Tag: Quintez Cephus

Jeff Okudah and Damon Arnette agree on who was toughest cover of 2019

Jeff Okudah and Damon Arnette, two of the Buckeyes heading for the NFL Draft, agree on who the toughest cover of 2019 was.

The Ohio State football team, who had an undefeated regular season, had such success, in part, by its stellar cornerback play.

Jeff Okudah and Damon Arnette, the team’s top two corners, will hear their names called in the 2020 NFL Draft. Third-string cornerback Shaun Wade will return to Columbus.

However, although 2019 was a competitive season in the Big Ten, the elite duo agreed on who the toughest cover of 2019 was, giving high praise to the University of Wisconsin’s Quintez Cephus.

A 6-foot-1 receiver who just finished up his third season was at the NFL Combine with the two Buckeyes. That’s where he drew the highest praise after combining for 179 yards against Ohio State in two matches during his final collegiate season.

The Draft Network’s Trevor Sikkema was the reporter that put the two complements together.

Okudah, a projected top-three pick, and Arnette, a potential second-round pick, saying the same thing about one receiver is quite the affirmation for any team that ends up with Cephus on their roster.

Cephus ended his third season in Madison with 901 yards on 59 receptions and seven touchdowns in what was a run-heavy offense led by star running back Jonathan Taylor.

Ohio State’s Jeff Okudah: Quintez Cephus was best WR I faced

Quintez Cephus receives considerable praise

Let’s be honest with ourselves: Statistics matter. They aren’t irrelevant. Analytics matter. They aren’t irrelevant. Physical measurements matter. They aren’t irrelevant. Clock times in speed races matter. Speed is not irrelevant.

So many measurables and tangible components are important in evaluating an NFL Draft prospect. Scouts, executives and coaches do need to look at players in order to have a better idea of what they want — and don’t want — for their teams in the coming season. They need to be able to see for themselves if a player is so good that a team’s specific needs matter less than grabbing a transcendent talent. They need to see if a player’s unique skill set can best enhance their roster for the coming year and beyond.

The stats, the measurements, the clock times, the weights, the 3-cone drills, the vertical jumps, the hand sizes — they’re not irrelevant. Of course they matter.

Yet: They don’t represent — or tell — the full story.

An important part of any player’s overall profile is the way his opponents — more precisely, the players who competed against him in one-on-one matchups — assess his quality.

Ohio State cornerback Jeff Okudah fought Wisconsin’s Quintez Cephus one-on-one when the Buckeyes played the Badgers this past season. Keep in mind that Okudah played against Michigan and Penn State. Keep in mind that he played against Clemson in the Fiesta Bowl, and went head-to-head against Tee Higgins, who is a sensational wide receiver known for making ridiculous acrobatic catches.

Okudah has played in big-boy games against elite talent… and this is what he had to say about Quintez Cephus at the NFL Scouting Combine in Indianapolis:

Okudah is regarded by Higgins — who has his own bright NFL future — as a top-five-caliber draft pick. Okudah, being the best of the best among cornerbacks in this 2020 draft class, puts Cephus at the top of his list of college wide receivers he has played against. WHOA!

That’s the kind of evaluation which has to be factored in, alongside the measurements and clock times and other numbers. Yes, the “measurables” have their place. They matter.

So does the opinion of a stud such as Ohio State’s Jeff Okudah.

That might be the biggest and best endorsement of Quintez Cephus for any NFL general manager or coach who is contemplating a pick on the Badger wide receiver.

Quintez Cephus’ Results in 2020 NFL Scouting Combine

How did former Wisconsin wide receiver Quintez Cephus do in the NFL Scouting Combine?

Former Wisconsin wide receiver Quintez Cephus was the first former Badger to go through the testing portion of the NFL Scouting Combine.

Cephus delivered mixed results.

Cephus’ highlight came on the bench press as he put up 23 reps at 225 pounds, which was the most by the wideouts.

Despite Cephus doing well in the bench press he needed to do well in his 40-yard. A good time by Cephus in the 40-yard dash would have likely helped him move up NFL draft boards.

But in both of his runs, he ran in the 4.7’s with his best time being a 4.73-second 40-yard dash.

Cephus will have a chance to run the 40-yard dash again at Wisconsin’s pro day, which will occur in March. If Cephus can improve his 40-yard dash during the Badgers pro day he could alleviate some concerns about the time he posted in Indianapolis.

Although Cephus may never be a burner his ability to separate thanks to his strength and with one of his strengths being his route running should show scouts that he’ll be capable of creating the necessary separation against NFL defensive backs.

Cephus also participated in the vertical jump and broad jump. In the vertical jump, Cephus posted a mark of 38.5 inches, which tied for the sixth best mark with two other players. In the broad jump, Cephus posted a mark of 124 inches.

Cephus will look to continue to improve his draft stock throughout the rest of the scouting combine and when he attends his private workouts in the lead up to the NFL Draft, which will take place in Las Vegas from April 23rd to April 25th.

Wisconsin WR Quintez Cephus likes the idea of playing for Packers

The Green Bay Packers wouldn’t have to look far if they’re interested in a mid-round pass-catching prospect with a history of performing in the cold. 

The Green Bay Packers wouldn’t have to look far if they’re interested in a mid-round pass-catching prospect with a history of performing in the cold.

Wisconsin receiver Quintez Cephus certainly wouldn’t mind an opportunity to stay in-state and catch passes from Aaron Rodgers in sub-freezing temps at Lambeau Field.

“It would be amazing,” Cephus said, via Wes Hodkiewicz of Packers.com. “I know how to play in the cold weather. I know how to catch balls in the cold weather. It would be amazing to play up in Green Bay.”

In Madison, Cephus finished his collegiate career – which was marred by a sexual assault trial that forced him to sit out the 2018 season – by catching 59 passes for 901 yards and seven touchdowns for the Badgers in 2019. Cephus was acquitted of the charges in August of 2019, returned to the Wisconsin program and solidified himself as a legitimate NFL prospect.

He produced 122 receiving yards in the Big Ten Championship Game against Ohio State and then caught seven passes and a touchdown in the Rose Bowl against Oregon. In late November, he helped Wisconsin win the Big Ten West with 114 receiving yards and a touchdown during a road victory in Minnesota, where the wind chill dropped well below freezing and snow eventually covered the field at TCF Bank Stadium in the second half.

Wisconsin wide receiver Quintez Cephus catches a 47-yard touchdown, outrunning Minnesota defensive back Jordan Howden.

Cephus is in Indianapolis for the NFL Scouting Combine this week. He’ll get a chance to raise his stock in a deep, crowded class of receivers.

Even with a terrific performance in Indy, Cephus is likely a late Day 2 or Day 3 pick in the draft. The 6-1, 202-pounder has good size and ball skills, with an overall game similar to former Packer standout James Jones. His experience blocking in the run game and playing outdoors in the Wisconsin cold only adds to his profile.

The Packers are one of many teams ready to take advantage of the depth of talent at receiver in the draft. It’s possible GM Brian Gutekunst could take one of the top-tier receivers early and then still target a mid-round option, like Cephus, later on in the draft. Double-dipping in this class makes sense for a team that needs legitimate help behind Pro Bowler Davante Adams.

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Wisconsin Football at the 2020 NFL Combine

Zack Baun, Tyler Biadasz, Quintez Cephus, and Jonathan Taylor looking to improve their NFL Draft stock at the scouting combine.

With the 2020 NFL Scouting Combine occurring this week marks an important week for outside linebacker Zack Baun, center Tyler Biadasz, wide receiver Quintez Cephus, and running back Jonathan Taylor.

The four former Wisconsin products have important weeks ahead of them as they look to boost their NFL draft stocks in Indianapolis.

The testing won’t begin until February 27th as the first position groups that will work out in front of all 32 NFL teams will be the tight ends, quarterbacks, and wide receivers.

Of the four players invited to the NFL combine from Wisconsin Cephus has the most to prove and with a good week, he could see his draft projection go from a day three selection to possible day two pick despite the wide receiver draft class being deep.

Cephus will need to be able to ace his interviews with the NFL teams that he meets with and his 40-yard dash will also be important. If he does well in both of these areas he’ll move up on teams draft boards. Cephus certainly has the talent to have success in the NFL but his ability to prove that he can consistently create separation from NFL defensive backs will go a long way.

Friday will be Biadasz’s and Taylor’s day as the running backs, offensive line, placekickers, and special teams will perform.

Due to Wisconsin’s success in producing NFL offensive lineman will be a plus for NFL scouts. It also helps that Biadasz never missed a start during his career at Wisconsin as he won the Rimington Award this past season, which is given to the best center each year.

Biadasz checked in at 6’4″ and 314 pounds good size for a center as Biadasz currently is projected to go either in the second or third round. It will take an impressive combine for Biadasz to sneak into the first round as over the last five drafts only four centers have been taken in the first round as two were drafted in the 2018 NFL Draft.

Taylor like Cephus can boost his draft stock with a good time in the 40-yard dash. Taylor should have success in the other testing areas and he’ll interview well with NFL teams as his 40-yard dash time will either move him up in the draft and solidify himself as a second-round draft pick or move him down.

Baun will be the last Badgers to partake in the testing drills as he’ll compete on Saturday. Baun has the best chance of potentially moving into the first round. Baun had a strong week at the Senior Bowl and he’ll look to carry over his performance in Mobile to Indianapolis.

Wisconsin’s recent success of producing linebackers to the NFL in addition to Baun having a breakout senior season has led to him shooting up NFL draft boards.

As NFL teams are consistently looking for athletic pass rushers and if Baun can post some impressive numbers he could solidify himself to be the first Badger to hear his name called when the NFL Draft opens on April 23rd in Las Vegas.

Meet Quintez Cephus, Wisconsin’s big-play WR prospect

Check out Draft Wire’s exclusive interview with Wisconsin wide receiver Quintez Cephus

If your favorite team is looking for a big-play receiver in the 2020 NFL draft, Wisconsin’s Quintez Cephus should be high on their priority list.

A well-rounded prospect who put up big numbers last season, Cephus recently spoke exclusively with Draft Wire about his big jump in production in 2019, how playing in the Big Ten challenged him, and what kind of impact he’ll make at the next level.

JM: Your numbers took a big step forward in 2019 compared to the last time you were on the field in 2017. You finished the season with 59 catches and 901 yards. What do you credit the large jump in production to?

QC: I think my coaches put me in an excellent position to be successful. They put me in a position to make plays. On a more personal note, I worked really hard. I was excited about the opportunity to get back to playing football. The year that I sat out, I spent that time productively. I had a lot of time to work on myself. I was excited to start playing football again. I wanted to put my best foot forward.

JM: As impressive as those numbers are, I’m even more impressed with 15.2 yards per catch that you put up. What do you think it is about your game that lead to such a number?

QC: I would say my ability to win at the line of scrimmage and my ability to get over the top of the defense. Those two things were huge for me. Having Jonathan Taylor as my teammate was a big help. He forces the safeties to come downhill and play the run game. They had to respect the run and that lead to some opportunities down the field. Our play action game was very successful. The safeties have to play honest when you have somebody like Jonathan Taylor in the backfield.

Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports

JM: Do you have a favorite route to run?

QC: I love running the slant route. I can be physical with a slant. I can get a guy to run and I can move him off his landmark with a slant. I really enjoy that. Of course, I love the deep ball. I’ll always take a good go route. Those are probably my two favorite routes.

JM: Playing at Wisconsin afforded you the opportunity to play against some of the best competition college football had to offer. Who are some of the best defensive backs you’ve squared off with?

QC: Jeffrey Okudah definitely caught my eye when we played at Ohio State. Damon Arnette was great, as well. They have a great group in the secondary. Those two corners were some of the most athletic I’ve ever seen. That Big 10 Championship Game was a tough one. We spent a lot of time game-planning for those guys. They’re very athletic players.

JM: What are you most excited about as you go through this process?

QC: I’m just looking forward to going through this process. I realize that I’m very lucky and blessed to be in this position. It’s a great opportunity. Being at the NFL Scouting Combine is exciting. To think of where I’ve come from, it’s just exciting. Having the opportunity to get drafted is surreal. I’ve worked hard for this. Knowing that my ultimate dream is within reach, that’s exciting to me.

Joe Maiorana-USA TODAY Sports

JM: What do you enjoy more, catching a deep ball for a 75-yard touchdown, or making multiple catches on a long drive that still results in a touchdown catch for you?

QC: I’ve had a couple of drives where I made a few short catches on a long drive that capped off with a touchdown catch. You appreciate the hard work that goes into that. Hitting that big play is a great feeling, as well. I think that you get more out of it when you made a few plays over the stretch of a long drive. It definitely feels more rewarding.

JM: Is there one or two NFL quarterbacks that you’d love to catch a pass from?

QC: Guys like Russell Wilson and Drew Brees come to mind. They’re two of the best quarterbacks in the league. That would be pretty surreal to me.

JM: What’s the biggest lesson any coach at Wisconsin ever taught you?

QC: Our wide receivers coach, Ted Gilmore, always talked to us about being competitive and doing our job the right way. He made sure that we came to practice and to our meetings with the right mindset. It’s all about being a professional. He makes sure that we take care of our bodies. He expects us to conduct ourselves like a professional in everything that we do. I have to thank him for that.

JM: What kind of impact is Quintez Cephus gonna make at the next level?

QC: Quintez Cephus is gonna be a big-play receiver at the next level. I’m gonna make a lot of plays for whichever team decides to take a chance on me. I’m just excited about this opportunity. I’m looking forward to making a bunch of plays in the NFL.

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Wisconsin has Four Players Invited to NFL Combine

Wisconsin has four of its former players invited to the 2020 NFL Draft combine.

With the NFL season now in the rearview mirror, it is officially NFL Draft season and with the college football all-star games completed, the next step in the process is the NFL scouting combine.

Wisconsin had four players invited to Indianapolis in running back Jonathan Taylor, wide receiver Quintez Cephus, center Tyler Biadasz, and outside linebacker Zack Baun.

The four will look to boost their NFL Draft stock as Taylor, Biadasz, and Baun are expected to be drafted in the top two rounds of the NFL Draft, which will take place over a three day period from April 23rd to April 25th.

With strong combines by Taylor and Biadasz, they could potentially be the first players selected at their respective positions. While Baun will look to build off of his Senior Bowl performance in Mobile, Ala. in order to solidify himself as a possible first round draft pick.

Cephus has the most work to do at the combine as the wide receiver class is strong. A strong combine and him interviewing well with teams should allow him to move up teams NFL Draft boards.

Chris Orr was not invited to the combine. Orr will still have his chance of working out for NFL teams whether that’s through workouts or at Wisconsin’s pro day, which still has yet to be announced when that will be.

The NFL scouting combine is set to take place in Indianapolis from Sunday, February 23rd to Monday, March 2nd.

Wisconsin Football Season Review: Wide Receivers

How did the Badgers wide receivers play over the 2019 season?

Wisconsin finished its fifth season under head coach Paul Chryst as Chryst improved his overall record to 52-16 and has a posted a 34-10 record in conference games. After not winning the Big Ten West Division title in 2018 the Badgers were back in Indianapolis for the Big Ten Championship game as the West representative for the fourth time in the last six years since the Big Ten went to its current format.

In this Badgers Wire feature we will examine the play of Wisconsin’s wide receivers from the 2019 season and take a sneak into what the 2020 season may have in store for the position:

The wide receiver unit was bolstered by the return of Quintez Cephus this past season. Cephus’ return to the team was big as he was Wisconsin’s most consistent wide receiver despite missing all of the 2018 season as he finished the season with 59 catches for 901 yards and seven touchdowns as all three led the team. In addition, Cephus caught a pass in every single game this season.

Not to mention as the competition took a rise in the month of November and over the Badgers last two games of the season Cephus was able to elevate his level of play.

In Wisconsin’s last six games he was dominant at times in particular over Wisconsin’s last three games in that stretch he caught a combined 14 passes for 295 yards and two touchdowns.

Cephus’ ability to stretch the field over the last part of the season helped make sure opposing defenses couldn’t consistently load the box against Wisconsin’s run game.

The trio of Danny Davis (30-250-1), Kendric Pryor (23-278-0), and A.J. Taylor (23-267-2) caught a combined 76 passes for 795 yards and a combined three touchdowns.

With Cephus having such a productive season meant that Davis’ and Taylor’s numbers took a dip compared to what they posted in 2018. Davis led the team in both receptions (40) and receiving touchdowns (five) while Taylor led Wisconsin in receiving yards with 521 in 2018.

Davis was able to form a good connection with Jack Coan over the course of the 2018 season. In addition, with Coan being named the starter it was fair to expect that the chemistry Coan and Davis developed would carry over to this past season.

But Davis did disappear at times as there were four games where he went without a catch including a three game stretch in November. Compare that to his first two years at Wisconsin when he only had a combined three games where he didn’t register a reception.

Pryor was able to finish the season with 460 yards of total offense as he had 278 receiving yards and had 182 yards rushing to go along with two rushing touchdowns. Pryor was Wisconsin’s most effective wide receiver when it came to the Badgers jet sweep as he averaged 12.8 yards per carry. His longest rush of the season came against Michigan State when he registered a 66-yard rushing touchdown.

After Wisconsin’s big four in Cephus, Davis, Taylor, and Pryor Wisconsin also received contributions from Jack Dunn and Adam Krumholz as both played in all 14 games.

Dunn finished the year with five receptions for 41 yards and a touchdown he also had two rushing attempts for seven yards and a rushing touchdown. Krumholz caught two passes for 20 yards.

2020 Wisconsin Wide Receivers

Wisconsin was already set to lose Taylor to graduation but following Wisconsin’s appearance in the Rose Bowl Cephus announced he was entering the NFL Draft and sophomore Aron Cruickshank announced he was entering the transfer portal. With Cephus and Cruickshank departing Wisconsin the wide receiver room will look different than previously expected. The Badgers will still have Davis, Pryor, Dunn, and Krumholz as the four will all be seniors. Wisconsin knows what they have in those four as the Badgers will need either A.J. Abbott, Taj Mustapha, Stephan Bracey, or one of the three incoming wide receivers in the 2020 class to step up.

Badgers NFL Draft Profile: Quintez Cephus

Quintez Cephus

As the NFL Draft draws closer, Badgers Wire is exploring draft profiles of those who have declared. The basic premise of these articles is to take a brief look at each player. Each column will take a look at each player’s football statistics as well as their physical statistics. Finally, we’ll give you a brief summary of what each player offers and where he can be expected to go in the 2020 NFL Draft. Next up is Wisconsin receiver Quintez Cephus.

The first thing that has to be mentioned with Quintez Cephus is the off-field aspect of his profile. Cephus was charged with sexual assault, but was ultimately found not guilty. The particulars of the case aren’t appropriate for columns like this, but it’s impossible to talk about Cephus, especially in a class deep with talent at the receiver position, without mentioning the sexual assault charge. It is ugly yet undeniable. That is going to scare off some NFL teams and will likely result in Cephus having additional provisions in his contract for behavior. 

Cephus is an average-sized receiver at 6-foot-1 and 207 pounds. He doesn’t have the standout size or speed to make him a valued commodity on offense. He is a win-first player, though, someone who is always ready to put the team’s needs before his own. He hauled in 59 catches for 901 yards and seven scores in 2019, good enough to lead the Badgers in receiving yards and touchdowns. He is a very talented receiver – not overwhelming or imposing, but able to carve out space and make plays. 

Ultimately, it’s curious that Cephus chose this year to depart. Quarterback Jack Coan is likely to be the focal point of Wisconsin’s offense in 2020, so Cephus likely would have received a statistical boost as a result. This NFL Draft class is loaded with wide receiver and quarterback talent. It’s a deep draft and Cephus has the sexual assault charge hanging over his head. It’s hard to project where Cephus will go, but he’s likely a Day 3 or UDFA candidate.

Quintez Cephus Declares for NFL Draft

Wisconsin will be without its top wide receiver Quintez Cephus who declared for the NFL Draft on Monday. Quintez Cephus WR

Wisconsin wide receiver Quintez Cephus on Monday announced his decision to forego his final year at Wisconsin and enter the 2020 NFL Draft.

Cephus announcement comes three days after it was announced by running back Jonathan Taylor’s decision to declare for the NFL Draft too.

Cephus as a redshirt junior led Wisconsin in all three major receiving categories as he finished the year with 59 receptions for 901 yards and seven touchdowns, which are all career highs. In addition, Cephus’ 59 receptions and 901 receiving yards are the most by a Badger since 2015 when Alex Erickson caught 77 passes for 978 yards.

Cephus who did not play during the 2018 season caught at least two passes in every single game this season. Cephus was big for Wisconsin down the stretch providing a reliable target for Jack Coan. Considering, in five of Wisconsin’s last six games he caught at least five passes and over Wisconsin’s last six games he had 491 yards receiving and caught four touchdown passes.

Wisconsin was already set to lose A.J. Taylor to graduation and without Cephus, the Badgers top two wide receivers entering spring camp will be Danny Davis and Kendric Pryor with Jack Dunn, Adam Krumholz, and Aron Cruickshank, among others behind them.

Between Davis and Pryor the two caught a combined 53 passes for 528 yards this past season as Davis was responsible for the lone receiving touchdown.

Cephus will look to become the first wide receiver drafted from Wisconsin since Jared Abbrederis when he was drafted in the fifth round by the Green Bay Packers in 2014.

Cephus finishes his career at Wisconsin with 93 receptions, 1,496 yards, and 13 touchdowns.