Signing Day Breakdown Part 1: Wide Receivers
This is one part of a multi-part series where we here at Blue-Turf.com will take a closer look at the Boise State 2017 recruiting class. Blue Turf recruiting analysts will breakdown Boise's recruits position by position to help us learn more about these newest members of the Bronco family.
Wide Receiver was a point of emphasis for Boise State this recruiting cycle and the Broncos came away with three talented players. Out of the group, Cartrell Thomas was committed the longest, giving his verbal pledge back in the fall. The other two, Octavius Evans and Damon Cole, both committed in January on their official visits the last weekend before Signing Day. These recruits all share some common traits including all being leaders on their respective teams, possessing dynamic play-making ability on offense, and they all have the potential to be a factor in the return game. Overall, the Broncos added three players and even though two were late in the process, all are talented enough to find the field sooner rather than later.
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Coach’s Quote: Cartrell is a player, bottom line. He was our leader and the jump-starter for the offense. We played him at outside receiver even though he’s a bit small. He’s a great route runner who tracks the ball well and has great leaping ability, plus he’s strong enough to block. He played CB due to injuries and was also the holder on special teams. He loves to be out there, doesn’t matter if it’s a game or practice. There are not enough drills or routes for him, always working on something. He’s a family-orientated person, a big mentor to our young kids. As soon as he learns the offense, they won't be able to keep him off the field. I know he will play as a true freshman, you heard it here first. – Chris Gilbert, head coach at Lancaster.
Blue Turf Take: The two words that come to mind when viewing this film are diverse and dynamic. Cartrell is not just a player who beats guys making moves in space, although he does that successfully. He also displays efficient route-running. On deep balls, he uses his speed but he also wins numerous jump balls. This shows he is more of a complete receiver than a “one-trick pony” type. Being able to do both will prevent defenses from keying in on him for only short routes or screens. While he probably won’t run as many go routes in college, he can be effective running slant routes and using his quickness to slip defenders and find the opening. Once he catches the ball, he is elusive and will make players miss.
Coach’s Quote: He caught 77 balls this year for 1085 yds and had 7 TD for us offensively and on Defense he had 64 tackles 3 TFLs 1FR and 1 INT. He was a team caption for us, he was THE leader on our football team and THE player we went to when we needed a big play. Octavius would run routes at the end of practice just as hard as at the beginning of practice. He set the tone. I think he has a quiet leadership quality that exudes confidence. His calm demeanor influences those players and students around him to perform at his level. He has exceptional character on and off the field. He still pushes to perform at the highest level, even when injured or physically exhausted and sometimes us as a coaching staff have a hard time teaching him to pull back or not push himself as much. – John McGarvey, offensive coordinator at Center.
Blue Turf Take: The first thing that pops out on tape is Octavius is a big target. He has long arms and big hands that allow him to have a wide catch radius and get to balls even when they aren’t quite on target. He also uses his big frame well when shielding defensive backs in order to put himself in a position to make the catch. Along with this, he makes great adjustments to the ball and beats his man to the spot. Evans lines up in multiple positions and is difficult to bring down after the catch. He will win the majority of his 1 on 1 battles.
Coach’s Quote: Damon is a great athlete, long arms and great vision on the field. Teams wouldn’t kick his way on kickoffs. He was a three year varsity player who made a huge jump the summer before his junior year. A big part of that was him challenging himself by scrimmaging against college players with his 7v7 team. Always a positive guy smiling ear to ear every day. Not an “I” guy, all about the team and a great role model to the young players. A man of the people. He didn't grow up in the easiest place but he endured and comes from a great family and he's surrounded by love. He's going to represent the team and community well. He'll need to become more physical and get stronger, improve his route running and find pockets in the defense. He will need to create opportunities and build relationships with the guys on offense and find a role to excel in early on. – Kenny Kahn, head coach at El Cerrito.
Blue Turf Take: Damon is a threat to score or make a big play every time the ball is in his hands. Whether he is a return or on offense, he uses his speed to create separation from the opposition. As he refines his technique and route-running, he will become even more dangerous. It’s easy to see why he was being recruited as a defender as well, as he is always around the ball and isn’t afraid to be physical. Those traits will carry over nicely to receiver. If he gets behind the secondary, they won’t be able to catch up to him.
