Originally posted by eonblue:
Originally posted by GhostofFredDean74:
If you watched the Florida game, you'd understand why. Florida's defense was ranked 8th overall in the nation last year and 7th in pass defense. As a defense, they only gave up 9 TD pass all season, and have given up only 16 TD passes in two years total...that's how good the Gators are against the pass.
Kelvin Benjamin torched them this year for 9 catches, 212 yards and 3 TD passes. Yes, Benjamin alone was responsible for 1/3 of all the TD passes allowed by the Florida defense this season. He might've had an even bigger game if not for 3 drops (which is something he REALLY needs to work on). You don't have to like the guy nor do you have to see him as a 1st round talent, but that kind of production against a team laden with NFL talent and adept at shutting teams down in the passing game, warrants a look.
Good point. Funny thing I have watched that game multiple times. I wanted to scout the Gators secondary and after the game I was left with the impression that Benjamins performance was more indicative of Floridas complete collapse. Muschamp was ripping heads off on the sideline. The team gave up.
But none the less he did have a big game. Florida played him in off man most the game which only worked as long as the rush was getting there. When the pass rush failed you had a 6'6 beast running full speed in an off man cushion. Too much space for him to operate. Auburn actually played him in press and almost embarrassingly he was pressed off by a guy 8 incbes shorter than him.
I rewatched the game though. He has a slow release. Hes clearly not a natural runner. Personally I think NFL DBs would eat him up. He looks as if he's struggling to gain momentum with that frame. If he slimmed down and worked on his route running for a couple of years he could be a Vince Jackson type. He will never be a polished route runner but he's the type of guy that can power through coverage but yet again he's sooo raw.
We clearly have a different perspective on that game. I remember Benjamin breaking about 5 tackles in the first half to score a big TD, blowing by Purifoy for his second score and running a nice rub-route to the corner of the end zone for his final TD pass. Also, most college teams play off-man coverage, which means most college WRs struggle from a technique standpoint when a team decides to press. But that technique can be taught, as can running the route-tree cleanly. What can't be taught is a 6'5, 230ish WR who is adept at high-pointing the ball who also has been timed at 4.52. Those are special skills for a WR who still has two years left of college eligibility.
Where he is weak, he can be coached up. The REAL question to me is, how willing is he to be coached up in these areas and how dedicated will he be to learn his craft? Put the right people around him and get him properly motivated, and he can be a beast. Expect that he'll come in and work JUST BECAUSE he's now getting paid to play the game, and you'll likely end up with a huge bust on your hands.
