Colby's Chances

[mildawg]

Good observation. Overstriding makes it very hard to get on top of the ball which is why his ball floats instead of turning over. He has a low release as is, and overstriding makes it harder to overcome his release.
To get the most out of the crossbar drill you speak of, they would be better served throwing shorter routes as opposed to 9s. This really ensures getting on top of the ball and keeping the nose of the ball down. It is a very difficult, and sometimes frustrating, drill.

Agree. I went and watched the D-Mo highlight video on YouTube for another take to make sure my eyes haven't been deceiving me: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LARor...eature=related

If you watch the receiving and touchdown portions you really get a good view of Ross' very wide stance. Very little push with his right foot and minimal hip rotation. No power.

And take a look at the 5:50 mark of the above video -- the TD pass against Auburn. In addition to everything else, he does not step toward his receiver with his left foot. Instead, he steps toward the left sideline, which leads him to throw sidearmed in order to compensate. After the throw, you can see his momentum carry him toward the sideline.

Imagine a clock, with Ross throwing toward a receiver at 12:00. Instead of stepping toward 12:00, he's stepping toward 10:00. Instead of all his energy and power being directed through the ball traveling toward 12:00, much of it is being lost. I realize he doesn't throw every pass this way, but he throws enough of them that I've noticed his poor mechanics. I really believe he could improve dramatically with a few adjustments.

With regard to the crossbar drill, I am talking about standing directly under the crossbar... well, about two steps behind the boundary line directly below the goalpost. In order to throw over the bar, which is at 10 ft., you really have to get your arm up and get the nose of the ball pointed skyward. Definitely cuts your distance down, but is a great drill to force oneself to throw over the top and get the ball in the air for those deeper routes. I just believe that the flatter the pass, the less room for error -- the WR has much less chance of adjusting to the pass, which has to be almost perfect for a completion.

And I agree about the shorter passes, too -- something similar (but much shorter) would be beneficial to force the over-the-top throws for those shorter routes.

[TechDynamic]

Imagine a clock, with Ross throwing toward a receiver at 12:00. Instead of stepping toward 12:00, he's stepping toward 10:00. Instead of all his energy and power being directed through the ball traveling toward 12:00, much of it is being lost. I realize he doesn't throw every pass this way, but he throws enough of them that I've noticed his poor mechanics. I really believe he could improve dramatically with a few adjustments.

I love a good vector analysis

[mildawg]

I love a good vector analysis

Sorry, couldn't think of any other way to describe it. Hopefully people remember what a clock with hands looks like.

[louisiana_dog]

Imagine a clock, with Ross throwing toward a receiver at 12:00. Instead of stepping toward 12:00, he's stepping toward 10:00.

So he's going back in time?

[mildawg]

Yes, that's it exactly.

[Built4Speed]

Where Ross is going, he doesn't need roads..

But seriously, I've noticed he has kind of a funky stride too. It all makes sense now.

[TechDynamic]

Where Ross is going, he doesn't need roads..

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UFqJaBbsPGk

[boxerdog]

I think mildawg is onto something.

[FishingBack]

But I thought he was working with an awesome NFL-producing QB coach the last three years????

[HogDawg]

Agree. I went and watched the D-Mo highlight video on YouTube for another take to make sure my eyes haven't been deceiving me: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LARor...eature=related

If you watch the receiving and touchdown portions you really get a good view of Ross' very wide stance. Very little push with his right foot and minimal hip rotation. No power.
.

Thanks for posting that video. As I watched the video, two things stood out:

1) Dennis Morris is a TREMENDOUS talent. Wow! D-Mo can really do it all. He can run, block, catch....everything. I loved seeing him lay the wood on those LSU players. HA! We're really gonna miss D-Mo next year.

2) I'm shocked at how many passes D-Mo caught that were "underthrown" by Ross Jenkins in 2009. Even the easy ones --towards the end of the video-- were mostly underthrown. Jenkins rarely hit D-Mo in stride with his passes.

I'm predicting that D-Mo will have a big NFL career.


HD

[mildawg]

Thanks for posting that video. As I watched the video, two things stood out:

1) Dennis Morris is a TREMENDOUS talent. Wow! D-Mo can really do it all. He can run, block, catch....everything. I loved seeing him lay the wood on those LSU players. HA! We're really gonna miss D-Mo next year.

2) I'm shocked at how many passes D-Mo caught that were "underthrown" by Ross Jenkins in 2009. Even the easy ones --towards the end of the video-- were mostly underthrown. Jenkins rarely hit D-Mo in stride with his passes.

I'm predicting that D-Mo will have a big NFL career.


HD

I agree. He really stepped up his senior season. I have to admit that his blocking highlights were just as impressive as his receiving. I guess I never really watched him on running plays, as I assumed that blocking was a weakness for him. His Pro Day numbers aren't all that great, but I believe he will really turn some heads IF he gets an FA contract with the right team. Being a big fan of the Texans, I would like to see him land there. But regardless of where it is, I wish him much success and a long career.

[Dawgmatic]

I think mildawg is onto something.

But I thought he was working with an awesome NFL-producing QB coach the last three years????

And Mildawg has figured out what that NFL producing QB coach and his boss never got. Another truth.

[mildawg]

I would hate to think that Scelfo never worked on anything like this with his QBs, although I guess it's possible. I learned it through trial and error playing QB, but really learned about the need for good technique by throwing the javelin -- it requires precise footwork and hip rotation for maximum velocity and proper flight. In football, a strong arm can mask poor technique and footwork. But guys with average arms really need that solid base in order to throw to their maximum potential. It's no secret that for several years now we've had QBs with a tendency to throw the ball at the shoetops of their receivers... is it a lack of coaching or a coincidence? I have no idea, but I really wish Ross, Steven, and Colby the best of luck this season. With the offensive weapons we've got, we're really going to rely on one of these young men to be the catalyst for any success we have. I truly hope each is given the coaching they need to reach their maximum potential.