CFB Scouting Notebook: Week Zero
In this regular column, The CFB Scouting Notebook, we will be giving you the good, the bad and everything you need for the 2020 NFL Draft.
Week Zero saw a tight in-state battle between Miami and Florida and an offensive feast between Arizona and Hawaii. Let’s dive into those that impressed and those that underwhelmed.
Offensive Performances Of The Week
Cedric Byrd II, Wide Receiver (Hawaii) – The diminutive receiver blew up on Saturday vs Arizona. Displaying excellent speed to flat out run by defensive backs and great hands he posted a stat line of 14 receptions, 224 yards and 4 touchdowns. The JUCO transfer was highlighted by our own Josh Edwards in his preview piece, he didn’t get it wrong!
DeeJay Dallas, Running Back (Miami) – One takeaway from Miami’s defeat to Florida was the amount that the ‘Canes will need to lean on their running game this year. Redshirt Freshman Jarren Williams struggled at QB behind an equally inexperienced offensive line. The bright spot of the offense was junior tailback DeeJay Dallas. He displayed great contact balance and power while recording 95 yards rushing and 1 touchdown at an average of 7.9 yards per carry.
Defensive Performances Of The Week
Jonathan Greenard, Edge Rusher (Florida) – A wrist injury kept Jonathan Greenard quiet during 2018. We should have known better than to let the graduate transfer slip under the radar. He was impressive as a sophomore at Louisville but his first half performance versus Miami was somewhat of a surprise. It will reassure the Gators they have the firepower to replace Jachai Polite’s production. His two tackles for loss and 1.5 sacks highlight what a problem he and Jabari Zuniga will be for opposing Quarterbacks.
Trajan Bandy, Cornerback (Miami) – Trajan Bandy consistently outplays his stature. At 5’9 he projects as a nickel corner at the next level, and that’s not a bad thing in the modern NFL. The nickel corner is a starting role on a modern defense and Bandy has all the traits you look for. Solid in man coverage, quick to get his head turned and locate the ball and his outstanding trait displayed at the weekend – physicality. His willingness to lower his shoulder and tackle with force was a stark contrast to the highly touted corner across the field. Gators CJ Henderson’s inept tackling display will have been duly noted by NFL scouts.
Play Of The Week
Kadarius Toney 66-yard touchdown reception
It’s a stacked receiver group in Gainesville this year but the highlight play was produced by a guy seemingly buried on the Gators OurLads depth chart. Kadarius Toney showed agility and strength as he took a short reception to the house. It was Toney’s only play of the day and Florida would be well advised to introduce him in heavier doses. Toney looks particularly suited to a Percy Harvin-style role, excelling in motion and on screens.
A Tough Week For...
Feleipe Franks, Quarterback (Florida) – Dan Mullen was meant to be the answer for Feleipe Franks but it was much the same as last season. A short passing game hid his deficiencies and despite one deep completion Franks failed to inspire much confidence in his offense. Things went from bad to worse when Franks was jawing with the crowd and into the camera only to follow it up with an ugly interception. His shortcomings could hold this talented group back in 2019.
Cole McDonald, Quarterback (Hawaii) – McDonald turned in a Jekyll and Hyde performance in Hawaii’s opening tilt. The dreadlocked playmaker showed exactly why he had caught some buzz in the offseason. Throwing for 378 yards and four touchdowns he exuded confidence and showed off his strong arm. The down side? Four interceptions that will leave scouts scratching their heads as to what McDonald was seeing. It led to a benching and questions over whether he will retain his starting berth in two weeks when the Rainbow Warriors play next.
Non-Draft Eligible Prospect To Note
Brevin Jordan, Tight End (Miami) – We will use this section to circle one player not eligible for the 2020 Draft. We know you draftniks have a database with freshman and sophomore on! If Brevin Jordan isn’t on it then pencil him in. Jordan saw plenty of action as QB Williams’ safety valve. The 6’3, 245lb sophomore is athletic enough to split out wide and act as a de-facto receiver. He showed he should easily up his touchdown tally of 4 from last year and become a key weapon for the ‘Canes offense.
Rory-Joe Daniels
Cfb contributor
formerly writing for the inside zone, rory will be breaking down college tape and keeping you up-to-date with all things CFB for the touchdown. an avid bengals fan, you can also find some of rory’s work at stripehype.com.