Prospect of the Day: Alshon Jeffery

One of the toughest positions in all of College Football to scout is the WR position. There are numerous reasons for that, but it’s one of the toughest positions to learn and transition to success at the N.F.L. Level. Routes grow more complicated, all defensive backs are good defensive backs, and the seperation even the top WR can get pales in comparison to what they see in college football. For these reasons and many other the bust rate for the WR position is relatively high.

For the 2012 N.F.L. Draft there are two prime time candidates who hope to burst onto the scene and dominate from the get go. The two players jockying for the number one spot at Oklahoma State Justin Blackmon and South Carolina’s Alshon Jeffery.

Let’s take a quick look at Jeffrey

The thing that immediately jumps at your his Jeffery’s size. Listed at 6’4 230 pounds on his Gamecock’s official webpage, Jeffery has rare size for the position and is also super prodcutive. Last year Jeffery had 88 catches for 1517 yards and 9 touchdowns playing in the tough S.E.C.

Coeditor’s Sayre’s thoughts on Jeffery

Bar-none the best wide receiver in the class of 2012 if he decides to come out, in my opinion. Jeffery has the total package. He is a hard worker with fantastic size and athletic ability. Incredible body control and field vision. Sure-handed receiver prospect who is shifty after the catch. He’s not going to blow away anybody with his speed, but he can get downfield with the best of them and make plays. South Carolina really likes to get him the ball out in space and allow him to use his ability after the catch. Such a physically imposing player who dwarfs literally anyone and everyone who attempts to cover him. He will remind people of an even better version of Brandon Marshall. Good quickness in and out of his breaks, and great concentration. In just two seasons, he has an astounding 134 receptions for 2,280 yards and 15 total touchdowns. With every snap that I watch, his size and strength continue to impress. He’s always keeping his eyes downfield to gain that extra yard, and like I said before, he really reminds me of Brandon Marshall in that regard. Right now, he is averaging right around 17 yards per reception, which is phenomenal considering the amount of bubble screens designed for him. Able to absorb the big hit and is not afraid to take a shot in the middle of the field. Bottom line here is that Jeffery is a physical specimen who warrants a top 10 grade after just two seasons against the top competition in college football. His dominance is clear, and his physical abilities are unlike any other receiver even possibly entering the draft next year. I think the only thing that keeps him from being a top 10 pick as well as coming out in 2012 is a serious injury.

Sayre’s thoughts on the other top Gamecocks prospects

Let us know what you think of Jeffery.

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