A Scout's Report- Week Six

This is the sixth in a series of reports that will run throughout the football season on players from California, where we will see the kid’s individual skills, feet, quickness, athleticism, etc.

A Scout’s Report – Week 6
Scout: Randy Taylor

This is the sixth in my series of reports that will run throughout the football season. Each week, I’ll report on the top prospects from the high school and junior college games I attend.

As a part of my job as a scout, I like to see prospects in person to check body type, confirm height and weight and get an overall feel for the player, i.e. how he carries himself, is he a tough kid, can he move his feet, etc.

My notes on the top prospects from these games will be reported here for you to learn more about some of the special players in California.

Thursday, October 5, 2006 – Grace Brethren HS vs. West Ranch HS

*Jake Bernards – Quarterback, 6-3 175, West Ranch, Sophomore

Jake has good size with room to grow and is a very smart kid. He spins it well and has a compact delivery that doesn’t waste motion. He’s inconsistent right now with his release point but he’s a young pup and should develop. Bernards’ arm strength is good even though he’s not a real strong kid yet. Put this player on your watch list as he has a chance.

Friday, October 6, 2006 – Westlake HS vs. Simi Valley, Royal HS

*Tyrone Duncan – Defensive Tackle/Offensive Guard, 6-2 290, Westlake HS, Senior

I love this kid’s motor. He is very active as a defensive tackle, has good strength at the point of attack and competes. What is impressive about Tyrone is his effort to get to the ball. He’ll get cut and scramble off the ground to get back in the play which he does because he runs pretty well. Duncan also has some athleticism with good feet.

However, in college, Tyrone is a very good guard prospect at a high level. We’ll be watching him play in the Big 12 or PAC 10 on Saturdays soon. He just doesn’t have the great quickness to redirect or explosion off the ball to be a big time defensive player, in my opinion.

*Ryan Campbell – Safety/Quarterback, 6-0 190, Westlake HS, Senior

Ryan is Westlake’s quarterback but projects to be a good safety at the next level. As a QB, he can spin it ok and has good arm strength but his size and throwing style don’t lend itself to being a top quarterback.

What he does have, however, is a big heart, football intelligence and he competes. Campbell will throw his body around and do whatever is asked of him. He’ll no doubt be a great special teams player, as well. I could see Ryan at a lower DI, DIAA or a good DII program making a lot of plays from his safety position.

Friday, October 6, 2006 – Agoura HS vs. Newbury Park HS

*Kevin Graf – Offensive Line, 6-4.5 275, Agoura HS, Sophomore

Kevin is a huge kid for a sophomore but isn’t sloppy. He’s a great looking prospect that could be very good. He already has good technique, uses his hands, moves his feet and bends his knees. He needs to continue to work on his overall athleticism and quickness. However, the biggest problem I saw for Graf was that when he had to block a smaller, quicker defensive lineman, he would reach and lose his balance and knee bend. This won’t be a problem for him at the next level.

Kevin’s dad and brother played their football at USC.

*Colby Cameron – Quarterback, 6-2.5 175, Newbury Park HS, Junior

Colby’s kind of a gun slinger; he’s a thin kid that looks fearless and is always looking to make a play. The problem with that is it leads to holding the ball too long and taking some sacks. On the other hand, it can lead to big plays. He spins it pretty well, with good velocity and gets rid of the ball quickly. Cameron has a good upside because he can move around in the pocket and shows some quickness. He’s a work in progress with talent.

JUNIOR COLLEGE PROSPECTS

Saturday, October 7, 2006 – Victor Valley College vs. Antelope Valley College

*Jonathon Carraway – Cornerback, 5-11 180, Victor Valley College, Sophomore

Carraway has good feet quickness and runs well. He also does a good job of turning and running with the receiver and has make up speed. Jonathon is aggressive, will strike you and tackles well from his corner position. The smooth athlete also is a good kick returner. He is one of the better corners in the area and will be a good addition to any secondary.

*Deshaun Richards – Safety, 6-0.5 195, Victor Valley College, Sophomore

Richards is a good looking kid with good feet and quickness. He’s a good athlete that will force the run and is active. Richards also tracks the ball pretty well and tackle. I'd like to see him react better, especially in pass coverage. He tends to squat and get caught in no man's land but technique work will help him quite a bit. Overall, he's a good safety prospect at the next level.

Both of these DBs can play for BCS level teams.