Quarterback Notes:Cam Newton is a more skilled passer than Vince Young. His athletic
prowess is special. Junior Blaine Gabbert delivers the ball suddenly to his
receivers. No delay. Athletic and mobile. Stands tall in the pocket. Plays in a
spread ball control passing attack. Jake Locker has outstanding athletic
ability and a quick release. May be best in a play action offense. Ryan
Mallett’s best asset is his arm strength and size. He is skilled enough to take
advantage of coverage breakdowns. Christian Ponder has had durability
problems, but like Locker may be featured in a play action offense. A good
ball control passer who is mobile enough to buy time with his feet. Tough and
smart. Colin Kaepernick has good deep accuracy and the arm strength to
throw the deep out. Athletic and nimble-footed to get out of trouble and
make something happen. Will need technique work, but has talent.
Runningback Notes:Junior Mark Ingram has exceptional contact balance and agility in traffic.
Beats the first tackler on a regular basis. Daniel Thomas bookended his
junior year with a strong senior season. Lacks track speed, but makes the tough
three and four yard runs. Physical and athletic. DeMarco Murray should develop
into a solid NFL all-purpose type back that consistently catches the ball in his
hands. Has the speed to turn the corner and return kickoffs. Allen Bradford had
a stretch where he fumbled four times in twenty carries this fall. He appeared to
have cleaned up the ball security problem late in the year, running for over 212
yards and 2 touchdowns versus UCLA. Kendall Hunter overcame an injuryplagued
2009 by rushing for 1516 yards and 16 touchdowns. Hunter has good
running skills, vision, and cutting ability.