SB Nation - Tyson Jackson

Comparing the Online Recruiting Ranking Services

Buck Bravo — Tue, 25 Aug 2009 14:00:11 -0000

Rivals, Scout, and ESPN all provide ranking systems for recruits headed to Division 1 football programs. Often, ratings of individual players will vary greatly from one service to another. In an attempt to determine which service most accurately projects the future performance of players, let's take a look at the ratings that were given to the 2009 NFL first round draft picks back when they were being recruited for college football:

PICK

NAME

COLLEGE

TEAM

RIVALS

STARS

SCOUT

STARS

ESPN

RATING

Matthew Stafford

Georgia

Jason Smith

Baylor

Tyson Jackson

LSU

Aaron Curry

OLB

Wake Forest

Mark Sanchez

USC

Andre Smith

Alabama

Darrius Heyward-Bey

Maryland

Virginia

Boston College

Texas Tech

Penn State

Georgia

Texas

Ohio State

OLB

USC

Northern Illinois

Kansas State

Tennessee

Missouri

Oklahoma State

California

Florida

Ole Miss

Ole Miss

Illinois

OLB

USC

Donald Brown

Connecticut

Louisville

North Carolina

Rutgers

Ohio State

Missouri

ESPN did not start ranking recruits until 2006, so players from before that time have no ranking. Despite this limitation, let's look at the trend lines for the different services:

While Scout may have had the most 5 star rankings for recruits who ultimately became first round NFL draft choices, Rivals had the best trendline for accurately ranking future NFL talent. A more comprehensive analysis looking at later rounds and previous years would best determine which service best analyzes talent. If I were retired or writing for TDG full time, I'd be eager to put such a report together for later this week. For now, the first round of the 2009 NFL draft will have to suffice.

Class of 2009: DE Bennie Logan

Richard Pittman — Mon, 10 Aug 2009 17:00:10 -0000

via image.cdnl3.xosnetwork.com

Defensive end Bennie Logan of Red River High School in Coushatta, Louisiana, was one of the last players offered a scholarship by LSU for the 2009 class. He had a productive junior year, recording over 90 tackles, and while he did not earn an offer from LSU, the coaches decided to keep an eye on him.

Over the course of the next year, Logan matured physically and athletically. Listed at 6'2 1/2" and 245# on Scout after his junior year, he is currently listed at 6'3" and 272# on LSUSports.net and as reported this morning, he may yet end up at tackle. He had a terrific senior campaign at Red River, recording 116 tackles including 30 for a loss from his defensive end spot.

He was invited to visit the LSU campus and speak with the coaches and when they took a look at him, they saw a kid that no longer looked "borderline". He looked like he was physically ready to suit up and play in Tiger Stadium.

I think Logan is a solid prospect, which probably makes me somewhat more optimistic than most about Logan's prospects of being a productive player. He is listed as a 3-star on both Scout and Rivals, and who can blame them? This is a kid who got little attention from BCS schools until after his senior year, but then his recruitment really picked up. It's hard to say, though, that a kid is a 4-star prospect when his own home state school didn't pay much attention to him until late, and the rest of the regional powers didn't show any interest at all. I think this is a product more of him being a very well-kept secret and a late bloomer rather, and is not because he is a suspect player. I think he could be the Class of 2009's Jordan Jefferson, who also earned a scholarship late in the recruiting game, only to be probably the most valuable player we signed in 2008, at least in early returns.

Logan was not leftovers, though. Michigan, Nebraska, and Texas Tech all wanted him before LSU offered. I know that the coaches are expecting him to be a major contributor in the future, and he may end up being a contributor immediately, though my hope is that he will have a chance to redshirt and learn technique to go along with his physique before he is expected to contribute.

I think Bennie Logan and Michael Brockers are very similar prospects. Both are large defensive ends in the Tyson Jackson mold. If LSU is fortunate (and if they have good coaching), one of these two will develop into a close approximation of Tyson Jackson while the other develops into a close approximation of Trumaine Johnson. If we're REALLY lucky, the other will develop into a close approximation of the 2007 version of Kirston Pittman. If we're appallingly, unfairly lucky, they will both morph into an approximation of Tyson Jackson while Slammin' Sam Montgomery develops into a pass rusher like Rahim Alem.

We'll get to Sam Montgomery later.

On film, Logan still looks a little raw. He looks like the best athlete on the field, but probably still needs some coaching. It's hard to argue with a man who makes over 100 tackles, with more than 1/4 of them behind the line of scrimmage. My hope is that he can get that coaching and come back for the 2010 campaign as a redshirt freshman ready to fight for playing time against the likes of Chancey Aghayere, Chase Clement, and others from the 2008 class.

Class of 2009: DE Michael Brockers

Richard Pittman — Fri, 31 Jul 2009 17:00:13 -0000

via image.cdnl3.xosnetwork.com

Defensive end Michael Brockers of Chavez High School in Houston, Texas, was one of the first commitments to the LSU class of 2009 and is a solid player. Brockers is a player who was recruited as a hybrid offensive tackle/defensive end, but he is listed on LSU's roster as a defensive end. It seems like a good move to me.

His film, limited though it is, shows him as a defensive end, well-built for the purpose at 6'6" and about 260#. He is highly reminiscent of former Tiger defensive end Tyson Jackson, and with his size and strength that is probably the Tiger he should try to emulate. In Brockers we see a player who, in high school, was appropriate the biggest and fastest guy on the field. He has good tackling technique for a lineman, enveloping his target with his size while driving through him with his speed. While he lacks the awe-inspiring quickness of a truly elite defensive end like 2010's Jackson Jeffcoat, he possesses the kind of athleticism that, if he continues to develop as a player, will make him a very valuable asset to the Tigers.

Brockers has been a very quiet member of the class. With his early commitment and his steadfast not-willing-to-waver, there has been very little discussion of him. He's almost a forgotten man among a very good defensive line class, of which he is the first to be profiled. Also at defensive end will be Bennie Logan and Sam Montgomery, along with possibly Barkevious Mingo. It will be tough to break through that class, and whoever does it will be an outstanding player. There's nothing wrong with being the boring guy in the class though.

5 Keys To A Successful Season, Part 1: Veterans Step Up

Richard Pittman — Tue, 28 Jul 2009 11:50:48 -0000

In particular, veterans on defense step up. In more particular, veteran former role players increase their production. In extra-particular, I am thinking of linebackers Jacob Cutrera and Perry Riley, and defensive end Pep Levingston.

These three players, two seniors and a 4th year junior, are all going to be counted on to make plays this year. Cutrera and Levingston have been the consummate role players in their careers. Both have waited their turn behind good players who were ahead of them: Cutrera's been behind Darry Beckwith and Levingston has been behind Tyson Jackson, Tremaine Johnson, and Kirston Pittman. The way is cleared for these two to stake a claim to a starting spot and both are reportedly having great offseasons.

In particular, people are saying Jacob Cutrera has really increased his level of play. He has always been a solid backup, but now people are saying he's one of the best players on the defense. It might surprise you to learn that Cutrera has actually started in 5 games; one in his freshman season, two in his sophomore season, and two in his junior season, and he has 91 tackles on his career, including a career high 11 tackle game in his freshman season. His junior year was actually less productive than his freshman season from a tackles standpoint, even though he filled in for an injured Darry Beckwith for part of the season and played significant reps in every game.

They are saying that he is a man among boys this year, and really ready to increase his production. In particular, Cutrera will have to improve against the pass, and will have to make more "big" stops, i.e. stops for losses or for short gains.

Lazarius "Pep" Levingston has always looked like a good player at his defensive end spot. When he gets into the game, he always gets penetration into the backfield and makes plays. He has only made 17 tackles on his career, but 5.5 have been for a loss, which I think is a very good ratio for a defensive end. He has simply been behind a very deep and very veteran defensive line corps led by the likes of Tyson Jackson and Kirston Pittman. The opportunity just has not been there. Pep is probably the player who will most benefit from having 5 of our top 8 defensive linemen graduate or leave early.

The coaches expect Pep to step right into Tyson Jackson's spot and be a playmaker on defense.

Riley has been a starter, and I for one expressed surprise at how much offseason hype he is getting. Perhaps I shouldn't though. However, CFN was not the only accolade he received, as he was also 3rd Team Pre-Season All-SEC as chosen by the coaches. He was a Butkus Award Finalist last year, an honor that came as a big surprise to me.

Riley has a surprising 88 career tackles including a surprising 60 last year. He was the defensive MVP of the Peach Bowl (still refusing to call it by its official name) with 11 tackles and an interception, his second interception of the season. Was that performance in the Peach Bowl the start of something great? Is this a guy who should have redshirted in his freshman year? I would love to think that Riley is due for a breakout year under the tutelage of master linebacker coach John Chavis. In particular, you have to love what he was able to do in pass defense at the end of last year, picking off a pass in each of his last two games.

Like with Cutrera, we will want to see more big plays from Riley. More plays being made at the line of scrimmage or behind it. We would like for him to continue being productive in pass defense.

The LSU defense certainly looks to be improved over the nightmare that was last season. If these three guys show themselves to be impact players rather than just role players, they could take a defense from good to great and help put us on the road to a special season.

Tomorrow: Special Teams.

Class of 2009: JUCO DT Akiem Hicks

Richard Pittman — Fri, 24 Jul 2009 17:00:10 -0000

via media.scout.com

That is one of my favorite pictures ever. It almost rivals that picture of Trindon Holliday and Herman Johnson. By the rules I set up in doing this series, I have no choice but to label Akiem Hicks a mystery man. There's no film of him. There are hardly even any pictures of him in action. If you search for photos of Akiem Hicks on Google, you come up mostly with pictures of other prospects, like Kenny Bell, Chris Davenport, and Craig Loston. Even the official LSU bio of Akiem Hicks is sparse in its information. Do not fret. Our mystery man from the 2008 class is getting raves as one of the next great offensive linemen at LSU.

This is not to merely surrender. There are still things we can tell you about Akiem Hicks. He is a product of California high schools and went to Sacramento Community College to play his first two years of college football because he could not get eligible to play FBS football. He was fairly heavily recruited at Sacramento CC, earning offers from multiple BCS and non-*BCS institutions ranging from LSU and Tennessee to Oregon and South Florida. I wouldn't go so far as to say, "Everyone wanted him," because frankly not everyone has a need for a JUCO defensive lineman. LSU did, and that's going to be where we put our focus.

One of the difficulties facing LSU this offseason has been the loss of 5 of our top 8 defensive linemen. Tyson Jackson, Marlon Favorite, Kirston Pittman, Ricky Jean-Francois, and Tremain Johnson are all gone off of last year's squad. Those are 3 starters and 2 primary backups. Even though we all think Drake Nevis is going to be a star, and that Rahim Alem is a star already, we have to be concerned about defensive line depth. Our top 3 defensive tackles are Charles Alexander, Al Woods, and Drake Nevis. Both Alexander and Nevis have had injury problems of varying degrees. After those three, we are going to have to ask freshmen to step in to play. At defensive end, only the starters Rahim Alem and Pep Levingston have any experience at all playing on a college field. While we all believe that Lavar Edwards, Cordian Hagans, Chancey Aghayere, and Chase Clement can play (plus all the really good-looking defensive linemen from the 2009 class), I can't blame Miles for wanting to bring in a more mature and experienced alternative while the freshmen get acclimated.

Plus, after the 2009 season, the only contributors to the 2008 season remaining will be Nevis and Levingston, who were probably the 9th and 10th defensive linemen on the 2008 squad. Adding Hicks to the equation is a nice insurance policy. I'm not saying he's going to be a star player, but who knows, he might be. As I said, it's not like we really know much about him. It's just that after the first few defensive linemen in the rotation, our DL gets awfully young awfully quickly. It's a smart move to bring in an experienced player who will be here for two years while we sort out the next generation of defensive linemen at LSU.

Hicks reportedly can play any position on the defensive line, though his 6'5" 295# frame would suggest he's more natural on the inside. He would be an awfully big 4-3 defensive end, but I suppose he'll play where he's needed.

DL Jordan Allen and OL/DL Elliott Porter Commit to LSU

Richard Pittman — Mon, 20 Jul 2009 09:30:09 -0000

Via Rivals.com

This weekend, Les Miles held the second offseason football camp for recruits and young players to come to LSU, get a little coaching, and get evaluated and/or recruited by the Tigers. It is also just a coaching camp where hundreds of young men can pay their way to come to Baton Rouge to learn a little more football. The camps are usually big events for recruiting. At or near the last LSU football camp in June, LSU received commitments from offensive lineman Cameron Fordham, athlete Sam Gibson, defensive back Ronnie Vinson, and linebacker Justin Maclin. This camp has so far seen the commitments of defensive end Jordan Allen and projected offensive lineman Elliott Porter.

Jordan Allen is a fairly big name in recruiting circles. He is an accomplished player at arguably the primary feeder school to LSU, West Monroe High School in West Monroe, Louisiana. The 2009 class saw LSU receive a commitment from Barkevious Mingo (he of the 2009 Name of the Year Award) from West Monroe High. Sophomore offensive lineman Will Blackwell, who probably will be first or second offensive lineman off the bench for LSU this year, is also a West Monroe product.

Allen is a pretty big kid at 6'5" and over 240#. He looks like he can probably put on another 30 or more pounds to play at the next level, which may necessitate a move to the inside for him. Jordan Allen is a 4-star on both Rivals and Scout and is generally considered one of the better players in the state this year, perhaps the best. Being a West Monroe product he is going to be well-coached and technically sound. His film shows him to be solid in all respects, capable of running over players or out-quicking a bigger lineman. I would not say he shows awe-inspiring superstar potential at this point of his career. Then again, neither did tyson Jackson. If I had to compare Allen to a more recent recruit, I would compare him to Cousin Kirston or to Pep Levingston, solid in all respects but not really superlative at anything. There's nothing wrong with that as a prospect, as that sort of player can be an every-down contributor on a good team.

Allen has been a strong lean to LSU throughout the process and is choosing LSU over offers from all over the SEC, Nebraska, Michigan, and Clemson. His commitment to LSU is not a big surprise, except that many people believed he would take a few trips and commit at a later date.

Elliott Porter is a more interesting story. Porter is a product of Shaw High School in New Orleans and is listed at 6'4" and 280#. He came to the June camp as a defensive lineman. The coaches asked him to run a few drills at offensive guard and liked what they saw enough to offer him a scholarship as an offensive lineman, even though he had rarely played the position. The coaches saw potential there, though, and Porter did not have to think too long about it before he decided to commit in advance of this weekend's camp. He is listed as a 3-star on Scout and is as-yet unevaluated on Rivals. I imagine he will start out as a 3-star when he gets his evaluation.

Les Miles and offensive line coach Greg Studrawa have, of course, made a living off of converting defensive linemen to offensive linemen. In 2008, two of our starting offensive linemen were converted defensive tackles: Lyle Hitt and Joseph Barksdale. Backup guard Will Blackwell is also a converted defensive tackle. Our starting right tackle in the 2007 national championship year was a converted defensive lineman. Making this change of position is not unusual for this particular coaching staff. What is unusual is that it is happening before the player's senior year of high school.

The purpose of using a converted defensive lineman as an offensive lineman is that a defensive lineman is a high-athleticism position. Players at that position in high school are accustomed to playing quick and fast, and they often have a higher level of athleticism than their offensive counterparts. That player may go to college and find himself insufficiently athletic to contribute at defensive line but could still be a highly athletic offensive lineman. The practice of converting defensive lineman to offensive linemen gives LSU an unusually athletic offensive line. According to Poseur's analysis, the system has worked well for us.

With the Porter commitment, LSU is likely finished with offensive line recruiting for the 2010 class, unless a can't-turn-down prospect really wants to join up, which probably won't happen. Barring unforeseen circumstances, the 2010 offensive line class will be Porter at guard, Cameron Fordham at center, Evan Washington at tackle or guard, and JUCO transfer Jamarcus Hardrick at tackle. it will be an unusually small offensive line class, especially when you consider that Hardrick will be a couple classes ahead of the other guys, but the purpose is to recruit a few quality players and set up for a big haul in 2011.

What are the Strengths of the Kansas City Chiefs?

Chris Thorman — Tue, 12 May 2009 20:48:34 -0000

More photos » by Orlin Wagner - AP

7 months ago: Kansas City Chiefs defensive end Tyson Jackson (94) works out during rookie camp at the team's football practice facility in Kansas City, Mo., Sunday, May 10, 2009. (AP Photo/Orlin Wagner)

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In 2007, it was the Kansas City Chiefs' offense that struggled.

In 2008, it was the Chiefs' defense that, well, was the prevailing reason the team only won two games last year.

That begs the question of the 2009 Kansas City Chiefs: What are this team's strengths?

At first glance, there aren't many.

I'd be tempted to say the passing game with addition of Matt Cassel. But you take away the 96 catches Tony Gonzalez made last year and there isn't much left over.Our current crop of running backs is actually quite talented but will Larry Johnson turn himself around? The defense, well, the defense isn't exactly exhibiting any strong suits now.

So let's tweak this question a bit: What do you think will be the Chiefs biggest strength once 2009 is over?

With top draft picks stacking the defensive line, I think that the Chiefs, with their hybrid 3-4 defense, will see incredible improvement in the defensive trenches.

Tank Tyler, Glenn Dorsey, Tyson Jackson, Alex Magee and others have the talent to turn the Chiefs' defense into a strength again. All it will take is the proper scheme and coaching - which the Chiefs have.

No more surrendering 300 yards rushing in a game.

So what do you think? What will be the Chiefs biggest strength once 2009 is over? What part of the team is poised to make the biggest jump?

Wrapping Up the Chiefs Rookie Mini-Camp

Chris Thorman — Mon, 11 May 2009 13:04:05 -0000

More photos » by Orlin Wagner - AP

7 months ago: Kansas City Chiefs defensive linemen Alex Magee (71) and Tyson Jackson (94) talk between plays during rookie camp at the team's football practice facility in Kansas City, Mo., Saturday, May 9, 2009. (AP Photo/Orlin Wagner)

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Yesterday morning, the Kansas City Chiefs completed their 2009 rookie mini-camp. Here's a summary of what happened. Click the picture above to browse more photos from camp.

Attendees

33 (Haley actually mentions 34 at one point) players participated in the mini-camp practices over the weekend, with two practices happening on Friday and Saturday and one on Sunday in addition to work on Thursday night. 12 of those players were undrafted free agents the Chiefs signed on Thursday. 8 more of those were the Chiefs' draft picks. 6 more were first year players who were allowed to take part in the practices, along with LS Tanner Purdum and LS Thomas Gafford. Purdum was a grad assistant last year at Baker so he qualifies as a first-year player and I'm not sure why Gafford got to participate. I saw him in a mini-camp picture.

That leaves 6 players that were there without a contract on a try-out basis.

We know two of those try-outs were quarterbacks - Drew Tate and Chase Patton. Yale LB Bobby Abare was also a participant. Bob Gretz also reports on an unknown safety, unknown center and an unknown running back.

That strong safety is likely Duke's Glenn Wiliams, whose agency said he was in KC for a try out on their Twitter page. In fact, I'm sure it's him after reading his Twitter page - "Missing my graduation this weekend make a dream come true w/ the KC chiefs!!"

That unknown center may be University of Nevada's Dominic Green. I haven't found an official confirmation but I think it's pretty good. The source is from another Twitter feed.

It's possible the remaining try-out players came from our rumored UDFA list.

The Chiefs currently have 86 players on the roster and the limit is 80 players under contract. None of the Chiefs' draft picks have signed yet but they're on the roster and allowed to participate in mini-camps. That means the Chiefs have room to sign only a couple try-out players if they so chose to. Of course, once the team's draft picks start signing, there will be some roster adjustments.

Todd Haley said that the Chiefs will be making a decision today on which try-out players to keep.

The (nearly) complete list of rookie mini-camp attendees is after the jump.

Friday, May 8th - Day One Notes

Q&A with Todd Haley

Friday update from Bob Gretz

Important notes:

The players went through a mini-combine, which included height, weight, measurements, bench press, vertical jump, raw jump, and 40-yard dash
Haley repeatedly mentioned that the players' heads "were spinning"
Haley: "“First and foremost, we are trying to orientate them to what we are doing, what to expect to give them (which is) a briefing to what is in store and what is ahead of them, the conditioning, the strength portion, to give them a little taste of the system."

Saturday, May 9th - Day Two Notes

AM practice update from Bob Gretz

Q&As with Tyson Jackson, Alex Magee, Colin Brown and Ryan Succop

Q&A with Todd Haley

Important notes:

16 players were on offense and 17 were on defense
Defense came out in a 3-4 formation
Defensive line up - Tyson Jackson (LDE), Derek Lokey (NT), Alex Magee (RDE); Darrell Robertson and Pierre Walters (OLB); Jovan Belcher and Corey Smith (ILB); Donald Washington and Londen Fryan (CB); Ricky Price and an uknown player (S)
Conditioning is an issue for many of the players
The Chiefs believe 3rd round draft choice Alex Magee can play both defensive tackle and defensive end
Don't know if they have a kick returner yet

Sunday, May 10th - Day Three Notes

Practice update from Bob Gretz

Q&A with CB Donald Washington

Q&A with Todd Haley

Important notes:

The team is hoping Brodie Croyle is healthy by the start of training camp (late July)
CB Donald Washington and UDFA LB Corey Smith are both technically still in school until June so they will not be able to participate in off season training until that time
Haley is frustrated - “Like I said, it’s frustrating for me personally because you have a vision for how you want to practice and the pace at which you practice. We’re going to be a fast-paced group that gets out there and practices hard and fast and efficiently. Again, we only had 34 guys and we only had three receivers in this camp, so if we were in any multiple receiver groups those guys were going every route and they weren’t in the condition that they had to be to be able to function."
Very vocal practice from the Chiefs' coaches
Bob Gretz - "When the Chiefs went to a nickel defense, Lokey came out and was replaced by a cornerback. That had Jackson and Magee with their hands on the ground and Robertson and Walters standing up as ends."
Our main man Pierre Walters had a solid pass rush against 5th round pick OT Colin Brown
The defensive line up was the same as on Saturday

And that's a wrap on the Kansas City Chiefs off season training until May 18th, when everyone will get together for the first time. That is, everyone that wants to be at camp. The only mandatory mini-camp is June 5-7, so it's possible we may see a disgruntled veteran not show up.

For the most part, you can't look too deeply into some of these off season drills, especially with the rookies. You can't take 33 guys who have never played together, put them on the field and expect everything to run smoothly. It just isn't going to happen.

The Chiefs are working on becoming a team now and that intensity will increase when the entire team starts practicing together. Overall, you have to say that a mini-camp with no injuries or other flare ups is a success.

In addition to clicking the picture above to browse our gallery of mini-camp photos, head to the Kansas City Star and NFL.com for more.

Draft Picks	1st Year Players	UDFAs	Try-outs
DE Tyson Jackson	WR Rodney Wright	DT Dion Gales	QB Drew Tate
DT Alex Magee	G Edwin Harrison	DE Bobby Greenwood	QB Chase Patton
CB Donald Washington	LB Darrell Robertson	DB/WR Londen Fryar	LB Bobby Abare
OT Colin Brown	TE Jed Collins	LB Pierre Walters	SS Glenn Williams
RB Javarris Williams	DT Derek Lokey	WR Taurus Johnson	C Dominic Green (?)
TE Jake O'Connell	G Tavares Washington	LB Jovan Belcher	Unknown RB
K Ryan Succup	LS Tanner Purdum	OT Cameron Goldberg
WR/KR Quinten Lawrence	*LS Thomas Gafford	S Ricky Price
		LB Corey Smith
		CB Jackie Bates
		TE Tom Crabtree
		G Darryl Harris

*Not sure why Thomas Gafford was at the rookie mini-camp. He's been on practice squads since 2006 so it probably has something to do with the technical designation of being a first-year player.

More Photos From This Weekend's Chiefs Rookie Mini-Camp

Chris Thorman — Sun, 10 May 2009 15:14:20 -0000

via static.nfl.com

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NFL.com has a gallery up with more pictures of the 2009 Kansas City Chiefs rookie mini-camp.

Click here to check them out.

Photos From Today's Chiefs Rookie Mini-Camp

Chris Thorman — Sat, 09 May 2009 20:52:45 -0000

More photos » by Orlin Wagner - AP

7 months ago: Kansas City Chiefs coach Todd Haley watches over a morning workout during rookie camp at the team's football practice facility in Kansas City, Mo., Saturday, May 9, 2009. (AP Photo/Orlin Wagner)

Browse more photos »

Click on the picture to browse the gallery of today's Kansas City Chiefs' rookie mini-camp happening at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City, MO.