Originally Posted by :
Humphrey grew up watching the Sooners and wrestling like his father, Chad, who grappled at the University of Central Oklahoma. The first-team all-state pick at Shawnee High School redshirted in 2017 before taking over the starting center spot in 12 of 14 games played in 2018, when he earned Freshman All-American and honorable mention All-Big 12 honors while helping the front five win the Joe Moore Award as the nation's top offensive line. Humphrey sat out spring 2019 practices due to injury but was ready for the fall, garnering Rimington Trophy finalist, second-team Associated Press All-American and Big 12 Co-Offensive Lineman of the Year accolades as a 14-game starter. The 2020 team captain and 11-game starter was named a third-team AP All-American, Big 12 Offensive Lineman of the Year and first-team all-conference center as a junior. He accepted an invitation to the Senior Bowl. -- by Chad Reuter
Overview
Savvy, game-wise center with below-average length, good core strength and a full slate of intangibles desired at that position. Humphrey is praised inside the building for his outstanding leadership and having the recognition to make all the calls up front. He's more of a positional blocker than fork-lifter but has the core strength to neutralize and stalemate blockers at the point of attack. He's not a plus athlete but he's athletic enough as a move blocker, with the ability to work his feet into position to finish blocks after contact. He plays with a nasty streak when needed, which will appeal to offensive line coaches, but his overall profile might be more "steady" than "star." Humphrey is a solid, safe selection and should become a longtime starter.
Strengths
Three-year starter and two-year team captain.
Undeniable team leader and tough individual.
Wrestling background is evident in core strength.
Strong hands help maintain base block.
Looks to work hands into position after losing battle early.
Swings hips into position to seal the block.
Fluid footwork for short-pull game.
Finishes blocks with good intensity.
Technique to trap and pancake leaning nose.
Hands in punch were tighter and more accurate at Senior Bowl.
Helps with cleanup when teammates' protection gets leaky.
Capable in recovery mode.
Weaknesses
Very short arms for his size, allowing defenders to get shots into his frame.
Longer defenders separate and discard him.
Will give some early ground against strong bull rush.
Occasional drift against twisting fronts.
Susceptible against push-pull specialists.
Snap-to-step lateral quickness is average.
Doesn't generate noticeable push as a drive blocker at point of attack.
Gets a little grabby through contact on the move.
Sources Tell Us
"He was the best offensive lineman on the team when they won the Joe Moore Award (best offensive line in college football) and that line had everybody drafted, which speaks volumes for his ability." -- Southwest area scout for AFC team
Originally Posted by Kiimosabi:
Versatility applies to a LOT of these guys. I have no doubt they will find the best way to get the best players on the field.
The only locked in guy is Brown at left tackle.
Yeah, Reid plays the best 5. That makes me love this situation even more. We have so many talented OL, that our best 5 will be damn good. [Reply]
Originally Posted by Kiimosabi:
Versatility applies to a LOT of these guys. I have no doubt they will find the best way to get the best players on the field.
Originally Posted by Kiimosabi:
Actually Reid called him a guard and a center when we signed him
Right, that is true, but I believe that was before Humphrey was in the fold. I'd say it's a safe bet that Thuney is going to be a LG with Humphrey in the C position.
Originally Posted by Coach:
Health hasn't been a issue for Creed as he has played since his redshirt freshmen in Oklahoma. And I think there'll be some workouts being held in camps these days, whereas some rookies did not have that luxury last year.
That part about the shotgun snap is true though. Most centers are right handed, so a left handed center snapping the ball can be somewhat different than right handed centers.
But I don't anticipate the adjustment will be that long.
Shotgun snap isn’t an issue. The under center snap will be the adjustment. [Reply]
Originally Posted by Mike in SW-MO:
Prove their worth, go kick rocks, give us the comp picks.
Thank them for your service.
You're a lot more of an optimist than I am if you think any of our now reserve O-linemen will generate any more than a used hotdog wrapper in the way of comp. We can't even get anyone to pick up Reiter. [Reply]
