*** Last night, I had an opportunity to see some real football again. Games are a full go in Illinois, so I made my way over to Evanston (Ill.) Township to see Rivals250 linebacker Sebastian Cheeks. As I've reported over the last couple of weeks, Michigan has ramped up its efforts with Cheeks. Even Will Johnson reaffirmed today that the staff has communicated with him that Cheeks is the top guy on the linebacker board. While many have pegged Cheeks to land at Notre Dame, Michigan is a school he's always liked. Cheeks plans to make summer official visits before pulling the trigger, and Michigan will get one. I will have more intel on Cheeks' recruitment in Into The Blue on Monday.
*** Let's just focus on Cheeks the player for tonight. I had a chance to see Cheeks on three separate occasions this offseason (two camps and one private workout), but this was my first time seeing him in pads. The first thing that stands out to me about Cheeks is his build. He has a great lower half with a muscular upper half. The frame is there for him to get thicker and add more weight. Right now, he has a bit of a beach bod. Of course, that's not a bad thing. Cheeks is an athletic specimen that can play multiple spots at the next level. He's extremely athletic and looked good in space. He also had a couple of nice runs while playing running back.
*** However, Cheeks was used almost exclusively as an edge rusher. Maine (Ill.) South spent the majority of the first half simply avoiding Cheeks or reading him. Cheeks was assigned quarterback a lot and punished him even when he handed off or pitched. I loved the physical nature and violence that he brought to the table. Cheeks did end up recording a few tackles in the second half and also made a great backside tackle that resulted in a fumble. I do think Cheeks needs to use his hands better — he was engaged for too long at times when coming off the edge. However, I don't think Cheeks is going to be a pass rusher at the next level. I see him as more of an inside guy that will have outside guy flexibility.
*** Cheeks is a smart kid in the classroom and that transitions over on the field. He did a nice job of recognizing what the offense was trying to accomplish and helping his teammates make adjustments. When he made an error, Cheeks corrected it immediately. He's very coachable and showed some great intangibles i.e. leadership and willingness to block while lining up at running back. Cheeks is definitely a high floor player, but he also has enough upside to be excited about him as a potential difference maker. I'm a big Cheeks fan as both a player and person and think he'll be a multi-year starter as well as a quality student at the next level.
*** Let's just focus on Cheeks the player for tonight. I had a chance to see Cheeks on three separate occasions this offseason (two camps and one private workout), but this was my first time seeing him in pads. The first thing that stands out to me about Cheeks is his build. He has a great lower half with a muscular upper half. The frame is there for him to get thicker and add more weight. Right now, he has a bit of a beach bod. Of course, that's not a bad thing. Cheeks is an athletic specimen that can play multiple spots at the next level. He's extremely athletic and looked good in space. He also had a couple of nice runs while playing running back.
*** However, Cheeks was used almost exclusively as an edge rusher. Maine (Ill.) South spent the majority of the first half simply avoiding Cheeks or reading him. Cheeks was assigned quarterback a lot and punished him even when he handed off or pitched. I loved the physical nature and violence that he brought to the table. Cheeks did end up recording a few tackles in the second half and also made a great backside tackle that resulted in a fumble. I do think Cheeks needs to use his hands better — he was engaged for too long at times when coming off the edge. However, I don't think Cheeks is going to be a pass rusher at the next level. I see him as more of an inside guy that will have outside guy flexibility.
*** Cheeks is a smart kid in the classroom and that transitions over on the field. He did a nice job of recognizing what the offense was trying to accomplish and helping his teammates make adjustments. When he made an error, Cheeks corrected it immediately. He's very coachable and showed some great intangibles i.e. leadership and willingness to block while lining up at running back. Cheeks is definitely a high floor player, but he also has enough upside to be excited about him as a potential difference maker. I'm a big Cheeks fan as both a player and person and think he'll be a multi-year starter as well as a quality student at the next level.
