Film Room Breakdown: DE Desmond Floyd

I will continue to post evaluations of the Top Players from the Class of 2011 both here and on SCVarsity.com through signing day. Union County defensive end Desmond Floyd was one of the more under rated players entering the season. AS the NO. 20 ranked player in the SCVarsity.com's Top Thirty Players and today, we take a look at why he is ranked where he is at and what makes him so special as a player. 

The qualities in a defensive end vary with the type of defense a program plays and what the team asks a player to do.

Traditionally in the 4-3 look, teams are looking for defensive ends who can rush the quarterback. The weakside defensive end should be the best pass-rusher, and he must have speed and explosion off the corner and should be a potential sack artist. A good weakside end should have great range and chase ability and at least be adequate against the run.

A defensive end who struggles against the run will be exploited by opposing offenses who find him and run right at him. Many freshmen coming into college football lacking great size and strength become successful contributors as weakside defensive ends, either on a full-time basis or on a limited basis on passing downs.

The strongside defensive end in a 4-3 defense still has to have some pass-rush ability, but is also a little more powerful and stout. He must be able to stop the run (most teams are right-handed), and he must be able to hold up the tight end at the line of scrimmage. He is not quite the athlete that the weakside defensive end is, but he is more capable of anchoring. The perfect strongside end has enough size to stop the run, but also the quickness and athletic ability to put pressure on opposing quarterbacks in the pass rush.

In 3-4 defenses, the defensive ends are more physical and are asked to play the run more than pass. In this defense, the primary pass rush comes from the outside linebackers. So the defensive ends are asked to stuff the run and keep the blockers occupied. These players are usually tough guys with size and some athletic ability, but not necessarily proficient pass-rushers.

Obviously, programs are going to recruit to their respective team philosophies. Since most 16 and 17-year-old kids are underdeveloped at this stage, it may take some time to figure out which side they will end up playing.

Jim Baxter's Evaluation of Desmond Floyd

Against run: Floyd is clearly a force at the point of attack and slides off blocks as if they are not even there. He demonstrates on film the ability to separate from the blocker, even when being held. Pass rush: Floyd is a power rusher and uses his strength and athleticism to disrupt the passing game. He doesn't show a lot of different rush techniques, but at the high school level is strong enough to bull rush to the quarterback; he is athletic enough to spin off of blocks and has good instincts when doing it. He gets great penetration. Pursuit: Excellent in pursuit and gets over the trash easily. Reads and recognizes well and runs things down to the outside with ease. Tackling: Wraps up well on the runners and quarterbacks, though he tackles high. He's a punishing tackler using his power to take the ball carriers down. Initial quicks: Has a good first step and shows good footwork. His quickness on film demonstrates good snap anticipation. Recognition: Has good instincts and finds the ball quickly. Neutralizing blocks: Is able to control his blocker in one on one's and fights off the double team well. Key and diagnose: Seems to have a  nose for the football, recognizing where the play is going based on block recognition. Again, good instincts and good reads.