Scouting Report: Harris and Jackson
by Jeremy Shapiro:
2016 cornerback Lamar Jackson took the field on Sunday at an elite 7-on-7 passing tournament in Fullerton. The 6’3” 210-pound 17-year-old has the size to develop into a safety, making him a unique piece on any team’s chessboard. The Elk Grove High School athlete has played quarterback and running back in addition to cornerback, providing versatility that schools covet.
Jackson will excel as a press corner who possesses both the strength to prevent receivers from getting a clean release and the top-end speed (4.46 40-yard-dash) to keep up with quick receivers.
Strengths
- Dominant size
- Press-man corner
- Fast straight-line speed
- Capable of matching up against No. 1 receivers
- Rare speed for a big corner
- Willing tackler
- Missile on special teams
- Natural hands
- Scheme versatile
- Strong, aggressive hands to knock down passes and outwrestle receivers
Weaknesses
- Displays stiff hips
- Doesn’t always play up to his speed
- Lacks consistency as a playmaker
2017 running back Najee Harris (photo) sticks out like a sore thumb on the football field. The 6’2” 210-pound physically imposing sophomore is widely considered the top offensive player in his class and it’s easy to see why. Harris was fluid in and out of his breaks at receiver and has the blocking ability and to be a three-down running back at the next level.
Harris verbally committed to Alabama last week, but took an unofficial recruiting trip to USC on Friday. The Trojans coaching staff will surely continue their pursuit of the blue chip prospect.
Strengths
- Explosive runner
- Outstanding vision and cutback ability
- Workhorse who wears down defenses
- Violent runner who can run over defenders
- Quick feet to make defenders miss
- Can be the focal point of an offense
- Runs with tremendous balance
- Blows through arm tackles
- Three-down tailback
Weaknesses
- Runs upright
- Sometimes dances too much in backfield
