The Football Brainiacs

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I did a breakdown of Jonathan Alvarez over a month ago but our editor did not get a chance to post it. Last week Jonathan was announced 1st Team All-District in 5A Texas Football. That is no small things. I figured this was as good a time as any to give our readers my thoughts on Jonathan.

The tale of the tape on Jonathan is that he’s 6’3″ 301.  Jonathan was playing offensive tackle until just recently.  So when you look at it that way it explains why the corporate recruiting services have him rated a little lower.  At Center and/or Guard however, Jonathan has ideal size.  J. Cooper, the offensive guard out of North Carolina went early in the first round, and is the same size as young Mr. Alvarez.  All those things aside, when I turn on the tape for Jonathan, there’s not a lot about his game that I don’t like.  The thing that I like the most about his game is that he seems to finish on every play.  He’s nasty, quick, strong and just loves hitting people.  He’s acutely aware of protections as I’ve seen him peel back off of his side and pick up a blitzer from the other.  That shows me he cares.  From playing Tackle he shows versatility and a willingness to study tape and learn the entire offense.  From watching him he looks like the guy on the line everybody asks what their job is.  When I played I was often the guy who knew everyones job as well.  I took that as a responsibility and a duty.  Don’t get me wrong, I was never as talented as Jonathan.  He’s got all the tools to do what needs to be done to get to the next level and beyond.  Jonathan if you’re out there I want you to know that the only people who will tell you that you can’t do something are the ones who don’t have the balls to go do it themselves.  You keep working.  You keep finishing.  You keep studying.  You keep hustling.  Whatever you do son, don’t lose that nasty.  OU needs guys like Jonathan and Alex Dalton to come in and help Coach B restore the NASTY in Norman.

I can see already that Jonathan had a good solid offseason, and is continuing to develop.  His early film shows that he’s a little smoother in his movement, and that he’s maturing physically.  He’s playing at a top level in Texas hs ball, so you know that he’s getting good teaching at Horn.  Jonathan is exactly the kind of kid we need, and to me, he’s a solid four star at the center or guard spot. With enough work he can be All-conference if not more.  I love his movement, his hustle, power and tenacity.  I’m very excited about what he’s bringing to Norman, and you Sooner fans should be too.