Prospects to Pros: Michael Penix, Blake Corum, and the rest of the NFL prospects who stood out in the CFP semifinals
Jan 3, 2024
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They delve into the standout performances of NFL prospects in the CFP semifinals, focusing on Washington quarterback Michael Penix and his impressive playing style. They analyze the performance of other players, including a talented pass rusher and a disappointing wide receiver. They discuss decision-making, strengths, and weaknesses of football players and highlight players to watch in the upcoming draft and all-star games.
The Michigan offense focuses on game control and ground game, utilizing tight bunch formations and misdirection to create defensive conflict.
Michael Penix Jr. demonstrates supreme arm confidence, aggressiveness in downfield throws, and excels in high-pressure situations.
Braylon Trice showcases his pass-rushing abilities with clear plans of attack and disruptive performance against Washington.
Deep dives
The Michigan offense controls the game with their ground attack
The Michigan offense, led by quarterback JJ McCarthy, focuses on game control and establishing the ground game. They use a variety of tight bunch formations, misdirection, and play design to force the defense into conflict. McCarthy may not be relied upon heavily as a passer, but when called upon, he makes clutch throws. Running back Blake Corum shines with his urgent decision-making, ability to pair his eyes with his feet, and finding blockers to create difficulty for tacklers. The Michigan offense, well-coached and executed, aims to wear down the Washington defense.
Quarterback Michael Penix Jr. showcases his skills in victory over Texas
Michael Penix Jr., the Washington quarterback, puts on a stellar performance against Texas. He displays supreme arm confidence, aggressive downfield throws, and the ability to move from the pocket under pressure. Penix shows up and plays his best when the stakes are high, making him a player worth watching from an evaluators standpoint. While he has shown inconsistencies throughout his college career, his ability to thrive in crucial moments is impressive. The Washington offense, with its talented receivers and strong offensive line, provides Penix with the support he needs to excel.
Braylon Trice shines as a pass rusher for Texas
Braylon Trice, a pass rusher for Texas, has a standout game against Washington. With heavy and violent hands, he shows a clear plan of attack, winning with leverage and displaying quickness and strength. Trice's performance proves that tape analysis is important, even if he may not test well at the combine. He exhibits the potential to be a top 50 prospect, showcasing his ability to disrupt the opposing offense.
Blake Corum stands out as a three-down back for Michigan
Blake Corum, the Michigan running back, impresses with his decision-making, ability to find his blockers, and making it difficult for tacklers to bring him down. His body strength, focus, and urgency on the field make him a versatile three-down back. Corum may not have a lot of catches in his resume, but he shows natural catching ability. His compact size and burrowing ability make him effective in short-yardage situations. Corum has the potential to be a third-round pick and a valuable asset as part of an NFL backfield.
Michigan and Washington offer a clash of well-coached teams in the national championship game
The national championship game between Michigan and Washington promises a showdown between two well-coached teams. Michigan's offense aims for game control and establishes the ground game to wear down the Washington defense. The matchup will test quarterback Michael Penix Jr., who has proven to perform well in high-pressure situations. The game will also showcase the talents of Michigan's stout defensive line against Washington's explosive offense. With both teams offering a plethora of NFL talent, the national championship game is shaping up to be a highly anticipated clash of strategic and skilled football.
Michigan and Washington advanced to the CFP National Championship Game with wins in the semifinals on New Year's Day. They did it on the strength of individual performances from players who will be in the 2024 NFL Draft, most notably Washington quarterback Michael Penix. Nate Tice and Dane Brugler dig into those performances, and take a quick look ahead to the championship game, on this episode of The Athletic Football Show's Prospects to Pros.