The Michigan Wolverines got huge news tonight, as 2019 four-star offensive tackle Trente Jones committed to the program. He shared the news on his Twitter account.
Jones is the 332nd nationally ranked player and the 36th ranked offensive tackle in his class, according to 247Sports’ composite rankings. He had other scholarship offers from big time schools like Alabama, Ohio State, Georgia, Florida, LSU, Miami (FL), Auburn, Texas A&M and more. He is listed at 6-foot-6 and 282 pounds.
This is a huge pick up for the Wolverines. After signing just one offensive lineman — perhaps two if Ryan Hayes ends up on the offensive line — in the 2018 class, offensive line was always going to be one of Michigan’s top priorities in the 2019 class. Having the commitment be from a big offensive lineman from the state of Georgia makes this commitment a huge one for Jim Harbaugh the Wolverines.
Jones is the fifth player to commit to Michigan’s 2019 class, along with five-star defensive end Chris Hinton, four-star defensive end Stephen Herron, four-star offensive lineman Nolan Rumler and three-star linebacker Charles Thomas.
WATCH: “Impact” Official Kyzir White Highlight Video produced by WVU Football – The Smoking Musketclockmenumore-arrownoyesHorizontal – WhiteHorizontal – WhiteHorizontal – White
Kyzir White enters the 2018 NFL Draft as a hard-hitting playmaker at safety after an impressive college career at WVU
Just this past weekend, Lynden High DE Trey LaBounty committed to Stanford. He joins the 2018 recruiting class alongside fellow DEs Andres Fox, Tobe Umerah, and Thomas Booker.
He has played tackle and defensive end and rated as a 2-star on 247. He’s also an excellent student who has a 32 ACT, 1390 SAT and a 4.0 GPA.
Jarrett Patterson, a 6-5, 285-lb. offensive tackle from Mission Viejo, California, joined the Notre Dame Fighting Irish class of 2018 with a National Signing Day announcement that was very much welcomed by the Notre Dame coaching staff. Considering the class contained only three other signees, his commitment added depth, and more importantly quality, to the offensive line group.
The wonderful @phillykelly
Of the four linemen Notre Dame signed, Patterson impressed me the most. Not only in grading his film, but the potential he shows to translate his abilities to the college level. Lets take a closer look at Patterson and how he will factor in the future for the Fighting Irish.
STRENGTHS
Offensive line coaches begin their evaluations by looking at an athlete’s feet and how he moves. This translates to both run and pass blocking ability. Good mobility is an asset for an offensive lineman that can’t be coached — a kid either has it or he doesn’t. Patterson has it.
Patterson played in a more traditional offensive system in high school. He would line up in both two- and three-point stance, varying his overall foot placement depending on the play called, and would adjust his first step on the snap based on whether the QB was under center or in the gun. This is a small technique adjustment that people often miss when grading an offensive lineman. When the QB starts under center, a lineman’s first step has to be quick and mesh well with his power step to engage a defender at close range. Most defenses now adjust to a QB under center by aligning closer to the line of scrimmage.
Patterson comes out of his stance well, staying low when needed. He shows good balance in transitioning out of his stance to explode either down the line or up field to engage the defender. He exhibits appropriate knee bend, and uses this element to engage his body with the defender and complete his blocks effectively. A key component of his game is his “Pull” step, a gathering step 90 degrees toward the line of scrimmage. He shows tremendous ability to slide down the line in his pull to both kick out a defender and work to the second level and find the next defensive player in his lane.
Patterson’s pass blocking is impressive as well. He does his drop step with authority. This sets him up well on the edge, stonewalling the defender and pushing him away from the interior of the pocket. His stance in pass protection is perfect; he doesn’t get too wide and moves his feet while blocking. This allows him to adjust to the defender’s pass rush without compromising his position. He shifts well from a reach-punch technique to sell the pass and then angle to block down field on the release. This indicates the overall athleticism of an athlete. Patterson shows this athleticism over and over again in his film review.
WEAKNESSES
Patterson’s overall game is strong. Weaknesses are not as easy to spot as they are in some of the other evaluations I’ve done. For the most part, he is a complete offensive line prospect. The only two areas he will need to work on are the final aspect of his pass blocking and some leverage issues. In pass blocking, the only potential problem I can spot is that he has a tendency to give up ground toward the pocket when has to hold a block for a long time. The reason is that he tends to transfer his leverage from his base and lose strength as it works up his body. This issue tends to correct itself with proper strength training and coaching on setting his base more effectively.
FINALLY
Grading Patterson is fairly simple. What you see in his game is a very good, and at times dominating, offensive lineman.
Patterson is easily the best offensive line prospect in this class, and the one most likely to see playing time early in his career. He has just developed his overall game more than the other three linemen have.
The future could put him on either side of the line at the tackle position. The good bend in his lower body could possibly get him a look inside, but his strengths play to the outside. He plays with an aggressive streak, which is always a plus.
In Chip Long’s offense, the linemen are required to have good movement and be able to adjust quickly off a combo block to work downfield. In Long’s RPO package, which we didn’t get to see much of this past season for various reasons, the O-line has to get good, low leverage and hold their block or “bucket” step at a 45-degree angle, thus turning the defender away from the play-side read. Patterson exhibited an ability to do both.
I expect Patterson to be a starter for the Fighting Irish in one or two years. He is the headliner for Notre Dame’s offensive line class in 2018.
The thing that jumped out to me the most in that piece wasn’t the probable talent Iowa has coming in from the walk-ons, but the fact that two brothers of current Iowa players were in the class. It made me look back and realize Iowa has had quite a few brothers run through this program.
Since I’m a blogger, and due to the fact Iowa basketball cancelled this season, I decided to spend some time researching Iowa’s brotherly love of the mostly-Ferentz era. Since you’re still reading this, you may as well just finish up the rest of the post. Here it goes!
LeShun & James Daniels
We’ll start with perhaps the most successful brotherly duo to ever wear the Black & Gold, because the Daniels’ were the first to cross my mind when I thought about this piece.
LeShun Daniels racked up over 1,000 rushing yards in 2016, thanks in large part to his brother James, who helped open up some big holes for his brother (and Akrum Wadley) to run through. James Daniels started 11 games that year and 12 this past season. James is forgoing his senior season to enter the NFL draft, where he’s projected to get taken in the second round.
LeShun Daniels currently finds himself on the Washington Redskins, but broke his foot during a team practice in December.
Riley & Brady Reiff
Another pair of recent brothers, Riley and Brady Reiff were never on the team at the same time, but both made their mark as members of the football program.
Riley Reiff was one of the best Iowa offensive lineman in recent memory, earning all-Big Ten honors and some all-America mentions. He started 37 games on the offensive line over three years, forgoing his senior year to enter the draft. He was selected 23rd overall by the Detroit Lions in 2012, and has started 84 games in his NFL career. Reiff’s addition to the Minnesota Vikings this past season was instrumental in getting the Purple & Gold to the NFC Championship game.
Brady has played sparingly his first two years at Iowa, but looks to make a push for a starting role as a defensive tackle in 2018.
Anthony & Nathan Nelson
You know Anthony Nelson as the terrorizing defensive end who led Iowa with 7.5 sacks this year. His brother, Nathan, comes in at 6-4, 230 lbs and is also projected to play on the defensive line. The younger Nelson comes in unheralded from Waukee, but if he takes to Doyle-ization half as well as his brother, then don’t be surprised if Iowa finds a spot for him on the field.
Brandon & Jaden Snyder
Jaden Snyder comes in with actual offers from programs such as South Dakota State, UNI and South Dakota. But it appears he would rather try and earn his way into playing time for a bigger program and spend a year with his brother in Iowa City.
Jaden is said to be bigger, stronger and faster than his brother Brandon, who’s started 14 games for Iowa at safety after also joining the program as a walk-on. Iowa’s tradition of putting a walk-on at safety could continue with Jaden Snyder.
Broderick & Marcus Binns
Broderick Binns started 31 games for Iowa, and was an instrumental piece of the defensive line on the team that won the Orange Bowl in 2009. He’s since stuck around in Iowa City, being named director of player development for the Iowa football team in 2016.
His younger brother, Marcus, didn’t quite find as much success. A walk-on running back in 2011, Binns never saw the field for Iowa. He suffered from the injury bug early on, and got caught up with the law, being charged with fifth-degree theft, firmly planting him in Kirk Ferentz’s doghouse.
Zach & AJ Derby
You all know AJ Derby as like one of the best Iowa recruits ever at one time, but the stars never quite aligned for AJD, who was done after spending two years in Iowa City. He went on to play for Bret Bielema in Arkansas, and is currently a tight end for the Miami Dolphins.
Zach Derby started 8 games at tight end for Iowa, backing up current NFL tight end CJ Fiedorowicz most of that time.
Ben & Nick Niemann
Ben Niemann’s graduation leaves to door wide open for his brother Nick to compete for a starting linebacker position in 2018. The older Niemann is graduating Iowa after a nice littler career in the Black & Gold, where he amassed 199 tackles, 2 interceptions and forced 2 fumbles in 40 starts.
Nick Niemann saw some time as a redshirt freshman in 2017, mostly as a special-teamer, where he logged 5 tackles.
Levi & Landan Paulsen
The chronicles of the Paulsen twins are well-documented, if not underwhelming given the fact neither brother has played much as a Hawkeye. Levi is expected to start (or at least push for a starting role) at either guard position this year, while Landan looks more suited to be a backup.
Levi has three starts under his belt, including one at right tackle in the Pinstripe bowl, so he has some versatility. Landan hasn’t started a game, but has seen action on special teams. It’s likely we find out this year if the Paulsen Hype is to be founded.
John, Nick & Robert Gallery
Did you know Robert Gallery had not one but TWO brothers who punted for Iowa? I sure didn’t until I sat down to write this!
John Gallery had 8 punts for Iowa in 2005, averaging 42.5 yards a pop.
Robert Gallery, meanwhile, won the Outland Trophy in 2003 and earned first-team all-American honors. He is perhaps the greatest offensive lineman to ever wear the Black & Gold. Robert was selected second overall in the 2004 NFL draft by the Oakland Raiders, starting 103 games. He retired in 2012.
Brian, James and Steve Ferentz
I almost forgot to include the Ferentz brothers in here!
Brian, as you all know, is Iowa’s offensive coordinator and probably head coach in-waiting if we’re being honest. Before heading back to Iowa City, he coached tight ends for the New England Patriots. As a player, BF started 21 games as a Hawkeye, and spent two years in the NFL as a free agent.
James Ferentz had a pretty illustrious career as a center for Iowa, starting 38 consecutive games at the position. He’s currently on the practice squad for the New England Patriots.
Steve Ferentz didn’t see any action at all until he was a senior on the 2015 team, only appearing in blowouts.
Shaun & Shane Prater
Shane only lasted one year in the Iowa football program, transferring to Iowa Western a year after being on campus. He reportedly had trouble keeping his grades up to stay with the team.
His twin brother, Shaun, had a better go of things in Iowa City. He was selected as first team all-conference as a corner in 2010 and 2011, starting 35 games over three years. He’s currently a free agent in the NFL, but has spent time with the Minnesota Vikings, Cincinnati Bengals, Denver Broncos and Arizona Cardinals.
Photo by Eliot J. Schechter/Getty Images
Scott & Nathan Chandler
Nathan started at quarterback for Iowa in 2003, leading the Hawkeyes to a 10-3 record and a win over Florida in the Outback Bowl.
Scott, meanwhile, cemented a legacy of his own. He left Iowa ranked second in school history among tight ends with 117 catches for 1,476 yards along with 10 touchdowns. He went on to be taken by the San Diego Chargers in the fourth round of the 2007 draft. He spent eight years as a journeyman of sorts in the league, having his best years in Buffalo.
Brad Banks & CJ Jones (Cousins)
Jones caught 9 touchdowns from his cousin, Brad Banks, in 2002. That’s good enough to make this list.
Jim, John & Chuck Hartlieb
Chuck Hartlieb played quarterback for Iowa in 1987 & 88, and holds the school record for most touchdown passes in a game with 7. He ended his Iowa career with 6,269 passing yards and 34 touchdowns. He quarterbacked Iowa for Hayden Fry’s first win at the Horseshoe.
Jim Hartlieb also played QB, albeit with less success than his older brother. He split time with Paul Burmeister on the 1992 team, finishing that year with 1500 yards, 12 touchdowns and 7 interceptions.
The youngest Hartlieb, John, played linebacker for Iowa during the 1993 season. That’s the only season Sports-Reference has logged for John, and the internet is relatively quiet on him. Who has more info?!
Bob, Mike & Mark Stoops
The Stoops brothers all played defensive back for Iowa in the 80s, each with distinction. Bob was a four-year starter, and named Iowa’s MVP in 1982.
Mike played on the same team as Chuck Long as a strong safety, earning all-conference honors in ‘83 & ‘84.
Mark played for Iowa from 86-88, recording 2 interceptions.
All three brothers went on to become graduate assistants at Iowa before starting their professional careers in the coaching field.
Jay Hilgenberg Photo by George Rose/Getty Images
The Hilgenberg’s
This was at first going to be just about Jay and Joel Hilgenberg, but then I found out there’s been enough Hilgenberg’s through the Iowa program to field a basketball team.
Jerry Hilgenberg walked-on to Leonard Raffensperger’s Iowa team in 1950 to play quarterback. He converted to linebacker, starting at the position for three years. As a senior in 1953, he helped lead Iowa to a top-10 finish, being named an all-American for that season. He was Forest Evashevski’s first all-American at Iowa, and was also captain of the baseball team.
Hilgenberg was drafted by the Cleveland Browns … and the US Air Force. One of those teams doesn’t give you a choice. When he got out of the service, he served as an assistant coach at Iowa from 1956-63. During this time he was able to coach his younger brother, Wally.
Wally Hilgenberg started both as an offensive lineman and a linebacker for Iowa, and was drafted in the fourth round by the Detroit Lions in 1964. He played 16 seasons in the NFL, most famously with the Vikings, where he was a member of the Purple People Eaters. He was one of 11 players to play in all four of the Vikings’ Super Bowl appearances. His son, Luke Lindahl, walked-on to the Iowa program in 2013. Wally was inducted into the Iowa sports hall of fame in 1987.
Jay Hilgenberg is the oldest son of Jerry. He was a seven-time pro-bowler as a center and was a starter on the 1985 Bears Super Bowl team. He’s a nominee to be inducted in the NFL hall of fame and is currently a game analyst for WBBM-AM Radio in Chicago and the Bears Radio Network.
Joel Hilgenberg was a second-team all-American at center in 1983, getting drafted in the fourth round by the Saints in 1984. He played nine years in the NFL, making the Pro Bowl in 1992. He went on to Green Bay, where he was offensive quality control coach for the Packers in 2011, and assistant offensive line coach for 2012-13. He resigned his coaching position in April 2014.
I could be missing a Hilgenberg, I honestly don’t know.
Mike and Dave Haight
Mike Haight was the Big Ten offensive lineman of the year in 1985, leading to his becoming the first overall pick in the USFL draft by the Orlando Renegades in 1986. Well the USFL didn’t last much longer, and Haight never had the chance to play in Orlando. He was selected 22nd overall in the NFL draft by the Jets, starting 63 games for the Jets and Redskins until he retired in 1992.
Dave Haight was a first-team all-American in 1988 as a defensive lineman, being named the conference’s defensive lineman of the year in 1987. He’s the only lineman in Iowa history to record over 100 tackles in two separate seasons. His 346 career tackles rank 12th in Iowa history. Dave Haight wasn’t drafted to the NFL, leading him to quit football after graduating from Iowa.
Ronnie Harmon
Ronnie & Kevin Harmon
And finally, the end of our list. Both Harmon brothers played running back for the Hawkeyes, and later took their talents to the NFL. Ronnie ran for over 1800 yards through four years in Iowa City, was a second-team all-American running back in 1984, and a first-team selection the following year. He was selected 16th overall in the 1986 draft by the Bills, and lasted in the NFL for 12 seasons. He made the Pro Bowl in 1992 as a member of the Chargers.
I debated putting in highlights (?) of Iowa’s trip to the Rose Bowl in 1986, but decided not to.
Kevin Harmon didn’t have the illustrious career his brother did, but was still a fourth-round draft pick by the Seattle Seahawks, where he lasted two seasons. He ended his Iowa career with 1100 rushing yards and 13 touchdowns.
TL;DR, Iowa football sure has a rich history of brotherhood within its program. This sort of turned into a Where Are They Now, but trips down memory lane are always fun!
If I missed anyone, please let me know in the comments.
Just one day after defensive end Kori Roberson committed to the Oklahoma Sooners, Jeremy Pruitt and Tennessee came calling with an offer. Roberson got an offer from Oklahoma earlier this month and attended a junior day event on campus this past weekend. He committed shortly after.
Now he holds an offer from Tennessee, which he announced yesterday on Twitter.
Tennessee is currently the only SEC school to offer Roberson. The 6-3, 255 pound defensive end is flying under the radar as a three star prospect currently. He holds just three power five offers currently, but the word seems to be getting out.
Roberson registered 5.5 sacks last season for Manvel High School in Texas. He would fit somewhere on the edge for Tennessee as they look to keep adding pass rushers to the equation.
Roberson will be an interesting follow over the summer. With Oklahoma, Tennessee and Arizona now after him, you would have to think other power five schools will come calling soon.
After a few really good weeks, this weekend’s slate of games is a bit underwhelming. Alabama and Auburn are playing FCS cupcakes and the Oklahoma Sooners are playing Kansas. Womp womp.
There are, however, some potential upsets that could do a lot to shake up the College Football Playoff rankings. There are also some decent Big 12 games on the schedule, including interesting matchups in Morgantown and Lubbock.
Texas at West Virginia (-3.0) –Connor Williams returns from injury for Texas this week, which will be a huge boost for an offensive line that has been badly depleted all season. Texas’ running game has been atrocious because of those offensive line struggles, but the addition of a preseason All-American could turn that around this week. They’ll also be facing a West Virginia defense that has has allowed 191.1 yards per game on the ground in addition to allowing 4.7 yards per carry on the season. Having said all of this, West Virginia is at home and this line is just too low. Gambling pick: West Virginia covers. Over 53
TCU (-7.0) at Texas Tech – Okay, so TCU could potentially be without Kenny Hill this week. I think most OU fans would prefer to see the Horned Frogs in the Big 12 Championship as opposed to Okie State, so let’s hope he’s good to go. If he sits, highly-touted freshman Shawn Robinson will lead the way. Robinson is a very athletic QB who could give this offense a bit of a different look, so there’s a chance that TCU may not miss a beat this week against a mediocre Texas Tech defense. On the other side, the Frogs may also be without linebacker and leading tackler Travin Howard, linebacker Montrel Wilson and safety Nico Small. Gambling pick: I’m betting that at least some of the guys mentioned (including Hill) end up playing, so I think TCU covers. Over 57
Michigan at Wisconsin (-7.5) – Everything would just be so much simpler if Wisconsin would just lose a game. The problem is that Michigan, although 8-2, is not actually very good. As much as this one means for the College Football Playoff picture, I still don’t think I’ll pass on watching this. I’ll end up taking a nap if I watch more than five minutes. Gambling pick: Wisconsin covers. Under 39
Virginia at Miami (-19.5) – This one has all the makings of a letdown for the Miami Hurricanes. After all the energy that was on display at “The Rock” last weekend, they have to play a noon game against the Virginia Cavaliers. That team won’t get anyone pumped up, but they’re probably good enough to get a W if Miami doesn’t bring their best. Gambling pick: Miami wins, but I think Virginia beats the spread unless they turn it over a bunch (which is quite possible against Miami). Under 50.5
Kansas State at Oklahoma State (-20) – There’s now way that Kansas State can keep up with Oklahoma State on the scoreboard, but that’s a pretty big line. However, Skylar Thompson, who struggled against West Virginia last week, will likely be the guy for the Wildcats this weekend. He isn’t the runner that Alex Delton is, so I don’t envision them being able to do a whole lot offensively. Gambling pick: Oklahoma State covers and hands K-State its sixth loss. Under 65
Oklahoma (-37) at Kansas – To be perfectly honest, that line probably isn’t high enough. A second-half reprieve from facing Baker Mayfield just means that the Jayhawks will have to deal with Kyler Murray. This won’t turn out well for them. Gambling pick: Oklahoma covers and maybe sets some records. Over 70.5
UAB at Florida (-10.5) – America’s second-favorite team goes into The Swamp to face a Florida team that has an interim coach and no offense whatsoever. The conditions are in place for a hilarious upset, but will it actually happen? Gambling pick: No, it won’t happen, but I think UAB beats the spread. Under 48
With multiple high-profile jobs beginning to come open across the country, it was only a matter of time before Jimbo Fisher was going to be forced to comment on the interest other programs have reportedly shown in the Florida State head coach.
Reports broke last week that Texas A&M has an interest in Fisher should the Aggies fire Kevin Sumlin after this season, which they reportedly are. This week, reports have emerged that Tennessee, which just fired Butch Jones, is also interested in Fisher. Auburn, which may be replacing head coach Gus Malzahn, would also very likely be interested in Fisher.
On Thursday, Fisher was asked about the possibility of these other jobs ahead of Saturday’s matchup with Delaware State.
On the matter, Fisher said, “I’m never going to speak about personnel. I’m never going to speak about jobs.”
When prompted again, his answer remained exactly the same.
Fisher’s non-answer is nothing new. He has been quick to dismiss the discussion of other jobs in the past.
Still, with a new coach-friendly buyout in hand, Fisher’s refusal to outright deny interest may not be instilling confidence in fans and the administration in Tallahassee.
Offensive coordinator Shawn Watson has been the target of many Pitt football fans this season. After the Panthers enjoyed an explosive offense in 2016 under Matt Canada, Pitt’s offense has been a work in progress this season under Watson.
But while Pitt fans might not have thought Watson has done a good job, head coach Pat Narduzzi feels differently. And according to him, Watson will be back next season.
“He’s done a really good job, in my opinion. … And Shawn’s not going anywhere, so I don’t have to worry about losing him,” Narduzzi said. “In the offseason, in December, that’s something I know I don’t have to go find an offensive coordinator because he’s a loyal guy, and we’ve talked, so I think that’s gonna make it better for the future.”
I’ve basically had three main thoughts on Watson this year. In no particular order, here they are.
Personnel Matters
I know a lot of folks aren’t happy with Watson but the reality is that he’s working with a completely different offense than Canada had last season. Canada had an NFL quarterback, NFL running back, and two NFL linemen at his disposal. Pitt’s offense could eventually send some guys to the NFL but aside from Brian O’Neill on the offensive line, I don’t know how many more there are. Pitt’s offense is completely retooled this year.
It always comes down to the players. Look at a guy like Jim Chaney, for example. Chaney left here and bombed in Georgia last season. Fans were calling for his head, too, and it looked like he didn’t know what he was doing. They kept him and this year, the Bulldogs have had five 40-point games. In a four-game stretch, they hung an average of more than 45 points on Florida, Tennessee, Missouri, and Vanderbilt. Looks kind of silly now to want him gone, right?
Coaches don’t simply forget how to coach. Some guys, of course, aren’t good coaches. but coaches that have had some success don’t just usually stop being a good coach. I’ve always been convinced that 90% of it is all in the players you have and my guess is that if you give Watson Pitt’s roster last year (or even a healthy Max Browne), more points would be scored. Give any coach a backup quarterback to work with and trouble follows quite a bit.
Continuity Doesn’t Always Matter
One of the things Narduzzi mentioned in that article was that continuity would be a good thing for the team. While I agree that it’s helpful, I think it’s less important in Pitt’s case. Pitt could have a third different starting quarterback to begin the season for the third year in a row next season and I’m not sure the continuity is as important when you’re replacing the primary part in the offense that often.
I do think it always helps when you can have the continuity so I’m not downplaying its value entirely. But unless a coordinator and quarterback are working together for a few years, it’s hard to know how much it matters if those positions are constantly changing as they have been. I think there could be value in it if Ben DiNucci remains the starter at quarterback next season but we all know that’s a big ‘if’ right now. At this point, I definitely wouldn’t be holding onto Watson primarily for the sake of continuity because it’s less valuable if the quarterback continues to change.
Playcalling
The playcalling under Watson has been, at times, baffling. It’s not always that way but there have certainly been times when I simply didn’t get the play call – especially if it didn’t work, obviously.
Here’s the thing, though. Tell me the last time a coordinator hasn’t been questioned. Pitt fans all herald Matt Canada as some kind of genius but take a look back at past game threads and you can see that playcalling is almost always questioned. Even against Penn State where Pitt put 42 points on the board, there were still some calls that had fans upset.
It’s the nature of the beast. No matter who the coordinator is, there are always going to be complaints about some play calls.
Overall, I’m mixed on this. I generally only think you should replace a coach if you’re ending up with a better one so I’d need to know who would be available. But do I place all of the blame for the offense on Canada? Nah. And it looks like Narduzzi isn’t, either.
247 Sports is reporting just a notch more than most things, but Terrell Edmunds has been battling a shoulder issue most of the season. He underwent shoulder surgery today, and that means he’s out until the 2018 campaign. I would doubt that he is going to be doing much except rehab by Spring practice, too.
That makes two Free Safeties that have been put out of action for the season. Lots of folks would argue that Terrell wasn’t really a Free Safety, he’s not fast enough to keep the speed receivers from getting behind him. That became evident in the Georgia Tech game. Edmunds is a better and more natural Rover/Strong Safety though he’d be a good Nickel Back in a pinch.
The Edmunds family are the absolute best, and we wish Terrell a speedy and complete recovery so that he’s healthy and ready to tear it up with Tremaine, next season.
