Former OU Star, Tony Jefferson, Takes The Blind Tape Test
Posted on: July 24, 2014
Images via – 247sports.com (Justin Reid), WholeHogSports.com (McKinley Whitfield), Scout.com (Will Sunderland)
In this edition of the Blind Tape Test, we asked Arizona Cardinal and former OU freshman All-American safety Tony Jefferson to look at film of Will Sunderland, Justin Reid, and McKinley Whitfield. Three 2015 safeties OU is looking at and who have been talked about extensively by both us and you, our readers. And obviously a guy like Jefferson knows a little something about playing the safety position. So without further adieu, here is what Jefferson had to say.
*The Blind Tape Test (like the blind taste test that was popular in the 80’s with Coke and Pepsi) is where we give a former player or scout film to watch on a few recruits, and ask them to give us a brief evaluation of those players. We do not give the evaluator any information about the players in terms of their offers or recruiting background. The evaluator knows little more than the size of the player. It’s all about the tape and what they see. This is not intended to be an exhaustive evaluation.
Justin Reid – VIDEO
“Justin doesn’t look like quite the 6’2″ that he’s listed at, but honestly it doesn’t matter because of his ability to find the ball in the air. He’s an aggressive defensive ball player both in the run and pass. And no I’m not favoring him because he wears No. 1, haha.”
“This guy is what you call a sideline-to-sideline player. You watch his film and can see his coach should get just as much praise for knowing what to do with a player like Justin. The coach has him come play down in the box almost, as a middle linebacker, giving him the free range to read out the play and go get it. It doesn’t matter if the ball is going right and Justin is lined up on the left, he’s getting to the ball”
“I like this kid a lot. Looks like he can be a great SS at the next level. Justin can contribute early!”
Will Sunderland – VIDEO
“Watching Will on tape, you can tell he’s athletic and has the preferred size for the free safety position at the college level. Will has good, but not great instincts. Though he does have the ability to maneuver his body to make good open field tackles. However, my major concern with Will is acceleration out of his back pedal. Will is extremely high in his back pedal and very late out of his breaks, causing him to be a step slow in his attempt make the play”
“As a safety, you want to be a solid tackler with good technique. In my opinion, Will needs to work on his tackling technique. He’s often found lunging and at times doesn’t seem very physical. If Will can improve his mechanics and technique, he has the chance to become a real play-maker at the next level.”
McKinley Whitfield – VIDEO
“This guy may have all the tools to be just what the doctor ordered. A 6’3″ safety who can cover slot receivers & play the middle of the field? Get this guy to a top Division I program right now!”
“When you are evaluating a safety prospect, you always want to check their instincts. McKinley has great instincts and certainly employs them to his advantage. On multiple plays I see him blowing up screens and/or receivers who cross his path, demonstrating his play-making ability. AND HE CAN THROW THE BALL! This guy is an all around stellar athlete, who can play on both sides of the ball”
“He may not have top end speed, but his athleticism more than makes up for it. Wherever this guy goes look for him to put on some weight and be a stud.”
Ranking
1a. McKinley Whitfield
1b. Justin Reid
3. Will Sunderland
Ed. note: While Tony scored McKinley a little higher than Justin, the difference was so marginal that we felt it was fair to assign them with the 1a/b ranking you see above.
98 Comments
No Khalil Haughton?
We sent him Kahlil’s film late so we’re still hoping to get that evaluation but we didn’t want to delay releasing these. Either way we appreciate him taking the time to do this for us.
The way I see it.
Justin Reid- Most ready to play at the college level, can come in & play right away
Will Sunderland- Prototypical Safety size but will need a redshirt year to develop
McKinley Whitfield- Extremely athletic but huge project. Will probably need a redshirt year and another year of development b4 he can truely contribute.
My assessment is pretty similar. My take is:
Reid – Most polished and complete safety at this point and, as you said, could play right away. There is really no flaw in his game that I can see. And with his pedigree, I have little doubt he’ll be a productive college player and potentially an NFL safety.
Sunderland – Great size. Great straight line speed. But stiff and hasnt developed technique to mask it. Also, still need to see the production on the field as a true playmaker.
Whitfield – Highest ceiling. Very raw. Needs a lot of development on his footwork but I’ve seen people make huge strides in short periods of time with this, especially when they’ve never received training. Does things naturally that other people don’t and as a result makes play after play where other people don’t. If he puts in the work at the next level and develops the details through repetition…watch out.
“Does things naturally that other people don’t and as a result makes play after play where other people don’t.” = INTANGIBLES
This is why whitfield is a favorite among the tfb community.
One of the things he does that is so rare and so bold is get his head turned around. You see that consistently also with a guy like Lane who is much rawer than Mbanasor, for example, but Lane will find the ball and make the play like McKinley will. Mbanasor is going give you great defense but not necessarily make that big play, which is fine because he’s consistently good. There’s a physical element that facilitates what McKinley and Lane do but there is also a fearlessness there that Lane and Whitfield have. But it’s also a trust in instinct and positioning on the ball. On the flip side I don’t see that element with Sunderland. He’s late to trigger or doesn’t get his hands on a receiver early enough as he stems because in my opinion he doesn’t trust his multi directional athleticism or his instincts yet.
Do you guys know what position mike is looking at whitfield for. According to his brother (who I think is a great source and happy he’s on here) they haven’t specified that to whitfield or at least I may have missed it. But oui is saying mike wants whitfield at linebacker. Which makes very little sense considering he’s the exact same size as Sunderland.
OUI is correct. Coaches at OU want him as an LB. All Big 12 schools currently looking at him are looking at him as an LB. SEC and Big 10 coaches are looking at him as a safety.
That’s fine that they have a recruiting plan…just sign him up!
Like eastex whatever it takes to get him on campus. I think he would be a better safety though
Take him at whatever position for sure but he does match pretty close to Jordon Evans coming out of High School. Evans was 6’3″ 205lb when he committed to OU and that wouldn’t be a stretch to see Whitfield get there after another year of football & weight training as he is 6’4″ 195lb now according to his Hudl film & 247 sports. BUT WHATEVER JUST OFFER AND SIGN THE GUY!
Curious, do they see Whitfield out growing a S position. Is this their concern or do they like his length as an OLB. I’ve always thought Nickel was his position. Heck, Roy Williams played at 230 so it’s hard for me to think he’s going to be to big for a S.
I’m with you, nickel is where I see him, safety after that.
I think there are always knee jerk concerns that a kid that big can’t play safety against spread scheme. I won’t lie. I had to fight my own prejudices in that regard. But in talking extensively to Meadors and to Clay Mack and based on the film and his speed tests, I’m convinced he can play safety anywhere. In the case of OU, they had their board at safety set so it was that much harder for them to really consider him at anything other than an LB. In the case of Texas Tech, which is the only school that knows about him in the 12…well, they’ve got a 5’9 LB committed so as much as coach curtis loves McKinley (and I know he does) he’s never gonna get the go ahead to offer a 6’3.5 safety. But the kid is a safety in my estimation.
Brodney Pool 6’3, Randy Hughes at 6’5 made some pro bowls. Here is a list of current safeties over 6’3. Heck, Mel Blount changed the rules for CB’s and he was 6’3 and one of the best I ever saw and I’m a cowboys fan.
Pat Watkins, Dallas, 6-5; Aaron Rouse, Green Bay, 6-4; Adrian Wilson, Arizona; Sabby Piscitelli, Tampa Bay; Michael Boulware, Minnesota; James Butler, New York Giants; Kerry Rhodes, New York Jets, Lewis Baker, San Francisco (all are 6-3).
That’s what bothers me about height; was Dat Nhuyen too small? What about Zach Thomas?
Unless one thinks we’re going to be naked at SS in ’15, I’d go with the ceiling. It’s not like Whitfield has been coached and ignored or fought it.
Haven’t heard much about Daryll Patterson lately. Is he completely off our radar now?
A big Thank You to TJ for taking the time to do this.
If it were up to me and we could only get one of the three I would take Whitfield. Technique can be taught.
With Reid, one of the things I really like, besides the fact that he has taken to good coaching, is his eyes. The lights are obviously on and he is definitely at home.
Agreed. I think Whitfield is going to be a difference-making special player and is probably the player I covet most in this entire recruiting class.
Tony Jefferson…great analysis. Much appreciated, sir!
Bofus.
This is the stuff that separates this site from the rest. Great insight from those around the program and one outside of it. Top notch info. Like TJ said “Get this guy to a top Division I program right now!” OU needs to jump on Whitfield now!
I wish Mike Stoops would tell us what he sees in Will Sunderland! He is a fine player with some skill and with some coaching I’m sure he will be fine. But almost everybody that looks at tape has Reid, Haughton, and Whitfield ahead of him in most estimates way ahead! I love Mike Stoops and the passion he brings as the Defensive Coordinator and I really am not trying to question his decisions, just would like to know what he is seeing that everybody else must be missing!
Coach Mike did not know about McKinley, Justin or Kahlil when Sunderland was offered. Sunderland was offered a while back and guess is it was based on projection. No one can deny that Will has a tremendous frame/build. It doesn’t get much better.
Yeah not so much that he offered Sunderland or that he likes Sunderland but waiting to offer Reid and still hasn’t offered Whitfield for so long is just puzzling to me!
I’ve said from the get go, Whitfield is a player and should be offered. The biggest knock on Jefferson was his speed but instincts make up for speed which is why he’s in the NFL. Sign him and let the chips fall where they may.
Thanks TJ and TFB! Great insight as always!
Major thanks to TFB and Tony Jefferson! You guys always amaze me with the info. on this site! BOOMER!
Tony,
thanks man. Really appreciate your help. Great job!
I thought the test was blind. Tony keeps referring to these guys by name, and then lists them by name in the results. section.
He knows their names, height and weight but he doesn’t know who any of the players are or anything about their recruiting background.
I was really hoping Tony was going to have more positive things to say about Will, being that I believe he is going to be a Sooner commit. Unfortunately, he critiqued him along the same lines as the rest of us. I think Reid could be a true Roy Back. Concerning Whitfield………… gentlemen, place your bets.
You’re still holding out hope that Sunderland and JJ will be great. I hope so too since I think both end up here
At least he was honest and didn’t sugar coat it because he will likely be a Sooner. I thought he was fair in his breakdown.
Tony doesn’t know any of these prospects.
Whitfield is such a natural. I like his film the best. bring him in and worry later. Reid has been around the game, and has a big bro that played the position at a high level. and Sunderland, come on down and represent Okie Style.
A lot of great players have come from small schools, so Whitfield looks like a big fish in a small pond, but he can play big boy ball.
Thanks a lot Tony and good luck with your season.
FOR THE MODS: I really enjoy your site however I do have a suggestion. It would/could be fabulous if you could host an occasional chat with some of the ex-players like Tony.
Actually really good idea jmac!
My husband was a poster on scout a few years about and he started that idea with them and brought Brtonson Irwin’s father in to chat and his friend Captian Morgan was going to bring in Keith Jackson from the Switzer team many years ago but Scout is so poorly ran and moderated he just got sick of them and left . I always thought this was a great idea and I still do. Who wants to chat with BobPrzybylo ??? The guy knows very little about anything football related . TFB is great and this is where we come for all of our Oklahoma Football fixes . Thanks and you guys are great .
Adriana, thank you for the really nice words! Your husband should bring some fellas here to chat :). Also, I hope you don’t mind…we went ahead and edited out a part of your post. Just a site policy thing. Again, thank you for the kinds words!
This is a silly question but you have talked with Whitfield and possibly his brother also. If-no when- OU offers, will McKinley drag his recruitment out. Not sure it’s a proper question but some young kids like to drag it out and some want to get it out of the way and concentrate on their High school team.
I think it depends on when ou offers. At this time the only info that’s been given has said ou wants to see his first few games and I suppose evaluate his ability based on that. Plus ou wants him at linebacker so they want to see if he does well or even if he wants to make the switch.
I think Arkansas may offer today or by the time that camp finishes up. At that point I don’t know the kid personally but I would assume Arkansas would lead for his signature and the longer they lead, then the more ground ou would have to make up. So if an offer did not come from ou until the beginning of October then I think ou will have to recruit this kid hard to earn his respect back.
Like I said I don’t know him and I don’t know how he would feel. From what I’ve seen ou would lead if they were the first major program to offer but it looks like ou won’t be and that may rub him the wrong way.
Thanks. You are right OU does need linebackers and offensive lineman. Of course we still have a little over 6 months till LOI’s can be signed.
That’s true I think they will be good at oline it’s filling up and we will have an answer on Danley soon then there are 4 more kids who are very high on ou so I think we will be set.
As far as linebacker still no commits and we did just offer a linebacker (listed as athlete) from mesquite. And we told david long and mckinley to wait so I’m confused? If these spots were being filled and there was one linebacker left then I understand being selective but there are potentially 4 linebacker spots open for the 2015 class so I don’t see why we are basically turning away 2 kids who are high on ou.
I was just reading about DeAndre McNeal out of Mesquite. I just wonder if Kish is offering or is M. Stoops? You know we can rant and rave but they are going to do what they think is best. I never paid much attention to recruiting till this year. I’m beginning to see why.lol
McKinley just ran a 4.55 and a 4.58 laser at the Arkansas camp..
Good to see you, jaf.
That is more than impressive for a young man that long.
Tell him to hang in there. He has the biggest support group or fan club of any recruit and he doesn’t have an offer – yet. That speaks volumes for him and what we think of him. Also, keep the info coming as we can’t get enough on your bro.
I absolutely love Whitfield. He just gets it done. Nuff said.
When he gets some 40 training he’ll shave that down even further to somewhere near 4.51. True story (and you already know this William), McKinley prepped for his 40 run at Arkansas by watching videos on YouTube and trying out the techniques #SmallTownGrind
Plus with 40 times being the big wow factor and that being laser timed..doesn’t that mean/imply he would probably be under 4.45 hand timed?
Good Times. I hope McKinley knows a lot of people on this site are rooting for him! I hope he gets an offer quickly!
That’s just not fair.
I would go Reid, Sunderland, Whitfield. Whitfield does not have a natural position in our defense, imo. You have to recruit to fit. Will also has the most upside and Reid is the most polished currently.
Curious what is it that you in Sunderland in particular?
Some of you will follow along with me on this and those that don’t, just bear with me.
Over the years I have learned to trust my eyes and to trust qualitative and quantitative factors.
When I watch people I’m not just looking at all the things that can be measured, but also how they present, how they carry themselves, their reactions to actions and for lack of a better term their aura.
We often talk about someone being a “star.” That implies someone who is noticeable, that they “shine.” That reference has been around a long time and over my years have come to understand it much better.
For example, I saw Jimi Hendrix in concert the summer of ’68. I already loved his music and had a couple of his albums, but to see him live was an astonishing experience. What I observed was more than a talented musician, I saw a “star.” He was clearly “star stuff” as I saw a weird glow around him, his aura.
When I watch Whitfield’s video, I notice his game, but I also detect a “glow” about him. I think he has “star stuff” in him, which is why I get so frustrated waiting for OU to bring this young man into the fold.
I could be wrong and that would be fine, but I think Whitfield will be more than a talented football player, I predict he will be a “star.”
Um, in the summer of ’68 you saw a weird glow around Jimi Hendrix at a live performance?
It was called ‘acid’.
You had to be there.
Trust me, I was.
He seemed fine to me and I wasn’t using and never have.
Arrested some people who were using/selling, they were just weird, sans glow.
Tex, I’m having fun with you. Although it’s pretty common knowledge that Hendrix ate windowpane like breath mints.
Didn’t know that.
Like I said I know what a whacked out acid freak is like and he didn’t exhibit any of the peripheral effects.
Besides, this was in Shreveport and local LE was probably watching his every move.
It wasn’t even illegal until late October, 1968. And, since the only physical indications are dilated pupils and Hendrix mostly wore blackout aviator shades, not likely local LE would have had the vaguest idea what was going on.
He wore no shades. I watched from the balcony with binoculars.
He was drinking beer, though.
I know I’m not the only one laughing right now!
I think one very important part of this safety evaluation is being overlooked on this discussion. Mike worked extensively with Sunderland at the OU camp and from most reports, Will dominated last summer and this summer. I’m not certain but I think he was the best player on the field the summer after his sophomore year. I think most opinions and even TJ’s expert (and amazing) evaluation is limited by film content. I’m not sure if Stoops has had Whitfield in camp, but if he has, maybe that is why they think he projects at LB vs SS?
Whitfield came to an OU camp in June, IIRC.
And that is SoonerGray’s point. Mike has seen them in person not just film. Certainly can make a difference.
I understand.
Soooo…sign the young man up.
He’s got 2 last names = he’s gonna be a star
Can’t miss. LOL
Heck Zack, don’t short change the Kid. He’s already at least 2 stars. haha!
To that point Kody, It’s not a matter of Mike liking or not liking him because he does. Whitfield got the royal treatment on his visit. The topic is – at what position. Mike feels like LB but Whitfield wants to play S. I say let’s meet in the middle – NB.
That’s what irritates me about board placement. What if, in fact, they did end up signing him and filling their board as a linebacker. Does that really matter if he ends up starting at OU as a NB. Sometimes, you just need to “pull the trigger” and figure out where he is going to play later. Good practices will work all that stuff out.
exactly why they have the “athlete” position.
Good point, and I was thinking the same thing. Although, most coaches have been watching film for so many years that they can project and assess a recruit from just their film.
For me if Sunderland is as good as mike and some others think, then his film really does him no justice. His film is not very good if it’s supposed to be his “high” points. One portion of his film is a poorly thrown ball by the qb and by poorly it was 20 yards away from any player including Sunderland. So whoever put his highlights together didn’t do a good job if in fact he is a really good prospect.
That would really blow if a recruit’s chances were effected by poor editing.
Gray you make good points. But I’ll offer a few things to think about. JJ Meadors and Clay Mack have both seen and worked with Whitfield in person even more than coach Mike has and are blown away but his upside. What is more, Mack has worked with both McKinley and Sunderland and I won’t go into what he said because that’s not place to say but I’m sure you can assume. Additionally, when coach Mike saw McKinley work out at Spiro when he went there in May…he loved McKinley and essentially told coach Bunch (according to what we were told) that McKinley was going to receive and offer, which is why McKinley was asked to not only come for a workout at OU but also to do an unofficial visit. But beyond all that, at the end of the day a football player has to make plays and whether you see that on the sideline or your see it on a video…if there aren’t plays to be seen then the kid hasn’t made them and it doesn’t matter what he does in camp. If there are plays to be scene then that should be the ultimate criteria in my estimation. Having said all that, the lack of an offer for Whitfield, I believe has more to do with the timing that Whitfield became known to Oklahoma. They wanted 2 (max 3) safeties and with one already committed and Sunderland on the way and sitting in a good spot with Haughton it just wasn’t the right time. And if none of what I’ve said makes any sense, we’ll just leave it at…this won’t be the first time I’ve disagreed with a coach on a kid…used to respectfully disagree with many of them. In the end, its just opinions. People see different things and qualified people often disagree. My bet wherever McKinley goes, he’ll make the state of Oklahoma proud.
Yah, Super K, really well put. In the end it is all opinion. I think McKinley’s video (what I’ve seen) is just really exciting. Everyone loves guys like Brandon “Book” Everage, Patrick “Hamers to Bones” Allen and The REAL Roy Williams, who have crushing hits in their high school highlight reelz. After all, if you’ve played defense (at any level) you know big hits excite the entire team and are hard to come by. Your points about timing are likely right on. Just seems to me (and perhaps the rest of the TFB fan base) you don’t wait to offer a guy that is as good as the guy you’ve offered if the guy you’ve offered is waiting to decide. At least we offered Reid, and maybe the coaches know there is little risk to using a ‘wait and see’ approach with McKinley?
Nice player analysis Tony!
by far one of the, if not the best recruting tools I have seen in years…
How many other Universities have pros (and cons LOL) checking out young talent….
beyond a great site, just dont have the words to thank you guys!
You’re too kind bro!
Agree 100%!!
Does the Blind judge know what division of football that the players play in? Would sunderland look as impressive against the same teams McKinley plays against? I’m not trying to take away from McKinley, would love to see him as a Sooner, (I think he has an “It” factor.) It may not be comparing apples to oranges, but it is granny smith apples to red delecious apples.
We don’t give them that information and it’s actually a good point and certainly something we’ve thought about. But we figured it’s fine because we remember when Mossis Madu did the first one he was able to tell just by watching that a certain player played in a smaller district and he was right. Believe me when I say we don’t mean for these things to be dispositive in any way. Just something interesting for all of us to look at.
I understand, and I appreciate all the work you do, love the sight and the information here. I was just thinking that if someone was watching only the highlighted player, that could make a difference on how you rate/rank them.
Again, keep up the good work!
Boomer!
Sooner!!
Did Tony comment on the 3 players ceilings?
Thank
Thank you, Tony. Here’s wishing you a great season!
Thanks to TJeff for doing this!
Any updates from McKinley at the Arkansas camp today?!
No offer Coach Lunney spoke with my mother and said “he’s done everything we wanted him to do plus more just be patient.” I’m confused cause OU, OSU, nd now Ark have done the samething.
We appreciate you posting here. Your brother is a fan favorite. Not sure what is up with the schools I guess they don’t want a play maker. He will definitely get the offers but I have no clue what the hold up is. Regardless of what position they think he is, he’s a guy every defense needs.
Whitfield’s position is “on the field.” It don’t make no nevermind where he plays. Just put him out there.
Another thing that upsets me about some Rivals writers.. When did a 4.5 considered running bad??
4.5 is good speed man especially laser timed. When you hear a guy is sub 4.4 that is always hand timed except for maybe a handful of guys. If you look at the times that were posted at the opening most kids that were “4.4” guys were closer to 4.6 and a lot of them didn’t run because they know the laser time tells the truth. I encourage you to look at some of the past top 100 lists for each year and see how many of those can’t miss prospects with 4 and 5 stars end up missing. I looked up the year with jadaveon clowney and I’ve never heard of half of those guys.
Trust me know lol just amazes me that they wrote he didn’t run well.. lol but you post saying he two 4.5s smh