Shrine Game

[bennyl08]

Ledbetter, Wise Jr, Ellis, and Skipper are all on the East team's roster for the Shrine game. Oh, and just saw where Morgan got a late invite too.

Practices just started, so feel free to update this thread with practice reports relevant to razorbacks in the game.

[al_pigcino]

Oh, and just saw where Morgan got a late invite too.

Looks like they might debut the new masks for the helmets at this game as well

[bennyl08]

http://football.realgm.com/analysis/2924/Shrine-Game-Notebook-Monday-Practices

Speaking of letting folks know things, Arkansas WR Drew Morgan was not shy about letting DBs know he beat them. And he did so quite often, especially working down the middle of the field.

[ricepig]

Ledbetter, Wise Jr, Ellis, and Skipper are all on the East team's roster for the Shrine game. Oh, and just saw where Morgan got a late invite too.

Practices just started, so feel free to update this thread with practice reports relevant to razorbacks in the game.

I read where Ellis didn't go, he's sick.

[bennyl08]

I read where Ellis didn't go, he's sick.

Indeed he is listed as "sick" on the official site roster, which also doesn't include Ledbetter or Wise Jr. Update, those two are on the West roster on defense.

Fun fact, SEC has 19 players who accepted invites to game, meaning we make up over 25% of the SEC players there. No other team had more than 2 accept invites. Accepted invites is probably key here and noting that only seniors are eligible. We aren't about the lead the SEC in drafted players, but since last spring I've been saying we could realistically see 7 players drafted (Skipper, Sprinkle, Hatcher, Morgan, Wise Jr, Ledbetter, Collins with Winston, Dean, Liddell, and Reed as possibilities too.)

[bennyl08]

http://www.revengeofthebirds.com/2017/1/17/14291706/2017-shrine-game-preview-west-defense

Wise is the son of former NFL and CFL player, and was expected to be an impact player after posting eight sacks in SEC play as a junior. But his production fell off as a senior, and now he'll have to convince NFL personnel people that he's worth more than a Day Three pick.

Other West DL: Jeremiah Ledbetter (Arkansas), Josh Tupou (Colorado), Ralph Green (Indiana), Josh Augusta (Missouri), Darius English (South Carolina)

Bolded part was my doing. However, language such as that further suggests that Wise Jr is virtually a lock to be drafted, the only question that remains is where. Ledbetter is listed as an "other" player on the DL after highlighting 3 of the players (including Wise).

[ricepig]

https://twitter.com/OptimumScouting/status/821477217385533443

[bennyl08]

https://twitter.com/OptimumScouting/status/821477217385533443

Sweet. As I understand, today was day 2, so hopefully more reports will be coming out soon. Hopefully Wise Jr is healthy again in time to impress the NFL.

How crazy would that be if a player who has more sacks than starts is our first drafted player?

[bennyl08]

http://www.philadelphiaeagles.com/news/article-1/Shrine-Game-Notes-HOF-Bloodlines/fbb01264-f839-4ece-8fec-c461c8beebc1

Drew Morgan, a 6-foot wide receiver from Arkansas, can be a slot receiver. He's an exceptional route runner.

[factchecker]

https://twitter.com/DanEnosUA/status/821780936152977408

https://twitter.com/mike_e_kaye/status/821369873716613120

Cooper Rush played at Central Michigan.  Was recruited and coached by Coach Enos.

[azhog10]

Jeremiah Ledbetter is discussed here:

http://www.firstcoastnews.com/sports/nfl/jacksonville-jaguars/east-west-shrine-practice-notes-tuesday-pass-rushers-defensive-backs-stick-out/386927799

[ricepig]

http://www.saturdaydownsouth.com/sec-football/shrine-game-anonymous-poll-secs-best-worst-players-coaches-2016/

[Jackrabbit Hog]

http://www.saturdaydownsouth.com/sec-football/shrine-game-anonymous-poll-secs-best-worst-players-coaches-2016/

During the bowl game (and before the two fumbles), my wife asked me if Drew Morgan would get a chance to play pro ball.  I told her my belief was that he wouldn't be drafted, but that he would get FA opportunities and would likely stick with a team that was smart enough to recognize his intangibles.  Maybe a team like New England, that has a history of getting solid value out of the Welker-Woodhead-Amendola-Edelman types.  I could really see Drew stepping into that role.

[factchecker]

https://twitter.com/junioraumanac/status/821082379263635456

[bennyl08]

http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap3000000776258/article/mike-mayocks-eastwest-shrine-game-day-3-observations

Jeremiah Ledbetter and Deatrich Wise, DEs, Arkansas
Both of these Razorback defensive ends have impressed me this week and are interesting prospects. They both have length, size and NFL traits. They're going to force me to go back and do more homework on them.

[bennyl08]

http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap3000000775844/article/what-we-learned-from-shrine-game-day-3-safety-meets-dolphins

Zierlein (NFL.com analyst) also identified Arkansas DL Deatrich Wise as one of the top prospects in attendance,

[tophawg19]

sad we had good DE's and just never got the best out of them

[bennyl08]

sad we had good DE's and just never got the best out of them

If scouts like what they see, there'll be complaints that they weren't utilized well enough. If they don't, there'll be complaints that we don't have good enough talent.

[factchecker]

If scouts like what they see, there'll be complaints that they weren't utilized well enough. If they don't, there'll be complaints that we don't have good enough talent.

But from a program standpoint we want all of them to be drafted as high as possible and to stay in the league as long as possible.

We need to see more of this in the league:

https://twitter.com/MikeReiss/status/821471610150486016

[lakecityhog]

Benny, was it you that had a forecast of possibly 10 Razorbacks being drafted?

[bennyl08]

Benny, was it you that had a forecast of possibly 10 Razorbacks being drafted?

Yes, with the caveat that I think 7 is likely. I'm somewhat order...

Wise
Skipper
Sprinkle
Hatcher
Ledbetter
Morgan
Collins
Reed
Winston
Ellis

After Morgan my confidence drops some, but I am confident at least one of the last 4 will be drafted.

EDIT: Forgot about Johnson. He's in that last group of 4 as well.

[Biggus Piggus]

Tony Pauline's analysis of Jeremiah Ledbetter:

Mon: Ledbetter showed his ability to play low in today's defensive line positional drills, without sacrificing quickness or mobility. He displayed a violent style of play, today, which led him to often be around the ball in the 11-on-11 period.
Tues: Ledbetter continued to display his strength, with very strong rushes in the one-on-one period. His pad level remained low and he was able to shed blocks in the 11-on-11 period.
Wed:   Ledbetter was extremely quick off the line all practice. He was able to display strong and violent hands in the one-on-one period, ripping and swimming past multiple blockers. He got good extension of his arms during the team period and played with a very low pad level.

Analysis:  Ledbetter was quietly one of the better defensive linemen out of the group. He's very fast off the ball and throws his hands almost immediately. He's got an aggressive style of play which fares well when combined with his very strong lower body and hands. Ledbetter was impressive the past few days.

[Biggus Piggus]

Tony Pauline's analysis of Deatrich Wise Jr.:

Mon: Wise was very quick off the ball every play. He displayed incredibly high effort all practice and was able to highlight his quickness, often. When tasked with getting lower, his mobility did suffer. In one-on-ones he found more success relying on speed than strength.
Tues: Wise showed great athleticism throughout practice. He was very quick off the ball and used his hands well. He got good extension when taking on run blockers in the 11-on-11 period and was able to shed when not engaged. He was able to quickly take on and get rid of pulling blockers before they could engage him. Wise's strength, however, needs improvement, as he was overpowered on occasion.
Wed:  Deatrich Wise looked very athletic throughout practice. He was fast off the ball and shot his hands well. He was able to get extension from blockers and shed Avery Gennesy during the team period with ease. During positional drills, several scouts commented on Wise playing rather tall.

Analysis:  Deatrich Wise proved himself to be a great athlete. He's lightning fast off the ball and has strong violent hands. He displayed very quick feet throughout positional drills and uses his length very well. He plays tall, which is a big setback, but if he can lower his body without sacrificing quickness or mobility, Wise could see some success at the next level.

[Jackrabbit Hog]

We need to see more of this in the league:

https://twitter.com/MikeReiss/status/821471610150486016

Trey Flowers has cracked my top 10 favorite Razorbacks of all time.  The guy just oozes it. 

[bennyl08]

http://www.saturdaydownsouth.com/arkansas-football/video-arkansas-ot-dan-skipper-shows-off-punt-return-skills-at-shrine-bowl-practice/

Haha, Skipper may have special teams value beyond just blocking kicks.

[factchecker]

http://www.saturdaydownsouth.com/arkansas-football/video-arkansas-ot-dan-skipper-shows-off-punt-return-skills-at-shrine-bowl-practice/

Haha, Skipper may have special teams value beyond just blocking kicks.

https://twitter.com/JeffRisdon/status/822118344228818944

[azhog10]

If scouts like what they see, there'll be complaints that they weren't utilized well enough. If they don't, there'll be complaints that we don't have good enough talent.

Thats only bc our defense was so bad. If our defense had been really good it we wouldn't be saying we didn't utilize talent.

[bennyl08]

Thats only bc our defense was so bad. If our defense had been really good it we wouldn't be saying we didn't utilize talent.

Some posters will find anything to complain about. Heck, I agree that our DL was not what it should have been consistently this season, there's a time and a place for criticism, and a time and a place to celebrate the good things. This thread is to be a celebration of the accomplishments our razorbacks have made and the poster I responded to has a record of being overly negative though he and I are both excited by the current recruits.

[HOG FAN 4 LIFE]

During the bowl game (and before the two fumbles), my wife asked me if Drew Morgan would get a chance to play pro ball.  I told her my belief was that he wouldn't be drafted, but that he would get FA opportunities and would likely stick with a team that was smart enough to recognize his intangibles.  Maybe a team like New England, that has a history of getting solid value out of the Welker-Woodhead-Amendola-Edelman types.  I could really see Drew stepping into that role.

Because he is white?

[Boss Hog in the Arkansas]

Because he is white?

No, because of his style of play. He's been compared to those guys for a couple years now.

[bennyl08]

https://walterfootball.com/eastwest2017practice3.php

Skipper got beat bad on a bull rush shortly after being beaten by a speed rush. Talks about it being a bad 2 days for Skipper that likely hurt his draft stock, mentioning it is possible he goes undrafted.

https://walterfootball.com/eastwest2017practice1.php

Similar report on Skipper. Both talk about him being too stiff and lacking in athleticism at the next level. If he gets his hands on you, he is good, but otherwise, he can be beat.

https://walterfootball.com/eastwest2017practice2.php

Mentions Wise as one of the better known prospects on the team. Playing too high, but losing speed when his pad level dips. Did get a sack towards the end of the first practice.

https://walterfootball.com/eastwest2017practice4.php

Day 2 for Wise and he played much better.

https://walterfootball.com/eastwest2017practice5.php

Mentions Skipper getting beat again.

https://walterfootball.com/eastwest2017interviews6.php

Chargers interviewed with Wise Jr.

https://walterfootball.com/eastwest2017practice6.php

Mentions Ledbetter and Wise. Ledbetter mentioned as having a good week of practice, displaying versatility as a stout 4-3 DE who can play inside on passing downs or a 34 DE as well. Wise is reported as having a mixed week and could slip to the third day, but a good combine/pro day could help keep him from slipping.

[bennyl08]

http://bleacherreport.com/articles/2687969-matt-millers-scouting-notebook-nfl-scouts-down-on-2017-qb-class

Deatrich Wise has the length and speed you look for in a 4-3 defensive end, and during the week of practices in Florida, scouts told me he's shown the flexibility to potentially stand up as a 3-4 outside linebacker. That echoes what I've seen on film from the 6'5", 271-pounder. Wise is a player who needed to turn it on at a higher rate, though, which is why he's ranked as a late-round player on my board.

[jbcarol]

https://twitter.com/Michael_Carvell/status/822769133536342016


USA Today

https://twitter.com/MikeMayock/status/822224431783280641

RealGM's Jeff Risdon: Wise was the most advanced pass rusher of any player on the West roster this week. Wise's first step helped him stand out, and he should be an attractive option for teams that run a lot of traditional four-man fronts on defense.

[bennyl08]

Wise led all densive player's is tackles (solo with 7 and total with . He led all with sacks, 1.5 and qb hurries with 4. The West defense he was on had 2 total sacks. Ledbetter and Wise combined for 6 of the west's 8 hurries. Wise tied for the lead if forced fumbles with one.

In total, Wise had 7 solo, 1 assist, 1.5 sacks, 4 hurries, and a forced fumble. By far the most impressive stat line. Ledbetter made his mark too. Only 1 tackle, but it was for a loss and he added two hurries.

For the East, Morgan notched 1 reception off 1 target for 9 yards.

[factchecker]

https://twitter.com/junioraumanac/status/822944601539547137

https://twitter.com/JuMosq/status/822906305824231424

https://twitter.com/BCPnextlevel/status/822984073262100480

https://twitter.com/JuMosq/status/822937255970902016

[alohawg]

Thanks benny, good stuff as usual.

[longtimeHogfan]

I love big Dan and thank him for his time on 'The Hill'.  I hope there's a future for him on Sundays.  I only caught a couple of plays that just happened to be when Dan was getting beat.  He was a step, or half step, slower getting started on his pass block, and a step or half step slow staying with his block all the way to the QB.  If a MMQB like me can see that.....   

[Arazorbackguy1]

But from a program standpoint we want all of them to be drafted as high as possible and to stay in the league as long as possible.

We need to see more of this in the league:

https://twitter.com/MikeReiss/status/821471610150486016

This is awesome! 

[kodiakisland]

Yes, with the caveat that I think 7 is likely. I'm somewhat order...

Wise
Skipper
Sprinkle
Hatcher
Ledbetter
Morgan
Collins
Reed
Winston
Ellis

After Morgan my confidence drops some, but I am confident at least one of the last 4 will be drafted.

EDIT: Forgot about Johnson. He's in that last group of 4 as well.

If that's the case, it certainly goes against the argument our problems were mostly talent related.

[ErieHog]

sad we had good DE's and just never got the best out of them

They weren't particularly healthy, particularly Wise, for most of the season.

[factchecker]

They weren't particularly healthy, particularly Wise, for most of the season.

He broke his hand on this play:

https://twitter.com/IgglesNest/status/775856998122303489

Really hard to anchor/rip when you have a broken hand being rehabbed most of the season.

[OnTheHillHogFan]

https://twitter.com/junioraumanac/status/822944601539547137

https://twitter.com/JuMosq/status/822906305824231424

https://twitter.com/BCPnextlevel/status/822984073262100480

https://twitter.com/JuMosq/status/822937255970902016

Justis Mosqueda is known in the NFL draft section of twitter for what he calls force players. He uses a formula he created to predict what kind of prospect a OLB/DE is. It's pretty interesting stuff if you like the NFL draft.

http://playmakermentality.com/what-is-a-force-player

http://playmakermentality.com/2016-force-players

[al_pigcino]

If that's the case, it certainly goes against the argument our problems were mostly talent related.

Not really.  You need talent at all levels.  Unfortunately we would have a talented tackle, a horrible guard, a talented center, a horrible guard and a horrible tackle going across the line.  Not being surrounded by good players doesn't allow the exceptional ones to shine. 

[bennyl08]

Hadn't thought to look up weigh in results for the Shrine game until seeing them for the senior bowl.

Drew Morgan
5116 (height in ft/inch/fraction of an 8th)
190 (weight)
9.25 (hand)
30.75 (arm)
73.125 (wing span)

Listed as 6' 193 so he is essentially as advertised. Hands aren't huge, but typically it is only <9" that becomes an issue. Nothing seems out of the ordinary for him.

Dan Skipper
6092
317
10.375
33.625
80.5

We have him listed 6'10 319. So, he's about an inch shorter than listed, but at that height, that could actually be a benefit. Hands are fine, but at that height, his arms seem short. Shorter than 6'5 Sprinkle's and only about 3" longer than the 5'11 Morgan? That's going to be a big negative for him I think.

Deatrich Wise Jr
6047
275
10.375
35
85

All really good. We listed him at 6'5 271 so he is right on target there. Hands are a good size, arms are incredibly long and he has a very long wingspan. Length and size wise he translates very well to the NFL.

Jeremiah Ledbetter
6027
281
10
34.5
81.5

We listed him at 6'3 280, so again, right as advertised. This might be the most accurate roster we've ever had. Back to Led, his height is a little bit too short. Hands and arms are great. Not quite the same wingspan as Wise, but not an issue of being too small either.

[bennyl08]

Sprinkle being listed as liked by the scouts. No idea how his Belk Bowl incident will impact his draft stack in an already deep TE class, but physically, he is still liked a lot.

For example, From Eric Galko at optimum scouting

Spoke w/ 2 last year (1 scout, 1 plugged agent) who felt #Arkansas's Jeremy Sprinkle might be better than H.Henry. 6046, 256, 10 5/8 hands.

[PorkSoda]

During the bowl game (and before the two fumbles), my wife asked me if Drew Morgan would get a chance to play pro ball.  I told her my belief was that he wouldn't be drafted, but that he would get FA opportunities and would likely stick with a team that was smart enough to recognize his intangibles.  Maybe a team like New England, that has a history of getting solid value out of the Welker-Woodhead-Amendola-Edelman types.  I could really see Drew stepping into that role.

what is the word on his shoulder?  is it the kind of thing that will be a life long issue, or were they able to correct it with surgery and he is back to 100%?