He was very impressive last night and creates matchups problems. See him getting more involved in the passing game going forward
Not trying to be Pollyanna on this board. (I have had a abnormally large amount of sunshine pumping post today.) but being a big receiver maybe all we need him to be this year. I agree with you about him developing in the run blocking aspect. We need to get forristal back healthy though.Right now he is just like a big receiver - think Irv. Alabama needs him to develop into a better blocker. They had to sub for him on running plays, which gave away those plays.
I agree as well , him being an option in the pass game and flexing him out forces teams into nickel and he blocks DB’s instead of backers.Not trying to be Pollyanna on this board. (I have had a abnormally large amount of sunshine pumping post today.) but being a big receiver maybe all we need him to be this year. I agree with you about him developing in the run blocking aspect. We need to get forristal back healthy though.
I agree. if Carl Tucker came in, we knew it was going to be quick passes or a run play. I think He will be a better blocker, but I also see lot of potential to where we could flex him out often and create a mismatch occasionally.Right now he is just like a big receiver - think Irv. Alabama needs him to develop into a better blocker. They had to sub for him on running plays, which gave away those plays.
He does need to get bigger.Does he need to get bigger or stay where he is weight wise? He is a little thin for an SEC TE.
much biggerDoes he need to get bigger or stay where he is weight wise? He is a little thin for an SEC TE.
He also runs 4.64. and he was recruited as Tight End-Y.Coach Keys:
Have a great combination of size & speed, and must change the LOS at the point of attack. Soft hands. Needs to be able to stretch the field vertically. Demonstrates explosive physicality. Can find the open window in zone and separates from man coverage. Shows the ability to break tackles and gain yards after contact. He is a multiple year All-State player and in some cases an All-American.
Another Good Example here:The tight end (Y Receiver) is one of the receivers on the field with split end (X Receiver) and the flanker (Z Receiver). The tight end will be positioned on the line of scrimmage or off the line of scrimmage based on which of the other receivers he is paired up with.
H back TEs are your Jordan Reeds of the NFL. They line up behind the LOS, smaller TEs and can block but because of their size they do not match up well. They excel at attacking the middle of the field. Best best prospect for that is Evan Engram. I'm not sure who does that, I think McMillon, Latu does this.. they rarely go out attacking the field though.)
Single Back TEs are your do it all TE and usually the bigger of TEs. Think Gronk or Eifert. They line up next to the tackle inline and can block edge defenders as well as be excellent run blockers. On top of their blocking they can attack the middle of the field as receivers and are match-up nightmares. This is your OJ Howard of a prospect (Carl Tucker, Cameron Latu, Miller Forristall)
Finally are your flex TEs. This is the Jimmy Grahams of the NFL who are pure receivers. They rarely have blocking assignments but are match up nightmares anywhere on the field. Best prospect for that is Njoku.
(Jahleel Billingsley)
He is Najee's weight, but watch Najee block and then watch Jahleel block. It isn't his size - he just doesn't know how to block. He doesn't try to get low and use leverage - he uses extended arms.he is 6"4, 230lbs. He is a junior.
I think it's good to have Physical TE, but at same time we needs athletic TE that stretch the field in a big way. I think Jahleel can block, but I don't think he's being asked to do that. I think more and more teams are starting to use TE in a different way beside blocking and Saban probably realizes that.
I came across this: Tight End | Football Positional Guidelines | Go Big Recruiting
He also runs 4.64. and he was recruited as Tight End-Y.
Definition for Tight End -Y
Another Good Example here:
It is odd because even our receivers are good blockers. Which now that I think about it might explain why some of the freshmen are not getting much PT.You are right. That's why I am little confused to why he hasn't learned how to block by now being that he is a junior.
BINGO! I think most of the young guys are likely ready from a pure receiver standpoint, but we have a bigger expectation than that, especially as much as we throw short routes to the edges as it's the WR blocking that turns a short throw and catch into a bigger play with YAC. Same with RBs also.It is odd because even our receivers are good blockers. Which now that I think about it might explain why some of the freshmen are not getting much PT.
Yes, he is a true sophomore. He has put on 14 lbs of muscle since he arrived on campus.He was part of the 2019 class IIRC. He's a true sophomore, not a junior, if that's the case.