot at the NFL just like Petey did.

  38. James says:

    …thx, Hawk. I believe Saban and Pete are the same age, and although some part of Saban thought about giving the pros another shot, the last couple of years he has been adamant that Tuscaloosa is his last stop before retirement.

  39. Rik says:

    I think Tom Herman is a coach to keep an eye on. He’s turned U of Houston into a powerhouse after only 1 year on the job. Plus he was the offensive coordinator for Ohio State’s championship run where they won out with the 2nd and 3rd string QBs. He’s a quarterback whisperer who seems to really inspire his players – similar in that regard to someone we all know and admire.

    • James says:

      The buzz down south is that Les Miles at LSU is a dead-man-walking, and Tom Herman will replace him as soon as the firing/hiring will trigger only the standard measure of embarrassment.

  40. East Side Stevie says:

    Chad Kelly, current Ole Miss QB also the nephew of former Nfl QB Jim kelly. Chad is a former Clemson starter. He ended up cussing out the head coach on the sideline in a game or practice or some scrimmage, I can’t remember which one. That was 2 years ago but he was dismissed from the team and he ended up going to East Mississippi Community College (that’s the junior college from the netflix show “Last Chance U”) he won a national championship with that JuCo, fixed his character issues and signed a full scholarship with Ole Miss and won the starting job last year at some point in the season and he is looking absolutely great tonight against Florida State

    • Volume12 says:

      He’s always had NFL talent.

      His issue was maturity, decision making, and showing better poise.

      He’s done that tonight. I’m impressed.

      Also has one of the best receiving trios in the country with WRs Quincy Aydeboyjo, D’Morea Stringfellow, and TE/WR Evan Engram.

  41. Volume12 says:

    My guy Ole Miss LB/Star/SPUR/bandit/EDGE Marquius Haynes. Love this kid. More versatile than Eric Striker, appears to be longer, more athletic

    This kid is kinda ‘Seahawky’ I gotta say.

    If newly acquired S Dewey McDonald is actually a WILL, it says to me, and Rob highlighted this last year with S Keanu Neal, Seattle is still looking for their ‘Deone Bucannon.’

    The days are 3-4 and 4-3 defenses in the NFL are getting blurred and outdated. It’s now about hybrid looks. Especially with only 12 or so legit QB’s.

  42. East Side Stevie says:

    Vol what do you think about Dalvin Cook he seems to have had a little stage fright

    • Volume12 says:

      I thought, and still do, that him and RB Leonard Fournette are closer in talent than people realize.

      However, Cook has had injury concerns and ‘character concerns’ so that’ll separate them.

      Ha! Stage fright. Seems to sum up his night perfectly.

      He has impressed the hell out of me catching the ball though.

      • Volume12 says:

        I love this Marquis Haynes kid from Ole Miss. How disruptive is he?

        I watched him last year against Texas A&M and his speed and ability to bend the edge, was too much for Germain Ifedi. Ifedi played well against him too, don’t get me wrong. It’s a fun battle to watch.

        • Coleslaw says:

          He looks really good, the only negative I’ve seen is he’s not the strongest. I think he’s a guy to monitor for us though, as K.J. Wright’s contract is up soon and we might be looking for a replacement early. I’m expecting them to replace one of the core guys with upcoming contracts (either Bam Bam, Bennett, Avril, or K.J.) Clark is destined to replace Avril but if we get a shot at an elite LEO prospect I wouldn’t put it past John to pull the trigger anyways.

          • Volume12 says:

            Sure. I agree.

            But, Haynes is a hybrid. He can rush the passer, he can drop into coverage, he can set an edge. He’s bigger this year than last year when he had 16.5 TFL, 10 sacks, 8 QB hurries (highly important stat).

            I actually think he’s pretty damn good at converting speed into power.

            Florida St DE DeMarcus Walker is also a guy to monitor. 6’3-6’4, 270 lbs or so. Had 10 sacks last year, already has 4.5 sacks tonight. Very effective against the run, creates turnovers, gets his hands into passing lanes.

  43. Volume12 says:

    This Ole Miss defense are gap shooters man! No wonder Seattle is scouting this game.

    DL Isaac Gross is unique. 6’1, 270-275 lbs., and plays 3-tech? He’s too quick for OG’s.

  44. Volume12 says:

    Florida St just doing Florida St things. It’s not yow ya start, but how ya finish sounds familiar right fellas?

    Florida St DE DeMarcus Walker has some Mario Edwards, Jr too his game. Both were said to ‘outta shape,’ ‘not athletic enough,’ but what do they have? Toughness, physicality, versatility, and big time playmakers.

    There is a ton of NFL talent in this game.

  45. East Side Stevie says:

    This game is turning into a nail biter both teams are loaded with prospects they just look like superior athletes compared to the other games I have seen I also think the OU Houston and Alabama Usc games had superior athletes on both sides of the ball as well
    So much talent to digest in those 3 games

  46. East Side Stevie says:

    I would like to see Wisconsin, Texas and Texas A&M all in the top 25 poll next week

  47. D-OZ says:

    Biegle reminds me of a certain LB that played for USC that now play’s for the Packers. Watched a great interview he gave. Good kid and a great team leader. Full of fire and clean player. !st rounder for me. Hands down….

  48. teejmo says:

    Chad Kelly is… weird. His touchdown pass with ten minutes left in the fourth quarter was an excellent example of throwing your receiver open, which is a big plus for the pros, but then he goes and sits in the pocket for way too much time, allowing the FSU pass rushers to get past their guy and get to him. Draftable? Definitely. But I’ve heard first-round talk with him, which seems a bit off.

    • teejmo says:

      For a pocket passer, he’s got little pocket awareness.

      • Volume12 says:

        ND QB DeShon Kizer is a 1st round talent. He’ll have NFL scouts buzzing.

        • teejmo says:

          Agreed, though he needs to learn to get down when he’s running.

          • nichansen01 says:

            How likely is Kizer to declare? Looks like a first rounder to me… Way ahead Kaaya in my opinion.

            • Volume12 says:

              Probably depends on the feedback he gets from the draft board.

              Not sure he’ll wanna keep splitting reps with Malik Zaire. It stunts both of their developmental skills.

              • STTBM says:

                Watched a good bit of the game, here’s my two cents; ND’s offense went absolutely nowhere with Zaire. Might have won the game if they had just played Kizer. I have no idea why they trotted Zaire out in the third quarter, totally killed their momentum and wasted a drive.

                Zaire looked like an option qb, not a real qb.

            • teejmo says:

              Hard to say. He’s a junior, but up to now has only 360 passes in college. I doubt he’d pass it up if he got 1st round grades, which he probably will get even if he’s only 75% as effective as he was last night (Throwing for five touchdowns and no interceptions is kind of hard to do every single night, after all.)

  49. LordSnow says:

    I find it fascinating watching the FSU vs Ole Miss game how the traditional drop back passer is almost a “liability” in today’s game. Kelly is good but the ability to move in or out of the pocket is an almost vital skill.

  50. nichansen01 says:

    Demarcus Walker is a beast. One to keep an eye on this year. I think he’s a second rounder. Dalvin Cook seems overrated to me. Extremely athletic yes… But fumble issues are serious and his balance looked off to me tonight.

    Wow four great freshman quarterbacks in the SEC this year. Francois was phenomenal.

  51. Volume12 says:

    Saw this comp and agree 100%. Marquis Haynes is so similar to Bruce Irvin. Such a quick twitch, kind of ‘careless’ pass rusher. Camne from a military academy, and like Bruce has only played 2 years of ball.

    He’s got this long frame to add or carry weight if needed.

    And if ya liked Clemson DE Shaq Lawson, how could you not like Floirida St DE DeMarcus Walker? He’s a base DE that can pass rush from inside.

  52. David says:

    Would love Charles Nelson from Oregon as a KR/PR/gadget player. Yeah he fumbled twice, but the kid is explosive with the ball in his hands either returning or jet sweeps. I don’t feel like the Hawks have that guy on the roster.

    Lockett seems to be more WR-centric and tends to fold when there is pressure around him (instead of making a nifty move), his return skills tend to be more outflanking the defense or finding a hole in the middle. Prosise is the WR out of the backfield but he’s not a shifty guy and his body type doesn’t really fit that role.

    Nelson is a “get him the ball in space and he will make guys miss” and his return game is electric. Plus he’s versatile, he’s played RB, WR, CB and returner. Really wish Seattle would incorporate this “Taser” kind of position into their offense (think that is what they imagined with Harvin) as a perimeter running threat could really open up the inside run for them.