oday was the first day we saw the South team practice, as the Tebow Circus was performing in Ladd Peebles Stadium.  The Gator Nation was out in full force, but must have left practice feeling a little dejected.  Let’s examine how Tim Tebow.errrr…...the South team looked today.

QB

Tim Tebow (Florida) had the attention of nearly everyone in the stadium.  It was his time to shine, especially after being a disappointment by all accounts in yesterday’s practice.  His delivery seemed tighter warming up then it did in drills, and he certainly drops the ball too low when he starts to throw.  A majority of Tebow’s passes were off base, and he seemed confused when reading the defense.  His footwork was very bad, and his steps seemed awkward and choppy when he was backing up to pass.  Even his passes to Florida teammate Riley Cooper were off the mark, and several of his passes could have been intercepted.  He did show decent zip on underneath throws, but he was hesitant to throw down field.  When he did throw long it was usually late and wobbly.  I especially didn’t like the way his passes would move around in the air, and his velocity will certainly have to improve at the next level.   

Zac Robinson (Oklahoma State) had a good day of practice and puts plenty of zip on his passes.  I like the way he moves around in the pocket, and he sees the field well.  He did fumble/bobble a snap, but I believe that happens quite a bit at these All-Star games.  Robinson has good footwork when dropping back and what I like the most is that he’s quick to make decisions with the football.  He is getting better with his timing but just missed Anthony Mccoy for a big play down the seam because the ball was just slightly out of reach. 

Jarrett Brown (West Virginia) is a good athlete, and has escapability when he’s under pressure.  However, his accuracy suffers when he throws on the run and he doesn’t make quick decisions with the football.  Brown had the most trouble of any South quarterback when it came to holding onto the ball.   

RB

Roy Upchurch (Alabama) runs hard, but lacks the lower body strength to pick up much yardage after contact.  I did like the way he kept his feet moving after initial contact, but he needs to bulk up if he wants to break tackles easier.  His footwork is good but not great, and he doesn’t get to the hole fast enough from what I saw today.       

Stafon Johnson (USC) ran hard and made some nice cutback moves.  I didn’t see a lot of burst from him, and tomorrow I will be watching the backs much closer to see what stands out. 

Anthony Dixon (Mississippi State) saw time at fullback, but didn’t look natural at the position.  He’s a running back that should be featured as such.  He’s got power, vision, and an aggressive mentality when the ball’s in his hands.

Ben Tate (Auburn) impressed me today with his start/stop ability.  He doesn’t lose much speed when changing direction, and will get to the second level in a hurry.  He’s not the most powerful inside runner, but is willing and will keep his legs churning to push for extra yardage.  I like his stutter step to create space, and he can get to the edge consistently but is not always looking to bounce every run outside.

WR/TE

Shay Hodge (Mississippi) got deep a few times in practice, and does a good job of ball tracking when the pass is deep.  He has the explosiveness to run under poorly thrown long passes, and has an extra gear to gain separation.   

Joe Webb (UAB) did not make it into my notebook today.   

Andre Roberts (The Citadel) can flat out ball.  His hands are very strong, and he naturally catches the ball with his arms extended and away from his body.  He will fight for passes in traffic and rarely loses.  On a contested throw, he has the concentration to snag the catch and will first secure the ball before turning upfield for extra yardage.

Riley Cooper (Florida) made quite a few plays today.  He is a strong receiver that plays with good body control and sideline awareness.  What stood out to me most about Cooper was his ability to get big yards after the catch.  He knows how to move through traffic, and can be a threat in the open field.

Jeremy Williams (Tulane) did not make any stand out plays that I saw today, but he did show concentration and consistency on underneath routes.

Dexter McCluster (Mississippi) was one of the stars of the day.  He is extremely explosive, and a player that I’ve frequently referred to as Percy Harvin-Light.  His lack of size is a concern for scouts, but get him in the open field and it’s over.  McCluster is not the most polished receiver, but has been improving in that area.  He was getting coached up on the sidelines, and it seemed like he was soaking it all in.  There are a few players that get you on the edge of your seat when they have the football— and Dexter McCluster is certainly one of them.   

Colin Peek (TE - Alabama) is the least exciting tight end from the South squad.  He’s not flashy like the other two, but he showed good technique and consistent hands. 

Anthony McCoy (TE - USC) has great size and strength.  Scouts are excited watching this kid because he creates mismatches nearly every time he’s on the field.  He moves well for a big man, and knows how to use his frame to his advantage.  He can make fingertip catches, and will easily shed a defender that’s trailing him in traffic.   

Jimmy Graham (TE - Miami) is an exciting player to watch because of his athleticism.  He uses his basketball skills on the football field, and will square up to the quarterback - giving him a nice/big target to throw to.  I like the way he’ll gather the pass before turning upfield, but once he’s going north and south he can pick up yards in a hurry.

Offensive Line   

John Jerry (Mississippi) walled off defenders with good functional strength and a good/wide base.  He showed the ability to handle speed or power rushers.  He also handled Brandon Lang (DL - Troy) with ease.

Ted Larsen (North Carolina State) was able to hold his own after a failed rip move by Lamarr Houston (DL - Texas)

DEF

Dan Williams (DL - Tennessee) had an outstanding day in the pit this afternoon.  He was using multiple moves and relentless motor to get after the quarterback.  He simply pushed down Selvish Capers (OL - West Virginia) and followed that up by beating him with a swim move on the next play.  He’s generating a lot of positive buzz, and his draft stock is clearly on the rise.