MOBILE, Alabama – The North and South squads split up for the only time this week Monday, as the South team, generally thought to be the more talented of the two, took their Day 1 job interview to Fairhope Stadium.
The practice was dominated throughout by the defensive line, which features what could be as many as four first-round picks. During individual drills, the offensive line didn't stand much of a chance as Quinton Coples, the North Carolina defensive end, had his way with the likes of Florida State's Zebrie Sanders and UAB's Matt McCants. Coples, 6-6, 281, used his enormous length to swat away would-be blockers and was also strong enough to push guys back with ease.
South Carolina's Melvin Ingram, 6-2, 276, was impressive as well and had his way in one-on-one with Georgia's Ben Jones. He would project as a nice fit at defensive end under Jim Washburn. Alabama pass rusher Courtney Upshaw, 6-1, 273, is a classic pass-rushing tweener who brings about questions as to whether his best fit is as a 4-3 defensive end or as a 3-4 outside linebacker. Upshaw worked exclusively as a defensive end during individual drills and his strength was easy to see – he continually drove offensive linemen into the backfield. While the Washington Redskins coaching staff vacillated the defense between 3-4 and 4-3 fronts during the team drills, Upshaw was most impressive on the line, where he worked with the "first team" alongside Coples and defensive tackle Brandon Thompson and Kheeston Randall. Thompson was actually the one who often stole the show, consistently blowing up plays in the backfield by using his impressive strength.
At cornerback,Janoris Jenkins of North Alabama is one of the week's more intriguing prospects. Dismissed from the Florida team as a junior, Jenkins played his final collegiate year at small school North Alabama, but his talent is top-end. Early in practice, Jenkins was admonished by Redskins secondary coach Raheem Morris for some technique issues and a dropped ball, but the talented 5-foot-10 cornerback rebounded very nicely throughout the rest of practice, displaying impressive coverage ability. Tellingly, Jenkins was effective in press coverage, something which, following practice, Jenkins said was a goal for him this week. Elsewhere at cornerback, Georgia's Brandon Boykin, 5-9, 183, was impressive in coverage and Furman's Ryan Steed was not overwhelmed by the talent bump. Boykin made one particularly impressive play in one-on-ones when North Carolina wide receiver Dwight Jones had a step on him but Boykin knocked the ball away from the taller Jones.
The flipside to the impressive play by the cornerbacks was a lack of impressive performances at wide receiver. Only one receiver on the South team looked dangerous – Joe Adams of Arkansas, who submitted a superlative practice. Adams is undersized at 5-10, 174, but he can create separation with ease and he made two separate outstanding diving catches. Adams likely fits as a slot receiver at the next level, but he also has value as a potential return specialist. Speaking of which, six players took reps as punt returners for the South: Adams, Jenkins, Boykin, Houston wide receiver Pat Edwards, Alabama wide receiver Marquis Maze and Florida running back Chris Rainey.
Finally, the first day of quarterback competition was an easy victory in favor of Oklahoma State's Brandon Weeden, the 28-year-old former Minor League baseball player. Weeden was on point all afternoon long, hitting receivers in stride in one-on-one drills, seven-on-sevens and, more importantly, team drills. Weeden also impressed with his ability to throw on the move, especially rolling left on a few play-action plays. Knowing that every team will be concerned about his advanced age, Weeden was very polished following practice in his explanation of using his maturity as a strength, rather than a weakness. Perhaps the upside isn't atmospheric with Weeden, but his floor is relatively high. Arizona'sNick Foles, on the other hand, has a stronger arm than Weeden but struggled with accuracy at times in intermediate routes and was understandably not quite calibrated with his receivers on deep balls. Foles did show nice awareness on a few check-downs in the face of pressure. Most expects Foles to rebound with better performances as the week goes on. San Diego State's Ryan Lindley is a level below both Weeden and Foles.
Check back tomorrow for more notes on the South squad, especially the linebackers, a group that includes prospects like North Carolina'sZach Brown, Texas' Emmanuel Acho, Texas' Keenan Robinson and Miami'sSean Spence.
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