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 TwistedChief:
I'm honestly willing to bet there's never been a single instance in the NFL that a team from one game to the next has ever incrementally improved their OL as we will have from the Super Bowl to Week 1 2021.
We have no idea what this offense is capable of with this kind of line. It opens up so many things that weren't even possible before.
I never imagined I could be this excited about a center pick, but he fits so well with what this team has tried to do this offseason.
I think I'm more excited to watch us run the ball.
There will be some laughably sized holes at times. [Reply]
It’s kind of odd to me that Veach took Bolton first and then Humphrey. Kind is seems like Humphrey is the better player of the two. Wonder why we didn’t take him with 58? Nevertheless, looks like a good pick. [Reply]
Originally Posted by prhom:
It’s kind of odd to me that Veach took Bolton first and then Humphrey. Kind is seems like Humphrey is the better player of the two. Wonder why we didn’t take him with 58? Nevertheless, looks like a good pick.
I wouldn't be surprised if they start the season with Tard at RG, Long at RT and view Niang as the swing tackle and blythe as a swing guard\center. If Long is healthy and has enough left in the tank , he'd be an excellent mentor to Niang. Adding a game to the schedule and likely making the playoffs means there's plenty of snaps for everyone. [Reply]
