Event Preview: PSR BIG Camp Series – Big Men That I Must-See
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For the second year in a row, I have been invited back to provide media coverage for Coach Nick Pennisi’s PSR BIG Camp Series. Since Nick and I last worked together back circa 2012, he has gone on to build…
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Continue ReadingFor the second year in a row, I have been invited back to provide media coverage for Coach Nick Pennisi’s PSR BIG Camp Series. Since Nick and I last worked together back circa 2012, he has gone on to build one of New Jersey’s top private camp/clinics.
For my money, the PSR BIG Camp Series is the single-best private camp in the state. With over 40 different collegiate football programs scheduled to attend, the best price point in the market, ample reps, top-caliber coaching, recruiting opportunities, and elite competition, there is no other event in the state that hails in comparison. This even draws the best talent in New Jersey, both far and wide, out to compete.
Speaking of top talent, here are some of the top talent I am excited to see live and in-person this Saturday.
- Great get off, good speed and acceleration at the position allows him to attack upfield; fast in the open field; twitchy, explosive player
- Disruptive from 4i tech; hard to back block, gets into hip pocket of pulling guards
- Utilizes the swim move both in pass rush situation and when taking on trap blocks; will swim to the inside in later situation; very good pass rusher
- Highlights show some clips of him getting hands on; in those clips very quick to extend and snatch; hands typically are below that of the the offensive lineman
- Want to see him control line of scrimmage and take on double teams more aggressively – currently spins out of them
- Very quick off the ball; athletic enough to stem two entire gaps over
- Appears passionate about the game, excited and fired up to make big plays, particularly when they count
- Works spin move; sets up inside moves by threatening with speed
- Kid is a load to handle; I think he can dominate with outright power, although I have not seen much of it on film yet
- Has shown to get hands on to strain and separate; similarly shows that he can generate power from his hips at moments, snapping and locking them
- Relentless in pursuit, keeps coming, keeps working, won’t say quit
- Looking to see him work hips around when he pass rushes and work the rip into his repertoire
Highlights
- Has shown to play with his hands above his eyes
- Showcases a burst in pursuit, particularly closing speed; looks fast for a young man of his size
- Fires out low and hard; generates knock back strength from his leg drive
- Rips turned shoulders; gator rolls well when tackling
- Want to see more physicality when taking on traps
Highlights
- Very good in 1-on-1 assignments in pass protection
- Has good upper body strength; able to fling blitzing LBs eriantly across the formation; similarly, can grab and turn a defender with his upper body strength alone
- Steps laterally well; stance is balanced and square
- Feet have recovery speed if a defender gets the edge; manages to finish those blocks
- Need to see clips of him head-on drive block, work doubles, and pick up stunts
Highlights
- Very young, very raw; blessed with tremendous God-gifted size
- Great upper body strength, able to throw people around
- Due to size he can seal backside hinge blocks with ease
- Utilizes overtop chop to use defenders’ leverage against them, pins them down when doing so
- Needs to clean up technical aspects of his footwork
- On key money downs, able to get outstanding pad level
- Moves well for a tackle when pulling
- Can see him cock his arms back, loading to strike when drive blocking
- Can win up top against weaker opponents
- Worker, if he does not win with head placement he keeps coming and brings physicality of technical aspects of a block cannot be achieved
- From a very heavy run-first offense; interested to see how he fairs in pass rush simulations
Highlights
- A tight end who loves to, enjoys, and takes pride in his blocking prowess
- Some of the best short, choppy steps I have seen on film when run blocking
- Consistently gets hands inside chest of EDGE assignment, avoids penalties; bends well and gets low to win
- Used as a sniffer, kick out, and in-line blocker
- If he cannot hook along the perimeter, will wrangle his way to a win
- Arch release is very quick; able to sell it as a route release and reach his second-level assignment, often fooling them
- More of an “effort” blocker than “positional” blocker
- No highlights of him being targeted as a receiver or split out