LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla.- Multiple former NFL players and college coaches highlight the coaching staff at Gridiron Kings, the all-star 7-on-7 event at the ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex at the Walt Disney World Resort, which features many of the top skill position prospects in the country. We got their take on a number of the standouts competing at the event.
Former Colorado and Boise State head coach Dan Hawkins likes Cal wide receiver commit Bryce Treggs.
Former NFL quarterback Browning Nagle (six years in the NFL Jets/Colts/Falcons) on Class of 2013 Michigan quarterback commit Shane Morris:
“Shane Morris is the quintessential quarterback and young man. He’s very polite and his talent is incredible for a junior to be. His talent and some of the throws he makes, those are the throws you can’t teach. The dynamic nature of his talent, combined with the way he is as a person and when you put it in the broad spectrum, he’s way ahead of the game. There’s some things he will have to incorporate into his game. Consistency, is one as it is for all young plays. He’s got touch, but he has to learn to be a pitcher at times and not just a thrower. He has to become more of a pitcher at times, feel the areas and then continue to use that hose that he has got. In yesterday’s workout, his foot work was good and his drops had the correct depth.”
Nagle on three-star tight end Ronald Thompson, who has impressed:
“Our tight end has been good. He’s doesn’t cover much ground, but he plays every down because we don’t have a sub for that position. He’s got the softest hands, he really does. With a quarterback like Shane (Morris), the ball gets there a lot quicker than these guys are used to, but he hasn’t had a problem. Some of the other guys have struggled because Shane has thrown some ball that have beaten guys up, but he hasn’t struggled at all. I really think he and Shane have been remarkable.”
Former Boise State and Colorado head coach Dan Hawkins on Cal wide receiver commit Bryce Treggs:
“He’s been great. He’s very, very smart. He can flat go and I think he’s got a little of that savvy. There are guys that are big, there are guys that are fast and then there are those guys with the nuances and he is one of those guys, I think. We are just drawing stuff up on cards out here, so guys have to have a little savvy about them. He can run and I think he’s a great player.”
Hawkins on Arizona tight end commit Taylor McNamara:
“I like him a lot. I think he’s got a feel for what to do out there. He’s getting a little fatigued because we are wearing him out, but he’s going to be hard to stop as he adds weight. He’s got good hands
Former NFL quarterback Jeff Blake says that quarterback Matt Davis has improved from Saturday to Sunday.
Hawkins on four-star athlete Davonte Neal:
“He’s got energy and that attitude and competitiveness that you like. We’ve got a lot of speed on this team and he is certainly one of those. He’s a great player and can play anywhere.”
Former NFL quarterback Jeff Blake (14 seasons in the NFL- Jets/Bengals/Saints/Ravens/Cardinals/Eagles/Bears) on Texas wide receiver commit Thomas Johnson:
“TJ, oh, he’s good. He’s really good. He’s come out of his breaks well, he’s making plays, he’s aware, he understands zone coverage’s and what he has to be successful. TJ can play in the slot, but I can see him on the outside too. He’s not a small guy, he’s strong and I think he can play outside too, but he could be very good in the slot.”
Blake on Texas A&M quarterback commit Matt Davis:
“He’s so much better from yesterday (Saturday) to today. He’s more on point, more accurate and he just threw about four or five touchdowns. He’s seeing the field today and taking what the defense gives him better. He’s not trying to force the ball in spots, which is a good thing. I think he can continue to work on his deep balls because he likes to throw them on a line. He needs to keep seeing what the defense gives him and when you make your reads, trust your eyes and let it go. Make the play that is there.
Blake on Aggies running back commit Trey Williams:
“He’s quick. He’s the truth and he knows it. He’s very good. He’s a playmaker man.”
Former NFL safety Donovin Darius (10 seasons in the NFL- Jaguars/Raiders/Dolphins) on Florida State commit P.J. Williams:
“I think he’s a a great athlete. He’s done a good job listening to the coaching. From my perspective, he’s done a great job. I think he’s a little bit of everything (on if Williams is a safety or a corner). I have him playing a lot of nickel. I think nickel is one of the best positions on the field because you have to be able to cover like a cornerback and come up and hit like a safety. You have to be able to understand concepts and that sort of thing. I’ve always thought that if a guy could play nickel, he could play cornerback or safety.”
Darius on Clemson commit Travis Blanks:
“The thing I really like about (Blanks) is that he’s a man of God. He understands that this great ability he has has been given to him as a blessing. He understands things like this are a stepping stone to great success. He’s learning. He’s like a sponge. He’s trying to learn the techniques, learn the coverages on the run.”
National Recruiting Analyst JC Shurburtt contributed to this story.
- Gerry Hamilton
- National Scouting Director - 247Sports