What does a Cornerback look like? How can you tell
that one kid will be better suited to play this role than another kid?
Here is what I look for when I
sample Defensive Back talent
Technique
I
always start with technique at the CB position, because I want to target
prospects that have some polish to their game. Watch their footwork and watch
their hands, Check the quickness and athletic ability to open their hips and
run. You want to see a clean “plant and
drive” or break on the ball, a corner that can “mirror” the release of a
WR, and maintain initial leverage. Remember… if they are sloppy with their technique
in practice that is what you are going to get on Game Night. You don't have
time to waste trying to coach up technique to get a Sloppy player ready to
play.
Speed
and “Recovery” Speed
CB is a stopwatch position. You need to get a 40-time on all of your
corners. However, you must also apply that to the game tape. If you have a 4.5
guy, do you see that speed on tape? Check out how the kid plays the top
of the vertical route tree (corner, post, fade) and see if it matches up
with his 40-time. It is one thing to run a 4.5 (or even 4.4) but if you don’t
see it translate to the field, this is a problem. A 4.6 guy can play like a guy
who has 4.4 speed if he has solid technique, understands WR splits and their inherent route combinations and
plays through the initial release. Bottom line: don’t be sold on 40-time alone
with the CB position.
Press Coverage:
I
don’t see a ton of press-coverage in the High School game and when I do, the
technique is average at best. Think about this: these kids should have to play
press-coverage to take away the slant and the fade on the goal line,
the 3-step game in blitz-man and vs. a stack or bunch look. Do they punch with
the proper hand (outside hand vs. inside release, inside hand vs. outside
release), slide their feet and cut off the initial stem of the receiver?
Playing from a press-look isn’t about being the toughest guy on the field
(although I can dig it). Instead, it is about playing with the proper technique
and killing the route on the release.
Finish
the Play
My
main focus when watching practices last year was seeing if the CBs wanted to
compete in one-on-ones. And part of that is making the play on the football.
PBU’s (passes broken up) are nice—and do end drives—but you want CBs that
finish the play and force turnovers. That translates to wins in any league and
you want to find CBs that come up with INTs. Elite CBs in high school often
don’t see much action throughout the season and offenses can scheme away from
them because of the wide numbers on the field, but keep an eye on their
“finish” when they drive on a route.
Tackling:
You
have to tackle in our league and there is no such thing as a “weakside or field
corner”. No other way to say it, because every defense carries Cover 2
in their game plans and when a WR “cracks” or stems inside to
the safety, the CB must then replace the safety in the run front. Do they wrap
up or do they ankle dive at the ball carriers legs with their heads down? Are
they physical and willing to attack the line of scrimmage? Plus, can they play
from an off-man position, drive on the slant, the out or the one-step “smoke”
route and make the tackle in space? I played for coaches in college (read Dick
Tomey) that wouldn’t allow a CB to even step on the field if they went into a shell
when the ball carrier pressed the edge of the defense. You can’t play soft with
the big boys so find out if your prospects want to hit.
Have a Bad Day All Day!!!
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