Scouting Baylor from Buford Scrimmage

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>As the high school football season approaches, programs are completing scrimmages to push their team entering the year. That was the case to end last week as Baylor travelled down to Georgia to line up across from the reigning national champions in Buford.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Head coach Erik Kimrey's squad more than held their own with the scoreboard reading 14-13 in favor of Buford as the young players entered to get productive reps for their development.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Red Raiders will feature a very young roster this fall, but this is also arguably the most talent-rich roster from top to bottom that has been in place in the Kimrey era. The biggest takeaway from the scrimmage is despite their youth, this roster has already come to the status of competing with the top programs in the nation, arriving there much earlier than expected.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Now, the regular season will feature more consequential contests, but the Buford scrimmage gave a strong look into the exciting present and future of the Baylor football program.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:separator --> <hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity" /> <!-- /wp:separator --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">THE BACKFIELD</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>New quarterback [player_tooltip player_id='939950' first='Keegan' last='Croucher'] had a solid debut outing in the red and white for Baylor. He showed off his elite arm that he has fine tuned into a dynamic threat when pushing the football down the field, hitting an explosive throw with perfect location to put the offense inside the five yard line. It was tough to tell with an obstructed view, but it looked like he had a touchdown pass to the back of the end zone, but the receiver was called out of bounds. Regardless, he did a good job of moving through his reads on a 3rd-and-goal situation. If there was one improvement area, it would be the plays prior to that third and goal. He will have to be more comfortable with not chasing the home-run play and letting the tailback take the RPO carry. Overall, it was a positive performance from the Ole Miss commit against a well-coached defense.</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Tennessee commit David Gabriel Georges continued to show why he is the best prep running back in the nation, taking his first carry to the house from midfield. He was only in for three plays and on the third he carried the entire defense 10-15 yards, displaying the elite core strength that makes him so tough to tackle. However, the one negative was the second play, where he dropped a dump off screen pass. He took a large step forward as a receiving threat last season and that should continue into his senior season, but it will remain an improvement area for him as he keeps working to become more consistent in that element.</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>[player_tooltip player_id='1665478' first='Jean-Pierre' last='Eto'o'] was one of the players that I was most excited to see last year and his injury delayed his opportunity in the backfield to this season. The scrimmage was a strong sign of things to come. He attacked downhill with good burst and kept the offense ahead of the chains in his limited carries. Something that caught my attention was his one pass protection rep in the red zone. He did end up leaving his feet, but while Croucher was surveying the defense, Eto'o sealed off a defensive end and kept him away from the quarterback. He is a legitimate Division One caliber tailback and will have the opportunity to show that as a senior at Baylor.</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>[player_tooltip player_id='2112089' first='Marshall' last='Manning'] flashed when he received good snaps. The first throw was rushed, but once settled in he delivered three excellent throws. He will become a more prominent prospect when he increases his velocity as he naturally gets bigger and older, but the placement he displayed was very impressive. He had a perfect throw 45 yards down the field that resulted in a defensive pass interference penalty.</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:separator --> <hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity" /> <!-- /wp:separator --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">THE SKILL POSITIONS</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>[player_tooltip player_id='1022131' first='Antwaun' last='Adams'] will be the primary target for Croucher this fall as the junior has the smooth movement skills to get open in the intermediate and the track speed to attack defensive backs vertically. The pair connected for an explosive play early in the scrimmage. He has an impressive combination of length, fluidity and long speed.</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>2030 slot prospect [player_tooltip player_id='2159752' first='Jayden' last='Cauvier'] is a prospect that I am super ecstatic about and he delivered on his promise during the scrimmage. He has good bulk on his frame now without losing the dynamic ability from the slot that he had displayed in Canada. He had a catch in the back of the end zone that could've been called a touchdown, but was tough to tell due to an obstructed view. With his size and smooth route running, he can be utilized both inside and out and should prove effective over the middle of the field despite his youth. This is a player that will likely be a Power Four level prospect in the future.</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>[player_tooltip player_id='424660' first='Hank' last='DeGennaro'] continued to see action as a big slot, but also saw plenty of action on the outside as he now steps into an expanded role. He got behind a corner early in the scrimmage and put the Red Raiders inside the five-yard line.</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>[player_tooltip player_id='1201841' first='Braxton' last='Rein'] might not have received the targets, but he worked open a couple of times downfield. He somehow continues to get even better with his range of movement skills and should be a much more dynamic receiving threat as a junior. He will need to continue adding mass and physicality as a blocker, but he competes and can identify blocks quickly on the move.</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>[player_tooltip player_id='2001414' first='Cole' last='Fritz'] was my top ranked receiver for the state in a loaded 2030 group and he delivered upon that potential as the primary target for Manning. He hauled in an underneath pass and quickly looked to work upfield. The biggest play he produced was beating a defensive back versatility and eventually earning a defensive pass interference call against the cornerback. That play could potentially have been a long touchdown without the penalty.</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:separator --> <hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity" /> <!-- /wp:separator --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">THE OFFENSIVE LINE</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>[player_tooltip player_id='1133950' first='Cash' last='Freeman'] is going to be a very productive center for East Carolina in his college career. He had the best performance from anyone along the offensive line during the scrimmage. He competes as hard as anyone to gain leverage and once he has it, he moves people off the point of attack. He showed the ability to be effective working up to the second level against a smart defense, which was very exciting. He might be limited to the center position at the college level, but is it really limiting if he is darn good at the position?</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Whoever is playing the guard spots will produce, that much is clear. [player_tooltip player_id='1588842' first='Grant' last='Vinson'] showed an innate ability to clear out defensive lineman from his guard spot. [player_tooltip player_id='1753840' first='Maddox' last='McClure'] (Austin Peay commit) is an excellent athlete and can allow the front to do a lot of different things. That will probably be the duo but there is a lot of competition within this unit.</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>[player_tooltip player_id='1305226' first='Haddon' last='Thornburg'] had a very promising scrimmage, a performance that raises your opinion of his ceiling. He will need to keep improving his lateral speed to cut off edge rushers, but his innate ability to mirror and stonewall those edge defenders is very impressive. He is just a 2029 prospect, so he will continue to get more comfortable with his lengthy frame and develop, making him a young prospect to have squarely on your radar. The true breakout season might come in 2027, but he is beginning to figure out his potential quickly and it is exciting.</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>[player_tooltip player_id='1704258' first='Dante' last='Wade'] stepped into the starting left tackle role and was impressive when working in-line. Both he and [player_tooltip player_id='2263850' first='Bishop' last='Truscott'] will have to improve in space, but they should develop more naturally with experience. Both have excellent frames and the power to move people in the run game.</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:separator --> <hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity" /> <!-- /wp:separator --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">THE FRONT SEVEN</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>The biggest takeaway was how much Buford respected 2029 defensive lineman [player_tooltip player_id='2156575' first='Bogdan' last='Cujba'], as they doubled him on every rep but one snap. In that lone opportunity of isolation, he got into the backfield and generated a pressure, eventually leading to an interception. He has the size, athleticism and versatility to immediately be a matchup nightmare for opposing offensive lines. However, for him to maximize that potential consistently, he will need to improve his leverage when interacting with the offensive lineman.</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Also applying pressure on the forced interception was edge rusher was [player_tooltip player_id='1357924' first='Hans' last='Emery Julien'], who should be in store for a dynamic senior season. The Tulane commit is an explosive disruptor with great arm length that knows how to utilize all of that to get into the backfield. As he continues to sharpen his pass rush plan over the next couple seasons, he could tap into a completely new level. He will be a prospect worth watching this season as he wreaks havoc every Friday night this fall.</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Key Lewis Jr is a 2030 prospect that you need to know about RIGHT NOW. I figured he would be a year away as he added to his frame more during his freshman year, but he showed up great and was a real problem for the Buford offensive lineman, whether from the nose against the older players or as a 4-tech against some younger lineman. Naturally, he is still learning how to put a package together, but the flashes of ability show scary potential. He has the versatility to win all over the defensive front with the power plus athleticism to generate pressure at an early age.</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>[player_tooltip player_id='1512542' first='Khori' last='Faulkner'] had a rough first drive with missed tackles, but he settled in quickly after that and was the stable force this defense is built around. It was a good learning experience for him and the other linebackers on this team to face a well-oiled machine that is the Buford rushing attack, teaching to stay more grounded and not lunge at ball carriers between the tackles. That exact type of thing is why this scrimmage was scheduled and will prove fruitful when they face similar rushing attacks in opponents such as Brentwood Academy and Ensworth.</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>[player_tooltip player_id='1357966' first='Maxym' last='Sugoniako'] had a solid performance and looks to be improved both physically and mentally entering this season. From my personal experience, a lot of the Canadian prospects that come down really take a big step forward entering their junior year and he could be the latest example of that. He will be someone to track this fall.</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>[player_tooltip player_id='2162840' first='Hudson' last='Cain'] looks like he has gotten even bigger. In my opinion, he is going to be one of the best prospects in the state for the 2030 class with a lengthy frame, explosive instincts and strong genetics. He identifies and reacts to plays very quickly and breaks downhill hard to place himself in an advantageous position. However, he did seemingly seek to make the home-run play in his drive and cost him tackling opportunities, which again is why Baylor seeked to rotate their young talent against a team such as Buford. Cain should learn from this experience and progress at a potentially increased rate. This is a prospect that I am very, very excited about.</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>[player_tooltip player_id='2060400' first='Edward' last='Brewer'] played an outside linebacker/edge rusher hybrid role during the scrimmage and showed some promising things despite limited box score impact. He has a strong frame and moves well for his age -- looking like a veteran linebacker recruit already. He has a high motor and plays at full speed, similar to Julien, who should prove to be a good mentor for the young edge rusher.</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:separator --> <hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity" /> <!-- /wp:separator --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">THE SECONDARY</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>[player_tooltip player_id='1029798' first='Xavier' last='Bowman'] had a mostly productive night, led by a key pass breakup in the end zone to prevent a touchdown. He mostly shut down his side of the field, but did get beat for an explosive play. He could stand to get more consistent when trailing and that will be the biggest thing to watch in his junior season. He continues to have the size, physicality and breaking ability to be a highly disruptive corner and that showed up outside of one play.</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>[player_tooltip player_id='1605749' first='Jordan' last='Darren Djila'] had a mixed bag of results on the night. He got beat once on the outside and also missed a tackle or two aiming high and getting pushed off. However, he delivered promising returns from the slot, which was an unique opportunity to witness. Personally, I value his traits best at safety or the new-age star position in the long-term and he held up well working from the inside. He had some good moments on the outside as well and will continue to be a veteran anchor for this secondary as the regular season approaches.</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>[player_tooltip player_id='1022131' first='Antwaun' last='Adams'] was not heard from much on defense, which I will take as a good sign. However, he did have one major slip up with a miscommunication that resulted in an east Buford touchdown. All of the traits listed for him as a receiver should allow for him to be an effective safety. I will need to see him more as a safety specifically before forming a real opinion, but he has legitimate interest from high-level college programs at the position -- adding an offer from Notre Dame today.</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>2029 prospect Knox Johnson took advantage of an increased opportunity with a safety out, finishing the night with an big interception. He was a versatile player that made an impact in a variety of spots during the scrimmage.</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list -->