Georgia Elite standouts - Three sophomores to watch
POWDER SPRINGS, Ga. - The all-star season is, theoretically, a perfect way to analyze prospects with the benefit of there not being a clear talent discrepancy.
There's nothing like seeing the best players line up across from someone who is, at the very least, likely as talented as they are. Don't let anyone lie to you; proper analysis is extremely difficult.
But it becomes exponentially more difficult when watching a perceived stud dominate a kid who may or may not be drafted by GEICO after furthering their education. (Not that there's anything wrong with clocking $100K for an insurance company.)
The Georgia Elite Classic (sophomore game) offered a prime opportunity to see the future of the sport swap paint and test skills.
Here are a few players who solidified what I had already observed of them during the season.
Here's a bold statement: By the time he's a senior, Grayson's Ronald Thompkins may be the very best tailback in the entire country. At 6-foot, 175 pounds, with plenty of room to grow, it's not hard to visualize a back who looks like a young DeMarco Murray absolutely ripping stuff up. It's even easier to anticipate it when you've seen him do that during actual gameplay.
In limited duty, Thompkins was the most dynamic back on a loaded Grayson squad and consistently outshined Michigan commit Kurt Taylor when provided the opportunity. His vision is unreal; his balance is extraordinary; his speed supersedes all.
He had an explosive run in the game, which is, pretty much, par for the course whenever he receives multiple carries. Thompkins is a must-have for any elite program in the country.
Jalyn Phillips
Phillips first stood out to me when I was scouting others on his Archer squad prior to this season. He's an athlete who can play a number of positions, but a scheme with duality at the safety position would suit him best. He is quite physical but also plays with a decent amount of control for someone so young at the position.
He has experience covering slot receivers, but I can foresee a day where he's making money locking down in-line and flex tight ends as a physical combo safety. The game was more of the same from Phillips as he was heavily involved in a lot of plays.
For schemes that require a corner to be equally adept at man and zone principles, Grayson's Kenyatta Watson, 6-2, 168 pounds, is an excellent candidate. He's rarely over-aggressive, instead opting for a smooth approach that's very technique-oriented. Getting out of his pedal is no problem because he never gets too far over his skis.
During the regular season, Watson plays a lot of off-man coverage, which may lend itself to his overall zone awareness, but he can also get his hands on receivers and beat them up at the line. His ability to track shouldn't go unnoticed as it keeps him in every play. Momentary lapses in concentration, like a mishandled interception in the game, will work itself out with the more playing time he receives.
Watson had a number of tackles and a few pass-deflections in the game in what was undoubtedly a standout performance; he oscillated between a single-high safety and a right cornerback.
Watson is an exciting prospect who should be right on UGA's radar.
Note: There were numerous standouts at this event, particularly on the defensive side of the ball, which I'll get into a lot more in the aforementioned article I have coming on the event of all events.
Stay tuned.
