*** I got my first look at three-star 2022 Apple Valley (Calif.) High quarterback commit Jayden Denegal at a private workout with quarterback trainer Danny Hernandez, who works with some of the top signal-callers on the West Coast. Denegal went through the route tree and took some deep shots to end the workout. Denegal looked fluid going through the tree. Everything came out clean and the same with a few exceptions. From a mechanical standpoint, Denegal doesn't have too much to clean up — though he can still work on his feet in the pocket and release. Denegal uses his lower body to get the most out of his throws and impressed when rifling in passes on intermediate routes. Denegal appears to really excel in quick game and is fast processor.
*** Denegal has the arms strength, but I'm not sure he knows exactly how to use it. While his mechanics were crisp, he still let some balls get away from him. He needs to work on his control as well as his touch. Some of his throws could have been more impressive if he added arc as opposed to throwing bullets, especially on his deep balls. Denegal will only continue to add power. He has a big frame at 6-foot-4, 217 pounds and looks good at the weight. Cutting some bad weight was a focus this offseason, and he's done just that. Michigan will build him up and add muscle.
*** With the hiring of Matt Weiss, Michigan made a concerted effort to go after threat quarterbacks. While Denegal doesn't fit the profile or show much mobility on film, the weight loss should allow him to utilize his legs more often. Denegal made some nice throws today while rolling out of the pocket and told me that he wanted to be more of a dual-threat as a senior. Denegal has the athletic profile to be a guy that can pick up chunk yards when needed and run some designed quarterback powers in short yardage situations. I wouldn't be surprised if Denegal plays at around 240 at the next level. I said Byron Leftwich was a lazy comparison, so I'll go with another former Jags quarterback — David Garrard, who had an excellent career at ECU.
*** Overall, Denegal is a prospect I want to see more of. I could only get so much out of the private workout. Seeing the way he moves, his decision making and improved ball placement/touch will be key when I return to Los Angeles for a game evaluation in the fall. At this point, I would keep him where he is and rate him as a 5.7 just like Rivals. With JJ McCartthy on the roster and a potential Dante Moore add next cycle, Denegal is a good take that can be a quality backup at Michigan or a late career starter. He's a hard worker and has a great attitude, so he'll help the room either way. It's simply a weak year at the position and with options running low, Denegal is a safe take given the situation.
*** Denegal has the arms strength, but I'm not sure he knows exactly how to use it. While his mechanics were crisp, he still let some balls get away from him. He needs to work on his control as well as his touch. Some of his throws could have been more impressive if he added arc as opposed to throwing bullets, especially on his deep balls. Denegal will only continue to add power. He has a big frame at 6-foot-4, 217 pounds and looks good at the weight. Cutting some bad weight was a focus this offseason, and he's done just that. Michigan will build him up and add muscle.
*** With the hiring of Matt Weiss, Michigan made a concerted effort to go after threat quarterbacks. While Denegal doesn't fit the profile or show much mobility on film, the weight loss should allow him to utilize his legs more often. Denegal made some nice throws today while rolling out of the pocket and told me that he wanted to be more of a dual-threat as a senior. Denegal has the athletic profile to be a guy that can pick up chunk yards when needed and run some designed quarterback powers in short yardage situations. I wouldn't be surprised if Denegal plays at around 240 at the next level. I said Byron Leftwich was a lazy comparison, so I'll go with another former Jags quarterback — David Garrard, who had an excellent career at ECU.
*** Overall, Denegal is a prospect I want to see more of. I could only get so much out of the private workout. Seeing the way he moves, his decision making and improved ball placement/touch will be key when I return to Los Angeles for a game evaluation in the fall. At this point, I would keep him where he is and rate him as a 5.7 just like Rivals. With JJ McCartthy on the roster and a potential Dante Moore add next cycle, Denegal is a good take that can be a quality backup at Michigan or a late career starter. He's a hard worker and has a great attitude, so he'll help the room either way. It's simply a weak year at the position and with options running low, Denegal is a safe take given the situation.
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