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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
He could easily run up the list of my favorite players on this team. He looks smart and beastly already. Super impressed and nothing like a Center who can dominate. [Reply]
Originally Posted by RealSNR:
So I knew Creed was left handed, but I had no idea about that conversation Andy had with him where Creed volunteered to switch hands and Andy told him no
Trust Andy with my life. But it's still surprising. Less about creed, more about what happens if you have to pull a backup who snaps righty in during a game. [Reply]
Originally Posted by lewdog:
He could easily run up the list of my favorite players on this team. He looks smart and beastly already. Super impressed and nothing like a Center who can dominate.
I agree. And did anyone shed a little tear hearing Mahomes yell "call it" during the game? The leadership on such a young qb is off the charts. He's going to learn the game super quick but it also helps to have a qb who knows how to push him along the way. Lamar wouldn't have even known there was anything to call. [Reply]
Originally Posted by smithandrew051:
He was a great pick, but Trey Smith was an absolute heist
I’ll have to take your word for it and familiarize myself with Trey Smith. I’m just stoked at the possibility of having our best center since Rodney Hudson. [Reply]
Originally Posted by PunkinDrublic:
I’ll have to take your word for it and familiarize myself with Trey Smith. I’m just stoked at the possibility of having our best center since Rodney Hudson.
By all reports Smith is flat out dominating right now and could end up being the steal of the draft considering we got him in the 6th round. [Reply]
