6’5” – 210 lbs.
Background:
Played a little bit on USC’s basketball team as well. Started nine games as a true freshman, putting together a line of 39-567-5 (14.5). Followed that up with a similar output the following year (33-502-3, 15.2), then broke out this past season, with a total of 88-1,084-7 (12.3) before declaring for the draft.
Positives:
Team captain who put together a massive junior campaign to conclude his career. Has excellent size for a pro split end, but also took snaps inside with the Trojans. Releases well at the line of scrimmage against press, with surprising suddenness. Good hand fighter both at the line and through the route. Long-strider who teams seemed to respect as a legitimate deep threat, creating opportunities for him to catch back-shoulder throws or work back to the ball. Does the little things right in his routes to set up shots further downfield, working in stutter-steps and head-fakes. Uses his size and strength to shield defenders from the ball and establish inside positioning. Big target who can pluck the ball away from his frame, or win contested throws. Works back to the ball on curls and hitches. Appears to have good awareness of the sideline. Very good body control and adjustments on back-shoulder throws; could be a real weapon in the red zone with his size. Runs hard after the catch. Physical blocker in the run game.
Negatives:
Didn’t take many snaps on the right side of the offensive during the games reviewed. Can be a little bit upright through the route stem, and doesn’t have a ton of explosiveness through his breaks. More of a nuanced route-runner than someone who ran a lot of complex routes in college; a lot of screens, curls, out routes, overs, etc. Looks like he sometimes gears down when the play is going the other way or he’s not one of the primary receivers. Some of his separation is created by pushing off at the route stem. May not have the raw speed to threaten defenses deep against man coverage; might need to play with a quarterback willing to target him in tight coverage. Will run himself into coverage at times against zone.
Summary:
Will attempt to follow in the footsteps of fellow Trojan Michael Pittman Jr., a similarly-styled receiver who has established himself as a very good pro. Offers an impressive combination of size, physicality, body control, and aggressiveness at the catch point which could make him a difficult cover for smaller defenders at the pro level. Looks like he’ll be one of the first receivers off the board on draft day after a breakout 2021 campaign.
DRAFTEXAMINER 