Carson Strong showed what makes him a top QB prospect in Nevada’s 22-17 win over Cal.
Let’s look at him and the other prospects in this game.
CAL GOLDEN BEARS
7 QB Chase Garbers Sr 6-2 225
Garbers doesn’t have a huge arm and is a statue in the pocket. When he gets in rhythm, he can be an accurate passer. Against Nevada, Garbers was 25/38 for 177 yards and one TD. He threw one interception and was sacked twice.
85 TE Jake Tonges Sr 6-5 240
Tonges is a strong blocker and usually a nice threat in the red zone. Unfortunately for Cal, Tonges was involved much in the passing game. He was only targeted three times, with one catch for four yards.
53 C Michael Saffell Sr 6-2 290
Saffell did not play.
8 LB Kuony Deng Sr 6-6 220
Deng is the leader of the defense for Cal. He has a huge wingspan and is a terrific athlete. Deng can make an impact dropping into zone coverage. He finished the Nevada game with three tackles (one solo).
19 LB Cameron Goode Sr 6-4 240
Goode isn’t as good as his teammate Kuony Deng, but he still makes plays. Goode had three tackles (two solos) in the game.
3 S Elijah Hicks Sr 5-11 200
Hicks has a nice range in centerfield and is a solid tackler. He made for tackles against the Wolfpack (three solos).
37 P Jamieson Sheahan Sr 6-0 205
Sheahan punted five times against Nevada for a subpar 39.8-yards.
NEVADA WOLFPACK
12 QB Carson Strong 6’4 220
Carson Strong is one of my favorite QB prospects in this class. He has a huge arm and quick release. Strong made multiple “NFL-level” throws in this game. Throws from the far hash across the field. For as much as I love about Strong’s game, he is not without warts. He is fairly immobile in and outside of the pocket. Strong can hold onto the ball too long leading o unnecessary sacks. His one interception he left hanging down the sideline. Against Cal, he was 22/39 for 312 yards and two touchdowns. He was sacked twice. Seven of his throws were dropped. If Strong is throwing from a clean pocket, I will put his skillset against any other QB in this class. Unfortunately, that isn’t always going to happen.
Carson Strong had a second opposite hash deep ball dime. pic.twitter.com/FuISOAgzI0
— Cory (@realcorykinnan) September 5, 2021
35 RB Toa Taua 5-9 210
Taua is not a breakaway threat. If you need three yards, he will get you three yards. If you need eight yards, Taua will get you three yards. He is good in pass pro and offers a nice safety valve for his QB. Taua finished the Cal game with 12 touches for 59 yards.
4 WR Elijah Cooks 6-4 215
Cooks missed all of last season with an injury. He is a terrific route runner. Cooks was targeted seven times but only caught two for 23 yards. One of his catches was a score.
7 WR Romeo Doubs 6-2 200
Doubs explodes onto the scene a year ago. He is a true deep threat with great hands. Doubs is explosive with punt return versatility. He had one return 37 yards. Doubs was targeted eight times by his QB, catching six of them for 83 yards and a touchdown.
19 TE Cole Turner 6-6 240
Turner is a big target and a good athlete. He made a great twisting catch over the middle. Turner does have the occasional concentration lapse that results in dropped passes. He dropped at least two that I saw. Against Cal, Turner was targeted 11 times, catching the ball seven times for 75 yards. This could be a down tight end class which should give him the chance to move up the board.
65 OT Aaron Frost 6-5 310
Frost is the right tackle for the Wolfpack. He has a wide frame with long arms. Frost is strong as an ox. He had one holding call against him in this game.
55 C Tyler Orsini 6-2 295
The night was fairly uneventful for Orsini. I didn’t see him get into trouble but nothing stood out either.
1 CB Berdale Robbins 5-9 170
Robbins has good closing speed. He was flagged for pass interference on a back shoulder fade. Robbins finished with three solo tackles.
99 DL Dom Peterson 6-0 285
Peterson lines up all over the defensive line for Nevada. He is listed at 285 but looks much heavier than that. Peterson had two tackles against Cal.
30 LB Lawson Hall 6-0 235
Lawson Hall had three tackles (two solos) including a tremendous open field stop against Cal’s 240-pound running back.