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JT Daniels turned so many easy TDs into 40-yard gains in 2020. At first, it looked like an arm strength issue. After going back and watching nearly every throw from 2020 and some from USC, it's not an arm issue at all. It's 100% a lower body mechanics issue.
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I was high on JTD going into & coming out of his first year at USC. Even though he was flawed. A lot of people, that I now realize might be smarter than me, told me he wasn't it. Covering UGA for @DevyWatch, I'm forced to go back & rewatch all their games. Here's what I noticed.
On his deeper throws, Daniels' front leg is locked when it hits the ground, all of his weight is on his back leg, and his upper body is leaning back. He can't transfer his weight so he ends up pushing himself up on his toes.
For comparison, look at Trevor throwing a deep ball.
For comparison, look at Trevor throwing a deep ball.
Here's some video evidence. Jermaine Burton is open by 3 yards, but Daniels under throws it because he pushes himself up so far that he's not on the ground at all when he lets it go. Ball just dies in mid air.
Here's another example, not as bad but still underthrown some. Burton has the DB stacked so he's able to adjust to it with no issues.
It's not every deep throw though, here's one of his better follow throughs and Burton is able to accelerate through the catch point.
Here's one that inexcusable vs Cincy in the bowl game. Speedster Arian Smith is open by almost 10 yards at one point on this route, but he doesn't score because he has to stop and wait on this ball to come down.
Here's one of the better looking motions from Daniels in the bowl game. Again, it's not every time, but it's a big inconsistency.
Here he is totally confusing one of the best ball trackers in college football. Another ball that just dies mid air and comes free-falling to the ground.
It's just so confusing to me why he can't get this kind of leg whip in his follow through on deeper throws.
Ball security has been an issue going back to USC as well. Moving around the pocket with one hand on the ball like this is just asking for trouble.
I believe this was on the very next series.
I finished JTD's profile for our #devy guide this week. There's a 50/50 mix of good & bad with him, and it's way to much for a single PDF page. His arm talent is so good that he's prolly never had to worry about his lower body mechanics. Have to wonder if it's too late to change.
