Trey Sermon positives for the NFL Draft…
RSP Film Room #OhioState RB Trey Sermon's Advanced Movement Skills by @MattWaldman https://t.co/ovH0RilUZj pic.twitter.com/KwAljT6lKx
— Matt Waldman (@MattWaldman) January 21, 2021
Trey Sermon is a zone scheme, one cut style running back that looks to be an early-down back at the next level. He does well when gaps open and he can plant his foot and turn upfield. He has good vision and sees backdoor gaps open well. Once Sermon hits the hole, he squares his shoulders quickly and looks to lateral step or take on a tackler. Since Sermon is a slightly less dynamic and more physical finisher, much more than a lateral step and his acceleration can allow defenders to get behind him. He has enough speed to break off bigger runs once he gets and stay at top speed. At the next level, he might need to weave through more traffic than college.
The stiff arm and ability to bounce off of defenders is one of Trey Sermon’s biggest assets. He has a violent and strong stiff-arm, and while he isn’t as shifty as some running backs, his power can work against defenders not ready to take him head-on. He consistently looks for extra yards through contact and rarely takes a loss on a play. He has exceptional ball security which will help his draft stock.
In blitz pickup, Sermon is willing and solid, but needs to work on some minor technique fixes. He does well to recognize the blitz and steps into the gap and sets himself to take on the blitz. I think larger linebackers may be an issue early for him, but once he gets comfortable he should be good.