3.5
/ 5.0
Image from espn.com
Cedric is a little more difficult evaluation than most. I originally came across him last year and I felt like he was a quality/solid player. Given the lack of depth at DT in the state of Texas this year I thought he’d definitely be a kid to watch based on how he did his junior year. I’d say my assessment of him is probably similar now but given what we’ve seen in terms of Oklahoma’s scheme and personnel development this year I’m not so sure that Cedric would be the right fit for Oklahoma. I can’t stay away from saying the word “quality” when I look at Cedric. I see a quality get off but not a disruptive first step. Wade, for example, was more sudden off the line in HS and Wade certainly isn’t the most explosive player in college. Torrea was more sudden than both but wasn’t as physically commanding and that remains the case. Cedric is a strong guy and can get his arms extended but he also looks to have filled out more than Wade had at the same time. Wade was around the same weight but still looked thin in HS. Still you have to appreciate how physically overwhelming Cedric can be at times. You never see him give ground. One of his redeeming qualities is he plays with pretty good pad level compared to other DTs you might see in HS. But to be honest that isn’t a huge deal because I know Coach Montgomery is a great teacher and were Cedric to end up at Oklahoma, Coach Montgomery would handle that anyway. It does tell me something about Cedric’s ability to coil and his flexibility overall and I think he’s solid in those regards. He looks like he has good straight line speed in the open field but not a lot of agility. To be elite at the 2-gap NG position you really have to be excellent at a lot of things. Cedric is pretty good at a lot of things but not necessarily excellent in any one area, though if he is, it’s definitely in the strength department. Overall a pretty good prospect.
Grade: 3.4
Grade: 3.6
Has above average initial quickness for his first step but true forte is shedding blocks. He has very good hips and great leverage which allows him to defeat double teams with ease. He looks to have long arms which allows for a lot of separation which is very important for a possible NT. After defeating blocks, he does an excellent job of getting down the line and make a play. He plays with a lot of physically shows very good strength at the point of attack. I would assume his bench press is through the roof.
Grade: 3.5
17 Comments
Cedric Johnson or Natrell Curtis? Which would OU prefer to have commit and is there the outside chance that OU will get both and is there a big fish at the DT/NT spot that OU covets?
I like both of them. Natrell is a guard whereas Cedric is a dt all the way for me. Can’t have too much depth inside. Plus with all the talent we have on campus, we could have the cupboard full for a while at both spots. K may have some insight on the targets
JY is right. Natrell is a guard. As far as Cedric goes JY and I have spoken about this and we probably differ a little here. I think he has some tools that Coach Montgomery could work with but because of the lack of depth at so many other spots I probably pass on the young man.
Is OU going after any DT/NT that could evolve into a player comparable to what Jordan Phillips appears to becoming in the middle of the D-Line?
Not for the 2014 class but honestly there might not be one out there. Jordan has just about everything you want in an NG. With all his tools If he was an inch or two shorter and a hair wider he’d be dang near perfect.
Any word on any of the other impending commitments out there for OU ?
Nothing immediate that we are hearing but we are hearing some good things about a particular elite recruit that came in this weekend. Might comment on that further sometime this week.
Natrell Curtis?
lol can’t say just yet bud…still trying to flesh it out 🙂
Do you like Cedric Johnson or Taua better at the DT/NT spot?
Taua much better IMO. But still think TAUA is too small. I know he plays better at 270-280 than he does at or near 300. But still the better prospect to me. But to be honest Oklahoma isn’t going to get Taua.
It appears OU didn’t accept Johnson’s commitment….interesting. You HAVE to believe they have someone they are confident about. Also, it shows they are wanting to be picky since they have so many DTs on campus next season. We lose zero scholarship DLinemen actually…
We’ve got some notes on it but we’re discussing what we can and can’t share.
Did the recruits that they are red-shirting this season who came in 2013 fit the mold of the 3-3-5? Who appears to best fit the front from those that are red-shirting?
I think so. Charles Walker has the athleticism to be a great B gap player and will give OU more size and physicality at the position. A guy like Obo could be a perfect Jack LB. We’ll know more when we see them in spring practice though
If they aren’t going to get Taua then have they offered Johnson ?
Johnson already had an offer technically but you might say he waited too long.