Tonight I was out at Chandler's 60-39 win over Desert Ridge. As always, here's some notes and analysis on the potential ASU prospects I saw while I was out there.
N'Keal Harry: Last week I expressed concern that this spread offense might not be the best for Harry, as he had been used, outside of one deep ball in week 0, on mostly screen passes. I went back and watched some more film, and the truth is, when they take chances down the field, he's just not pulling the ball in. In week 1 he was called for pass interference on a deep ball, and had another glance off his fingertips. In week 2, he dropped three passes while in a crowd, and in week 3 vs Desert Ridge, he lost the battle on two contested deep balls. Still, Chandler's Mason Moran fed Harry early and often. Harry caught two passes on the first drive, and later caught a ball on a deep out, shook off a tackler, and ran the ball in for a 56 yard TD. After that, Harry caught a short pass over the middle and had a defender that was laying on his back lock up his ankle. Harry tried twice to shake loose, and didn't go down. On the third try, he wrenched his foot free and ran 40+ yards.
On Harry's final two 3rd quarter catches, he had defenders dive for his knees as soon as he caught the ball. I checked with him after the game and he said the tackles roughed him up a bit, but that that he was fine.
Harry physically dominated his opponent to near his full potential for the first time this season. Kudos to sophomore DB Donjae Logan for attempting to press Harry and staying physical with him though.
Hamilcar Rashed Jr: Hamilcar is turning into an exciting edge rusher, especially now that he understands a little more about what Chandler's defense is all about. Tonight, knowing the difference about when to rush in, and when to hold back caused two Desert Ridge turnovers. The 2016 LB recovered a snap that went over the DR QB's head, leading to a Chandler touchdown, and then a bated ball by Rashed allowed a teammate to pull down an interception.
I talked with Rashed after the game, and he said that he believes Oregon and Houston are two schools who are on the verge of extending an offer.
Kolby Taylor: Still looks polished, still improving. I think he'll really blow up once the season os over. Tonight he scored a rushing TD on a pitch play, showing that like his brothers, Kerry and Kendyl- he's versatile.
DJ Davidson: Desert Ridge's 6-5, 310-pound not-so-secret weapon had a 32 yard fumble recovery for at TD. On the run back he moved well and showed great agility. He told me after the game that he had never returned a fumble for a TD before
Davidson said he's also getting letters from all over the country, but the schools he's most excited about if they ever get around to offering include, you guessed it "Texas A&M."
Davidson carries all 310 pounds very well. Most of the weight is in his legs. Considering all that ASU has done to get better on the offensive line, I wouldn't be surprised if they stay in touch with Davidson over the coming months.
N'Keal Harry: Last week I expressed concern that this spread offense might not be the best for Harry, as he had been used, outside of one deep ball in week 0, on mostly screen passes. I went back and watched some more film, and the truth is, when they take chances down the field, he's just not pulling the ball in. In week 1 he was called for pass interference on a deep ball, and had another glance off his fingertips. In week 2, he dropped three passes while in a crowd, and in week 3 vs Desert Ridge, he lost the battle on two contested deep balls. Still, Chandler's Mason Moran fed Harry early and often. Harry caught two passes on the first drive, and later caught a ball on a deep out, shook off a tackler, and ran the ball in for a 56 yard TD. After that, Harry caught a short pass over the middle and had a defender that was laying on his back lock up his ankle. Harry tried twice to shake loose, and didn't go down. On the third try, he wrenched his foot free and ran 40+ yards.
On Harry's final two 3rd quarter catches, he had defenders dive for his knees as soon as he caught the ball. I checked with him after the game and he said the tackles roughed him up a bit, but that that he was fine.
Harry physically dominated his opponent to near his full potential for the first time this season. Kudos to sophomore DB Donjae Logan for attempting to press Harry and staying physical with him though.
Hamilcar Rashed Jr: Hamilcar is turning into an exciting edge rusher, especially now that he understands a little more about what Chandler's defense is all about. Tonight, knowing the difference about when to rush in, and when to hold back caused two Desert Ridge turnovers. The 2016 LB recovered a snap that went over the DR QB's head, leading to a Chandler touchdown, and then a bated ball by Rashed allowed a teammate to pull down an interception.
I talked with Rashed after the game, and he said that he believes Oregon and Houston are two schools who are on the verge of extending an offer.
Kolby Taylor: Still looks polished, still improving. I think he'll really blow up once the season os over. Tonight he scored a rushing TD on a pitch play, showing that like his brothers, Kerry and Kendyl- he's versatile.
DJ Davidson: Desert Ridge's 6-5, 310-pound not-so-secret weapon had a 32 yard fumble recovery for at TD. On the run back he moved well and showed great agility. He told me after the game that he had never returned a fumble for a TD before
Davidson said he's also getting letters from all over the country, but the schools he's most excited about if they ever get around to offering include, you guessed it "Texas A&M."
Davidson carries all 310 pounds very well. Most of the weight is in his legs. Considering all that ASU has done to get better on the offensive line, I wouldn't be surprised if they stay in touch with Davidson over the coming months.
