CFB: Scouting Notebook Week 0
The scouting notebook returns and, it does so in a week when College Football kicked off in Ireland. Let’s get stuck in.
Dublin did college football proud on Saturday evening. It’s a shame that the game couldn’t live up to the pageantry and show that all involved put on. One thing that is for sure is that Notre Dame, with Sam Hartman at the helm, should be taken extremely seriously.
A Fighting Irish player headlines our first scouting notebook of the year. We will look at a series of draft-eligible players who flashed promise each week. While it was a small slate, there were still plenty of standout performances.
Marist Liufau, LB, Notre Dame
Sam Hartman and Audric Estime will get most of the plaudits from a dominant display against Navy in Dublin. The thing that caught my eye, though, was the speed of the defense. Even against Navy’s triple option style offense that tests linebacker’s eyes and instincts, all three starters were almost flawless.
The standout to me was 5th-year graduate Marist Liufau. He recorded seven tackles and a forced fumble. At 6’2 and 239lbs he has the requisite size to play in the NFL. He flies around the field, and working with Jack Kiser, the pair will make life difficult for opposing defenses.
De'Rickey Wright, S, Vanderbilt
Hawaii took Vanderbilt all the way in the season opener, but thanks to safety De’Rickey Wright, the Commodores came away with the victory. His game-ending interception was his second in the game, earning him a PFF coverage grade of 88.6.
Wright stands out on tape partly due to his 6’4 stature. He moves around the formation, taking snaps in the slot, deep and as a box safety. His PFF grades have been underwhelming in the past three years, but he has some ball production in 2022.
He had three interceptions and six pass breakups. Two of which came against Ole Miss. He certainly has some traits that would garner the attention of NFL scouts and is worth sticking a pin in for future weeks.
Jonah Monheim, OT, USC
The USC offense was cooking in their first game of the season. For the most part, Caleb Williams and his impressive wide receiver group were as advertised and were a big-play machine. A big part of the platform that Williams thrives on is his offensive line.
Left tackle Jonah Monheim certainly caught the eye. Having played on the right side last year, the early signs are that he can be a strong blindside protector. Monheim showed off some nasty in his game despite allowing one sack on the day. He finished his blocks and will get plenty of chance to show out with all the focus on Williams.
Taisun Phommachanh, QB, UMass
After three years as a backup in Clemson and a failed year at Georgia Tech, it was encouraging to see Taisun Phommachanh get a chance to start for UMass. His 54 snaps surpassed the total snaps he has had in every year so far of his career.
It wasn’t flawless and he will want to improve his 58.8% completion rate but he kept the Minutemen’s offense moving in their 41-30 defeat of New Mexico State. Phommachanh was a threat not only as a passer but with his legs as well. He finished the evening with 90 rushing yards and one touchdown. He may not be the most efficient passer but he has some playmaker in him.
