I was able to watch Mannie Netherly work at the Rivals Camp Series event in Dallas this past spring, and honestly, he didn't turn in a performance that I think is representative of his talent or potential. The conditions that day weren't great for passing/catching as it was uncharacteristically cold and windy. He did take a lot of 1-on-1 reps, however, and I think at the end of the day he showed that his value as a receiver is definitely going to be more as a vertical threat.
He didn't do a great job of breaking press with his hands at the line of scrimmage or run exceptionally crisp routes, but that's fine when you consider what you're getting in him as far as his physical tools. He has a long frame that can carry more muscle, and he's already a well-built player. He is a track guy too, so he's going to bring the speed. When you consider his flaws are stuff that's coachable vs. his positives fall heavily on the genetic side of things, you gotta be excited about what he brings to the table.
He worked at QB this spring for his high school team, so it's a little disappointing that it seems he won't be getting much work at WR this fall. If Crosby didn't have anyone to throw it to him, though, then it wouldn't have mattered anyway. I'm sure we'll be seeing plenty of highlights from him by virtue of the fact that he'll have the ball in his hands every play.
When you're talking about genetics, Jhamon Ausbon won the genetic lottery x1000. He is as impressive looking a guy as I have ever seen since working at rivals. He is so muscled-up that I think it costs him some speed, but he also looks like he has 60' vertical jump flat-footed. When I saw him most recently a few months ago at the Bootlegger Invitational 7v7 event, I may have been looking at him with an over-critical eye just because of how physically dominant he looks compared to just about anyone else. He did have a couple of drops and seemed to kind of float through stretches of games, but when he chooses to turn it on, he can be every bit as incredible as you would expect.
On a side note, 4-Star safety Grant Delpit is going to announce his commitment at The Opening Finals in a few weeks, and I think Ausbon's commitment could give LSU a pretty good boost in the chances for landing him. I tend to think he is a Clemson lean, but LSU was always in his Top 3 and this could be a difference maker.
Have a great rest of your weekend!
