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Oct 31, 2015; Pasadena, CA, USA; UCLA Bruins running back Nate Starks (23) is lifted up by UCLA Bruins offensive lineman Conor McDermott (68) after scoring a touchdown during the third quarter against the Colorado Buffaloes at Rose Bowl. The UCLA Bruins won 35-31. Mandatory Credit: Kelvin Kuo-USA TODAY Sports
On Saturday the UCLA Football team will face off with the Texas A&M Aggies but there will be another match up that should be monitored. Two highly touted NFL prospects will face off in Myles Garrett for the Aggies and Conor McDermott for the Bruins.
Garrett was absolutely stellar as a freshman when he first arrived in College Station. There was already talk at that point that if he were eligible he would have been a top ten pick.
Blessed with a surplus of athletic ability to go along with his 6’5″, 265lbs frame, Garrett is an absolute freak. He doesn’t just win with speed either as he translates his weight room strength to the field.
That type of player sounds like a nightmare for any coach to have to deal with but the Bruins might just have the answer in left tackle Connor McDermott.
In a story line that is becoming more and more common, McDermott came to UCLA as a tight end prospect but grew into a tackle which helps explain the effortless athleticism he displays in pass protection. At 6-9 he has a huge wingspan that he uses to corral speedy rushers and has worked to improve his strength.
Now let’s really break down this matchup by dissecting each player’s game from one contest last season.
Sep 19, 2015; College Station, TX, USA; Texas A&M Aggies defensive lineman Myles Garrett (15) sacks Nevada Wolf Pack quarterback Tyler Stewart (15) during the first quarter at Kyle Field. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY SportFor Garrett I looked at multiple games but I’m going with the Alabama tape for this one.
Garrett Is Geared Up
Now I’m not saying the Bruins are Alabama nor am I saying McDermott is Cam Robinson at the left tackle position. However both teams are major programs and both have potential first round selections at the left tackle position.
One way the Tide dealt with Garrett in the run game was to line up a tight end on his outside shoulder and not even try to block him with the tackle. On the snap the tight end would slide down the line and seal off Garrett as the back bounced it outside.
It isn’t the wildest scheme but it was incredibly effective and allowed the runningbacks to break into the second level quickly.
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The Alabama offense was also willing to run right at him which is something UCLA will have to do. If the Bruins try to avoid running to his side they’ll just be limiting themselves. Garrett was able to make tackles when runs came to his side but they were four to five yards downfield
Of course Garrett also got his licks in. Against ‘Bama Garrett showed off every facet of his game and was strong against Robinson who outweighs him easily by 50lbs.
He displayed strong hand usage and his overwhelming speed and athleticism were on display. Garrett would often line up in a wide-9 stance and when Robinson would overset to the outside, he would cut it back up inside between the guard and tackle to make tackles for loss.
Robinson displayed his own footwork by getting back inside or using his inside hand to push Garrett into a guard. It was a stellar chess match.
Now let’s look at his opposite for this Saturday’s huge match up.
Jul 15, 2016; Hollywood, CA, USA; UCLA Bruins offensive lineman Conor McDermott poses during Pac-12 media day at Hollywood & Highland. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
Mount McDermott
McDermott has the benefit of playing plenty of high profile teams in the PAC-12. That also means he gets tested by some of the best pass rushers in the country so his rise to becoming a starter has largely been trial by fire. McDermott has more than passed that test.
Again I watched re-watched multiple UCLA games from last season but decided to focus on perhaps UCLA’s biggest game from 2015 when they took on cross town rival USC.
McDermott again displayed a kick slide that almost looks lackadaisical because it’s so easy for him. He was able to use his length to keep pass rushers at bay and even on the rare occasion when he did overset he was able to shoot one of his vine arms out there to stop the pass rusher in his tracks.
McDermott also did a good job of re-anchoring. That’s something I believe he’s done a much better job of lately but will also need to continue to add strength. He’s still not a dominating run blocker but because he’s so large teams have a hard time getting through him.
He also did a very good job handling stunts and knowing who to pass off and who to expect. The one play I did see him lose badly was a quick move inside by the defensive end on an overset. A move that Garrett thrives on.
Hopefully for the UCLA offense this is something both McDermott and offensive line coach Adrian Klemm have worked to correct
Taking Bets
McDermott has had some up and down moments in his UCLA career but needs to make sure this season and more importantly, this game, is full up up moments. I believe if McDermott uses his length and feet well he can get the win here.
He has also gotten stronger and will need to bring his lunch pail to deal with a player of Garrett’s caliber. At 6-9″ McDermott must keep his pad level low and not lose leverage. Proper technique is going to be key.
Garrett has not disappointed since coming to college station two years ago and he’s only gotten bigger, stronger and faster since then. He’s added weight this offseason and that should aid him in holding his ground in the running game.
Staying in his gap and maintaining contain will be paramount to an Aggie defense that frankly needs a ton from this defensive line to survive games.
This will no doubt be a major battle to watch not just for the outcome of this game but in terms of NFL draft stock as well. Garrett is at a bit of a disadvantage here since his stock could only really go down with a perceived poor performance. McDermott on the other hand could use this game to start his own draft wave that he rides all the way to the first round.
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I expect Garrett to get in a couple good plays but for the UCLA Bruins to account for him as much as possible and give McDermott help with chips from backs and tight ends. The UCLA offense should have success with the protection McDermott affords it.
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