Overview: The Eastern Shore welcomed the South players to Fairhope Municipal
Stadium and Detroit Lions’ coach Jim Schwartz had his squad dressed in shorts and
helmets only. The pace of the practice was sharp and brisk with most of the drills
emphasizing each individual prospect’s athletic ability, QAB’s
(quickness/agility/burst) and overall speed. Today was a perfect opportunity to
assess the perimeter skill positions like quarterbacks, wide receivers and defensive
corners.
QB’s: #8 Tyler Wilson (6021/218) of Arkansas has noticeably tried to take the
“loop” out of his throwing motion. He is drawing the ball back quicker and with a
tighter release to eliminate the chance of allowing defensive backs to get a “jump”
on his passes. He handles himself well, seems like a natural leader and looks to be on
the rebound from a difficult season with the Razorbacks. OU’s #14 Landry Jones
(6035/221) has a fluid release from his 3/4-arm angle and has to prove that he can
move his feet, re-set and deliver the football on target. Florida State’s #3 EJ Manuel
has height, a short stroke release and long-striding speed. He is here to prove that
he can adapt to pro coaching and show more consistent short-to-mid range
accuracy.
WR’s: Louisiana Tech’s #4 Quinton Patton (6000/202) was noticed due to his
overall speed and athleticism. He appeared to be on the receiving end of a number of
passes and has more than enough talent to develop a pro route tree. #2 Terrance
Williams (6017/201) of Baylor wants to prove that he can transition from the
Spread offense to an NFL-style system and today he displayed the skills to
potentially be the first senior WR drafted in April.
DC’s: Robert Alford (5097/186) from SE Louisiana established early on that he is
here to show what he can do. With his quick feet, easy transition and speed
downfield, he is an intriguing player for every team in the league. #2 Leon
McFadden (5096/193) from San Diego State also showed up with his efficient feet
and impressive ball skills. Most NFL scouts really want to see if he can play over the
slot and he will get that chance when the teams put their Nickel package in over the
next few practices.
Who Jumped Out? Rice tight end #88 Vance McDonald (6041/262) got off to a fast
start with numerous pass receptions, however, it was the package of his body type,
controlled route running with separation quickness and his catching ability that
seized the day
Play of the Day: When SELA cornerback Robert Alford battled Baylor Bears’
receiver, Terrance Williams, downfield and ultimately got the ball down to force an
incompletion.
What the scouts are saying: “McDonald woke some people up today and the small
school corners, Alford and (B.W.) Webb (William & Mary), mixed right in athletically
and speed-wise. Great first day, the weigh-in was well run and the South practice
was very productive for us.
