Keep checking back for more scouting reports as more portal prospects find new homes.
Bula Schmidt – IOL
2022 Team: Fresno State
2023 Team: UCF
Adequate size on the shorter end at 6’1, 294 lbs. A very balanced and athletic competitor who plays from a low base. Has good bend through his hips and knees, allowing him to stay in his legs. He explodes his hips and hands well at the point of attack to win good leverage. Keeps hands inside his defender’s shoulders, allowing him to maintain his one-on-one blocks. He has very good initial quickness, moving with suddenness and fast steps to get into position once he snaps. Very mobile all around, able to slide laterally to assist on blocks. His mobility and body control also enable him to move downfield well and secure blocks in the second level. He plays physically, looking to punish the opponent every down.
Struggles with head-on power rushes and lacks the anchor strength in pass-sustaining situations when facing a much larger DT. Overall, Schmidt’s athleticism and mobility as an offensive lineman set him apart. He has much better body control and quickness than most which allows him to keep up when twitchy defenders rush. His competitiveness and good technique enable him to be an effective blocker. Schmidt is committed to UCF where he will fight for a starting spot. At the very least, he brings a great amount of experience to UCF as a second-in-line depth player.
https://twitter.com/FS_Eddietor/status/1584052592367149057
Steven’s Projection:
Multi-year starter with Fresno that will likely enter the season as UCF’s starting center. He brings multiple years experience and has the hip mobility you’d like to see out of your center. His experience and physical talents will help anchor their line and bring some more consistent play out of their offense. Having a center with his talents and background will help UCF as they look to compete in the Big 12 next year.
Shadeed Ahmed – WR
2022 Team: Marshall
2023 Team: Texas State
Solid size at 6’0, 174 lbs. Has a quick release and long strides that propel him through the stem of his routes. Light on his feet to cut sharply and create separation when breaking his route. Good, soft hands to secure the ball at its high point. Dangerous downhill speed with the ball in his hands as he has very good burst up the field and through seams. Good elusiveness to make defenders miss and extend plays. Also a willing blocker on run plays or screen passes, using physical and fast hand popping to fend off cornerbacks from making the tackle.
Ahmed saw limited action at Marshall last year despite starting every game. He only accumulated 16 catches and one score in 13 games. He is not a guy that is going to make highly contested catches or win vertically on 50-50 balls. However, he is a solid all-around player that will consistently get open and burst downfield to gain yards after the catch. His sharp cuts allow him to get open frequently, making him an easy, open target in crossing routes. Committed to Texas State, Ahmed will hope to be given the ball more so he can flash his skillset and be a larger contributor. He has the natural abilities to be a good player and starter at receiver for Texas State.
More Sports News
https://twitter.com/CamMellor/status/1571295054177632256
Steven’s Projection:
An athletic G5 player that just never put it together. His biggest issue is the mental aspect of the game- his athleticism is definitely there. Would like to see Texas State use him less on the outside as an X and Z and turn him into a slot, gadget-type receiver that can create separation using his athleticism and be the go-to guy on screens and end arounds. His football IQ just doesn’t seem to be there to be the top guy on the team and with Texas State reloading their roster I think they’ll have the options to make him more of a specialist than the guy you rely on. Definitely makes the team better, just not going to be the all-star for the team.
Austin Keys – LB
2022 Team: Ole Miss
2023 Team: Auburn
Good size at 6’2, 245 lbs. A very twitchy, instinctual player who is able to quickly diagnose plays and react accordingly. Plays from a low position with very good overall play speed. He has very good quickness to pursue the play and cover sideline to sideline. He takes good angles and can accelerate to close on the ball carrier efficiently. Can bend around the edge to get into the backfield with a speed blitz. Good change of direction allows him to make open-field tackles.
Gets lost sometimes in man coverage and relies on his closing speed to recover lost ground. Not an overly physical player and usually has to utilize his finesse and technique to make plays. Overall, Keys has the makings to be a very effective LB for a Power 5 program. His instincts and play reading allow him to diagnose plays while his speed and athleticism allow him to quickly get involved in the play. He has great effort and strain on every play, an all-around competitor. Keys appeared in 12 games and was a solid contributor to Ole Miss. He will bring his experience and skillset to Auburn next year which definitely needs help in the linebacker room.
https://twitter.com/RussNFLDraft/status/1460796166220795910
Steven’s Projection:
Keys likely was on a path to start at Ole Miss next year given the amount of snaps he got in the two years prior. He should start for Auburn next year with no issue. He plays stronger than he is and has the mental and physical toughness you like to see out of your linebackers given the beatings they can take in a game. I’d like to see his mental processing take a step forward this year but he’s got a solid base to work with and should be a solid starter for the Tigers next year.
Elijah Collins – RB
2022 Team: Michigan State
2023 Team: Oklahoma State
Good size at 6’1, 225 lbs. A powerful runner with good burst upfield. Light on his feet when sliding laterally. Solid vision and patience, waiting for running lanes to open before employing good suddenness and acceleration through them. Plays physically, a true competitor who doesn’t shy away from contact. Lowers his shoulder into the traffic to push for extra yards through contact. Able to use his physicality and size to be a successful blocker in the passing game, as he can pick up and anchor against the rush to protect his quarterback. Also a reliable receiving threat out of the backfield with sure hands.
Collins had a monster second year with the Spartans before his career became derailed from injuries and Covid-19. He was able to once again make an impact this season, though, becoming a top back for the Spartans by the end with 6 touchdowns. Collins is a solid player in every aspect. He doesn’t provide elite speed or twitch, but he gets the job done with good burst through holes, experienced vision/patience, and an aggressive downhill running style. He is a reliable back who will consistently pick up 4-5 yards every play and can be used to power the ball into the endzone on the goal line. He will look to build on his strong comeback this season in his final year of eligibility which he will play at Oklahoma State.
https://twitter.com/CFBONFOX/status/1576300722106220544
Steven’s Projection:
Collins is the type of player the portal was designed to help- he won the starting job before Tucker’s staff came to town then had a rough bout with injuries and struggled during the 2020 season with some long Covid symptoms. He’s definitely a Power 5 talent and has handled his situation with class. I’d expect him to earn the starting role with OSU and finally return to form- I like him for about 800 yards and 6 TDs during his last season of eligibility where he needs to prove to NFL scouts he’s still worth a look.
