Originally Posted by :
Humphrey grew up watching the Sooners and wrestling like his father, Chad, who grappled at the University of Central Oklahoma. The first-team all-state pick at Shawnee High School redshirted in 2017 before taking over the starting center spot in 12 of 14 games played in 2018, when he earned Freshman All-American and honorable mention All-Big 12 honors while helping the front five win the Joe Moore Award as the nation's top offensive line. Humphrey sat out spring 2019 practices due to injury but was ready for the fall, garnering Rimington Trophy finalist, second-team Associated Press All-American and Big 12 Co-Offensive Lineman of the Year accolades as a 14-game starter. The 2020 team captain and 11-game starter was named a third-team AP All-American, Big 12 Offensive Lineman of the Year and first-team all-conference center as a junior. He accepted an invitation to the Senior Bowl. -- by Chad Reuter
Overview
Savvy, game-wise center with below-average length, good core strength and a full slate of intangibles desired at that position. Humphrey is praised inside the building for his outstanding leadership and having the recognition to make all the calls up front. He's more of a positional blocker than fork-lifter but has the core strength to neutralize and stalemate blockers at the point of attack. He's not a plus athlete but he's athletic enough as a move blocker, with the ability to work his feet into position to finish blocks after contact. He plays with a nasty streak when needed, which will appeal to offensive line coaches, but his overall profile might be more "steady" than "star." Humphrey is a solid, safe selection and should become a longtime starter.
Strengths
Three-year starter and two-year team captain.
Undeniable team leader and tough individual.
Wrestling background is evident in core strength.
Strong hands help maintain base block.
Looks to work hands into position after losing battle early.
Swings hips into position to seal the block.
Fluid footwork for short-pull game.
Finishes blocks with good intensity.
Technique to trap and pancake leaning nose.
Hands in punch were tighter and more accurate at Senior Bowl.
Helps with cleanup when teammates' protection gets leaky.
Capable in recovery mode.
Weaknesses
Very short arms for his size, allowing defenders to get shots into his frame.
Longer defenders separate and discard him.
Will give some early ground against strong bull rush.
Occasional drift against twisting fronts.
Susceptible against push-pull specialists.
Snap-to-step lateral quickness is average.
Doesn't generate noticeable push as a drive blocker at point of attack.
Gets a little grabby through contact on the move.
Sources Tell Us
"He was the best offensive lineman on the team when they won the Joe Moore Award (best offensive line in college football) and that line had everybody drafted, which speaks volumes for his ability." -- Southwest area scout for AFC team
Originally Posted by JakeF:
The interior of our Oline is only going to get better. Having a power running game will fit really well if we would just do it.
Why? It's not important that we have a RB that can plow people.
Just one that can get plus yards. Why would plowing people be better?
The type of back doesn't have to match the physicality of the offensive line. Emmitt Smith wasn't a 'power back'. Priest Holmes was not a 'power back'.
We just need to commit to the run more. 55/45 pass/run. Just do it. Sometimes it won't look awesome, but it WILL open things up in the passing game, especially late in the game. [Reply]
Originally Posted by Chris Meck:
Why? It's not important that we have a RB that can plow people.
Just one that can get plus yards. Why would plowing people be better?
The type of back doesn't have to match the physicality of the offensive line. Emmitt Smith wasn't a 'power back'. Priest Holmes was not a 'power back'.
We just need to commit to the run more. 55/45 pass/run. Just do it. Sometimes it won't look awesome, but it WILL open things up in the passing game, especially late in the game.
Really?
A power running game wears down a defense. A power back will get that extra 2/3 yards even after contact. A good power back can makes the play-action pass really dangerous.
It doesn't mean we can't use Gore/Williams too. When a Defensive line really pinches down though, a bigger power back can still blow it up. [Reply]
A power running game wears down a defense. A power back will get that extra 2/3 yards even after contact. A good power back can makes the play-action pass really dangerous.
It doesn't mean we can't use Gore/Williams too. When a Defensive line really pinches down though, a bigger power back can still blow it up.
How big a back do you want? I mean it's not like 250 pound backs that run 4.5 grow on trees.
The size of the back has little to do with having a power running game; the line does.
We have two 220 lb. backs right now. That's plenty stout. we don't need a lumbering fat-ass. [Reply]
A power running game wears down a defense. A power back will get that extra 2/3 yards even after contact. A good power back can makes the play-action pass really dangerous.
It doesn't mean we can't use Gore/Williams too. When a Defensive line really pinches down though, a bigger power back can still blow it up.
Christian Okoye has an autographed 8x10 for you. [Reply]
You know what wears a defense down? Trey Smith pancacking motherfuckers. Humphrey bullying your ass. Thuney just walling you out of the play. Orlando Brown coming downhill at you, all 340 pounds of him, all game long.
Not a lumbering 250 pound running back.
'power back' shmower back.
We can debate the need for a BETTER running back, but not that we need a BIGGER running back.
And at the moment, I like what we saw from Gore, Williams is dependable though unspectacular, and who knows if CEH will ever be the LSU CEH again.
But no, I don't think we need a larger than 220 pound RB. [Reply]
Originally Posted by Chris Meck:
You know what wears a defense down? Trey Smith pancacking motherfuckers. Humphrey bullying your ass. Thuney just walling you out of the play. Orlando Brown coming downhill at you, all 340 pounds of him, all game long.
Not a lumbering 250 pound running back.
'power back' shmower back.
We can debate the need for a BETTER running back, but not that we need a BIGGER running back.
And at the moment, I like what we saw from Gore, Williams is dependable though unspectacular, and who knows if CEH will ever be the LSU CEH again.
But no, I don't think we need a larger than 220 pound RB.
Perfectly reasonable sentiments, of course
But imagine a world where we have this line, Reid is a run heavy guy... and we had someone like Henry back there
