| Chiefnj2 |
12-02-2011 06:06 PM |
With all of the training and coaching he's received in his life, I wonder how much more of a ceiling Barkley has. I don't know if there is much room for improvement.
Here is a detailed scouting report on him (cbssportsline):
Accuracy: Is generally a very accurate passer who places the ball in position for his receiver to generate yardage after the catch. Adept at the back-shoulder fade and in zipping slants between defenders. Has a tendency to throw slightly behind receivers running crossing routes from his right to his left. Is consistently more accurate to receivers running left to right. Good ball placement on touch passes down the seam. Struggles consistently hitting receivers in stride on the deep ball. Typically overthrows the route, making his receiver the only one capable of catching up to the ball. Doesn't own a howitzer, however, and some of his deep passes can hang too long as a result.
Arm Strength: Has the ability to make every throw, but has only slightly above average arm strength, overall. Zips short and intermediate routes, but relies more on timing and accuracy, rather than arm strength for the deep out. Only an average deep ball passer.
Setup/Release: Among his better attributes. Takes virtually all of his snaps from under center and gains depth efficiently while keeping his eyes downfield. Sets his feet and steps into his throws when he given room. Has a compact, over the top throwing motion with good follow-through. Has shown the ability to drop his release point to evade oncoming pass rushers.
Reading Defenses: Another strength. An intelligent passer who has the freedom and understanding of the offense to call audibles at the line. Good poise in the pocket. Trusts his protection and keep a running clock in his head, looking to secondary targets before vacating the pocket. Rarely throws into the teeth of the defense and when he does so, he shows good accuracy to adjust his throw so that only his receiver should have a play on the ball.
On The Move: Lacks the foot speed and agility to ever be a true threat as a scrambler, but is an alert ball-carrier who will take yardage given to him. Often used on rollouts in this offense, especially moving to his right. Impressive accuracy on the move, even when not allowed to set his feet. Has to learn to run lower and gain strength in his lower body to improve on the quarterback sneak.
Intangibles: The only freshman in team history to start at quarterback in the season-opener and the first for any team ranked in the AP's top five to do so since No. 3 Michigan's Rick Leach did so in 1975. The first true sophomore to ever be named a captain at USC. Legitimate concerns about his size and durability. Has missed at least one game in each of his first two seasons due to injury, including an ankle sprain in 2010 (missed second half of Oregon State, Notre Dame) and a bruised right (throwing) shoulder in 2009 (missed Washington). Also underwent surgery on his right wrist prior to 2010 spring practice.
--Rob Rang
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