Monday, January 2, 2012

NUC Hits The Road: 2011 AT&T Georgia Junior Bowl

Photo by: National Underclassmen Football Combine

NUC Hits The Road: 2011 AT&T Georgia Junior Bowl

Courtesy: Barry Every / National Underclassmen Combine           Release: January 01, 2012
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ATLANTA, GA. - No high school All-Star game is more unique than the AT&T Junior Bowl for rising seniors in Georgia held at Grady Stadium. Over 90 of the State's top juniors were split into East and West squads for this Bowl Game. Most of the participants in this All-Star Game were here with the hopes of claiming early attention from college recruiters. The game also boasted many of the top high school coaches in the Peach State. This hard fought contest would end with the West winning 27-20 over the East.
The East squad struck first led by Alpharetta, GA signal caller Joshua Dobbs who hit on a series of passes ending with a quick slant to Tucker, GA athlete Juwaan Williams. A fumbled snap by the East punter would set up the West's first score as Calhoun, GA quarterback Taylor Lamb ran the ball in from three yards out early in the second quarter knotting the score a seven.
The East would again face mishap on special teams as Montravious Adams blocked a punt that teammate Jevaris Jones would scoop up and score on giving the West squad its first lead of the game. The West would counter again behind the arm of Dobbs who moved his team down field 80 yards in eight plays capped by a 5-yard toss to Elbert County, GA running back Tyshon Dye. The West quickly countered with a 93-yard kickoff return by Georgia commit Tray Matthews allowing the West to take a 21-14 lead into the locker room at the half.
The second half started off with both teams trading punts back and forth until Dobbs again led the East squad on a methodical 12 play drive that went 94 yards. The drive would end as Dobbs hit high school teammate Carlos Burse on a one yard fade pass in the back right corner of the end zone. But a missed extra point allowed the West to maintain a 21 to 20.
Dobbs would get another chance to be the hero driving the East squad 58 yards on 10 plays only to be picked off when his first option was not open. The West turned that pick into six points as Walton, GA speedster Tyren Jones made the longest run of the game scoring from 44 yards out with 4:10 left in the game. After another missed extra point the West's lead was extended to 27-20. 
The East did block a punt with 11.8 seconds left in the game but only had time for two cracks from West's 27 yards line. Both passes would find the field turf of Grady Stadium as the West won the second annual AT& T Georgia Junior Bowl 27 to 20. Below are just some of the games top performers that proved worthy of DI recognition.
WEST SQUAD
Stats/Highlights: Adams had two tackles and a blocked punt in the game. But he proved strong enough to negate the running game and quick enough to apply pressure on the quarterback.
Assets: There is no question that this defensive lineman had the best overall body structure of any lineman in the AT&T Junior Bowl. He has the size and athletic ability to play either strong side defensive end or defensive tackle at the next level. He plays with excellent pad level and is strong as a bull at the point of attack.
Development: Adams just needs to find which position best suits his future skill set. Right now that would be as a defensive end in a 3-4 defense.
Recruiting: He currently has an offer from Clemson but has a chance to be one of the Top five players in the Peach State.
Montravious Adams, DL
6-3/280, Dooly County, GA
  Stats/Highlights: Ellison had three solo tackles in this extravaganza while all but dominating any inside running game by the East Squad.
Assets: Ellison has a powerful body ideal for taking up more than one blocker while not getting pushed off the ball. He played with good pad level while using his hands and lateral movement to slide off blockers.
Development: How much more weight can Ellison tack onto his frame? He will most likely project as a defensive tackle so adding weight while maintaining his current athleticism is a must.
Recruiting: He currently has offers from Auburn, Georgia Tech, Michigan, South Carolina, and Tennessee.
Jay Ellison, DL
6-1/280, Harris County, GA
Stats/Highlights: Foster recorded three tackles two of which were TFLs in only one half of ball. If running backs don't hit the hole quick he will swallow them whole.
Assets: Physically the most impressive linebacker in the game. Though he only played one half he proved quick enough and tough enough to run through ball carriers trying to get to the outside. Foster should make a very good SEC inside linebacker.
Development: Not only did he leave this game early he missed games during his junior season. Somehow you would like to see him improve his durability.
Recruiting: Committed to Alabama.
Reuben Foster, LB
6-1/220, Troup County, GA
Stats/Highlights: Jones carried the ball seven times for 61 yards and one score while catching two passes for 57 yards. He is at is best when given a sliver of space gaining huge chunks of yardage in a blink of an eye.
Assets: Jones is explosive with the ball in his hand either as a runner or receiver. He is near impossible to corral when in space and he has hips on a swivel. He is the ideal all-purpose back that possesses homerun speed.
Development: Jones has a nifty spin move in his bag of tricks but using it between the guards near the line of scrimmage will either get him hurt or cause him to turn the ball over. This move needs to be used in one-on-one situations in my opinion.
Recruiting: He currently has offers from Duke, Georgia, Georgia Tech, Oklahoma State and Vanderbilt.
Tyren Jones, RB
5-8/190, Walton, GA
  Stats/Highlights: Lamb completed three of eight passes for 34 yards while rushing for 32 yards on three carries. He is like Houdini with the ball while running the read option attack.
Assets: Lamb is mechanically sound in the pocket keeping the ball held high while his eyes survey the field. He is also a wizard with the ball exchanges in the read option showing the ability to freeze the defensive end.
Development: I would like to see him put a tad more zip on his passes to the boundary. This can be done by creating more torque with a better weight transfer.
Recruiting: He currently has no DI offers but will get national attention with his big win over Buford, GA in the GHSA AA State Championship game.
Taylor Lamb, QB
6-1/190, Calhoun, GA
Stats/Highlights: He was the game's leading tackler with ten stops and also had the games only interception. Leonard is not afraid to come up in run support to lay a big blow.
Assets: Leonard is not afraid to come up in run support while also covering a lot of real estate tracking down receivers. He also proved he knew what to do with the ball after a pick returning it 25 yards. He has excellent overall body structure for the safety position.
Development: He could work on staying lower in his backpedal allowing him to pounce out and make more plays on the ball.
Recruiting: He currently has no offers but that should change since he is at the same school as Reuben Foster.
Cortez Leonard, DB
5-11/195, Troup County, GA
  Stats/Highlights: Matthews was in on four tackles but made his biggest impact on special teams returning a kickoff 93 yards for a score. He is at his best closing on the ball while making a big hit.
Assets: Has a great frame, good athleticism and the ball skills to play either safety position at the next level. Matthews also proved to be one tough runner on special teams being fearless sticking it up the middle while running as hard as he could. He has the skills set to really excel on coverage teams at the next level.
Development: Will need to add some overall muscle mass if he wants to be the same intimidator he is in high school at the next level.
Recruiting: He is committed to Georgia.
Tray Matthews, DB
6-1/190, Newnan
  Stats/Highlights: Basically playing on one leg Wiggins still managed four tackles and two pass breakups. Though he is not the biggest cornerback he proved to be fearless coming up in run support.
Assets: He stays low in his backpedal which allows him to uncoil quickly enough to make plays on the ball. His quick reaction also allows him to come up in run support not allowing backs to gain much yardage. Even though he is not the biggest defensive back he definitely is not afraid to come up and stick his facemask on ball carrier.
Development: The biggest area he will need to improve upon is his overall size and strength. He is very thin and looks frail for a big-time corner. But he does have the skill set, hips, and moxie that elite corners need.
Recruiting: He currently has offers from Ball State, Cincinnati, Michigan, Ohio, Ohio State, Tennessee, Toledo and Wake Forest.
Shaq Wiggins, DB
5-10/160, Sandy Creek, GA*
EAST SQUAD
  Stats/Highlights: Burse grabbed six passes for 66 yards and one score. He did a great job of finding the ball on a fade pattern for a score while keeping in bounds.
Assets: Burse is a competent route runner that possesses soft hands. He did a nice job of adjusting to the ball in the air while catching it away from his body.
Development: He is still very thin at this time and will need to add about 15 pounds of muscle mass to help improve durability and getting off press coverage.
Recruiting: Burse already has offers from Duke, Florida, NC State, Tennessee, Vanderbilt, and Virginia Tech.
Carlos Burse, WR
6-3/200, Alpharetta, GA
Stats/Highlights: Dobbs completed 20 of 31 passes for 227 yards and three scores versus one interception. He was at his best moving around in the pocket avoiding the rush while keeping his eyes downfield.
Assets: He was never rattled in the pocket showing the presence of mind to side step would be rushers while keeping his eyes downfield. Dobbs has the ability to buy time in the pocket or make unscripted yards with his feet. In the end he proved to not only be the most productive quarterback on the night but also the best leader.
Development: Burse is very thin and it is imperative that he add more muscle mass. This will help him break more tackles and improve his arm strength. He needs to put more zip on his passes thrown to the boundary.
Recruiting: Dobbs currently has no DI offers but that won't last long because he is perfect for the spread offense.
Joshua Dobbs, QB
6-2/185, Alpharetta, GA
  Stats/Highlights: Griffin totaled six tackles with two TFLs and all but shut down the West rushing offense with his powerful push up front.
Assets: Already possesses the size and girth to help anchor him to the ground not allowing offensive lineman to push him off the ball. He does a nice job of using his hands to keep opposing blockers off his body and he is very quick off the ball.
Development: May lack the length to play defensive end at the next level. Griffin's best position may be as an interior defensive lineman which means adding another 20 pounds.
Recruiting: Griffin already has offers from Auburn, FSU, Georgia, Georgia Tech, and South Carolina.
Kelsey Griffin, DL
6-2/282, Mill Creek, GA
Stats/Highlights: He had a game high eight catches for 115 yards. None was sweeter than the pass he caught in the fourth quarter keeping his balance by the sideline and turning the ball up field.
Assets: Normally a running back Kamara played slot receiver in this game. He proved just as talented as a receiver as he is a running back by flashing soft hands and showing excellent speed. Kamara proved to have excellent body control and the quickness to make yards after the catch. He also has excellent overall body structure.
Development: He had one of the best games of any athlete. It would have been nice to see him work out at running back but either way he is still a superior athlete.
Recruiting: Kamara currently has an offer from Syracuse, but that will multiply very soon because he was one of the most explosive talents in the game.
Alvin Kamara, RB/WR
5-9/195, Norcross, GA*
  Stats/Highlights: Miles was in on two tackles but more importantly he had four pass breakups usually by running through the intended receiver.
Assets: He has a solid build and no fear when coming up in run support. He also had that impeccable timing of greeting the receiver right as the ball arrived. Miles is either a big corner or a cover safety at the next level.
Development: Right now he is a tweener as a corner or a safety. Outside of that he is definitely what we call in the business a FOOTBALL PLAYER!
Recruiting: He currently has an offer from Duke. Look for that to change because he may have the skill set to play corner at the next level.
Donnie Miles, DB
5-11/185, North Gwinnett, GA
Stats/Highlights: Printz completed 12 of 22 passes for 92 yards. He was at his best throwing the quick outs with plenty of zip and good throwing mechanics.
Assets: Has the ideal height and overall size for a pro-style quarterback. At times Printz showed excellent throwing mechanics using good weight transfer while holding the ball high and coming over the top.
Development: He still needs to be conscious about not floating balls between the hashes. Printz also needs to be more consistent with his throwing mechanics. When he is consistent he is very good.
Recruiting: He is currently committed to SMU.
Eddie Printz, QB
6-4/195, Lassiter, GA
  Stats/Highlights: Rochell was in on two tackles both of which were TFLs while supplying pressure on the West quarterbacks all night long.
Assets: Has the ideal height and body structure to become a monster-sized defensive end at the next level. Rochell was quick off the ball and relentless in his pursuit of the quarterback. 
Development: The biggest area of improvement is working on lower pad level at the point of attack. He could also work on his flexibility which should help his change of direction.
Recruiting: Rochell has over 15 major offers at this time.
Isaac Rochell, DL
6-5/240, Eagles Landing Christian, GA
Stats/Highlights: Williams had seven catches for 78 yards and one score. He was the go to receiver for the East squad in the first half using his speed and quickness to create space.
Assets: Williams does a nice job of creating space with his speed or by bouncing off linebackers. He is also very dangerous after the catch using his cat like agility to make tacklers miss.
Development: Williams played quarterback in for Tucker, GA and has had little practice running routes. At times he proved inconsistent catching the ball with his hands away from his body. Once he becomes more comfortable playing the position he could become a superstar.
Recruiting: He currently has offers from East Carolina, Kentucky, NC State, UCF, Vanderbilt, and Wake Forest.

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