Ketch's 10 Thoughts From The Weekend (Names of note from spring workouts)

[Ketchum]

I feel like Linebackers at the high school level are often somewhat awkward tweeners subject to more unpredictability as they transition to the next level. For example, a typical HS LB might be a shade over 200 lbs., but needs to get to 225 - 230 lbs. to be a viable D1 LB. Proportionally that is a lot of weight gain for a position that also has to maintain speed and agility.

I also have a feeling that LB may be one of the positions that what enables success at HS level least translates to what enables success at the college level.

200-pound linebackers rarely get rated highly and they rarely hit.

 

[Ketchum]

I watched the Burrell tape OB posted well before reading this article. I do not consider myself any kind of football scout, but one thought I had was that he didn't look particularly fast or agile.

Obviously he makes a ton of great plays in the tape and is serious baller in HS, but I don't think we want to see him in space one on one against a D1 WR/RB trying to provide underneath pass coverage or securing the edge.

He has some question marks in a few areas, as I outlined as well.

 

[utexashorns88]

I don't think any rational person has given up on Whittington and his talent/potential. I certainly haven't and it's terrifying to think he'd want to change positions.

I share Worthy's opinion about Whittington, but I'm mostly terrified to talk about it very much or say it too loud and feel like I can't be alone in that camp. I'm not superstitious. But I am a little 'stitious.

 

[Ketchum]

I don't think any rational person has given up on Whittington and his talent/potential. I certainly haven't and it's terrifying to think he'd want to change positions.

I share Worthy's opinion about Whittington, but I'm mostly terrified to talk about it very much or say it too loud and feel like I can't be alone in that camp. I'm not superstitious. But I am a little 'stitious.

I feel you. After predicting such big things for him a year ago, I'm trying to keep my jinx powers at bay and just hope.

 

[bobarmstrong]

On the subject of recent linebackers and how their size/speed relate to nfl success, I’m reminded of one of my favorite recent horns Gary Johnson.

I know he was not a Texas high school prospect.

Gary had elite straight line speed. He ran a 4.4 at the combine, but never stuck in the league and I think plays in Canada.

Just because I was particularly interested in Gary that year and hoping he would make the league, I remember that was the year the two Devins were first round draft picks. Devin white and Devin bush. Both also ran 4.4’s, are about 235, and really good pro players.

 

[Ketchum]

On the subject of recent linebackers and how their size/speed relate to nfl success, I’m reminded of one of my favorite recent horns Gary Johnson.

I know he was not a Texas high school prospect.

Gary had elite straight line speed. He ran a 4.4 at the combine, but never stuck in the league and I think plays in Canada.

Just because I was particularly interested in Gary that year and hoping he would make the league, I remember that was the year the two Devins were first round draft picks. Devin white and Devin bush. Both also ran 4.4’s, are about 235, and really good pro players.

Gary just wasn't quite good enough. Very good college player, but not a level above that.

 

[McGuapo]

I did.

In the OP? Did I miss it? Damn. Wtf is wrong with me? Don’t answer that.

EDIT: JUst realized I didn't see #10 down there, because I generallhy stop reading by the time you post the "list" that generally wraps up the column.

 

[McGuapo]

Also, you still owe me the Manning breakdown you said you'd work on this week.

 

[Ketchum]

Also, you still owe me the Manning breakdown you said you'd work on this week.

thanks for reminding me. It's a good content piece that needs to be done.

 

[McGuapo]

thanks for reminding me. It's a good content piece that needs to be done.

Yeah I think there’s a lot of us just on the “assume he’s the best” train because of the name and the ranking without much to really back it up. Is he really the best? Why? Where are the evaluations and by who? How do we comp him?