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Small School Spotlight- Colorado School of Mines NT Blaine Sumner

R

rmartin65

Hall of Fame
First off, I have failed you. In my small school prospects list posted a couple weeks ago, I left off a possible top 3 small school DT in Blaine Sumner. I chalked up his success in college to his teammate, DE (OLB in the pros) Marc Schiechl, until I learned of Sumner’s incredible showing at the pro day- 49 reps of 225 (ties Paea), 32” vertical. Since then, I have re-watched my Colorado School of Mines tape, as well as scoured the internet for any information. This has led me to believe that Blaine Sumner could be the future NT of the Houston Texans.

BlaineSumner08action5.jpg



Statistics

2007
12 GP, 33 tackles (7 TFL), 6.5 sacks, 1 QBH, 1 FF

2008
11 GP, 32 tackles (4.5 TFL), 1.5 sacks, 1 QBH, 1 blocked kick

2009
11 GP, 33 tackles (7TFL), 4 sacks, 2 QBH, 1 FR

2010
12 GP, 32 tackles (6.5 TFL), .5 sacks, 2 FR, 3 blocked kicks

BlaineSumner10action2web.jpg


Measurables
The below film is from a mock pro day held in early February
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3Yc66P9aWE4

Bench: (49-50)
Vertical: 33.5”
Broad: 8’6”
40 yard: 5.15
20 yard split: 2.94
10 yard split: 1.71
Short Shuttle: 4.50
L Drill: 7.49

All this in addition to a 1,000 lb squat

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_CObtOq1MRA&feature=related

Simply put, incredible numbers. To move that well at that size just screams athleticism.

Film review

Decent stats, incredible measurables. Now all there is to check is the actual film. I found a highlight video on youtube- http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2D38T-0I24s – but as we all know, highlights are only so good. I will thus base the following on my film review from the clips acquired over the last few seasons.

Unfortunately, Sumner does not play to his physical attributes. Not exactly a “looks like Tarzan, plays like Jane” kind of guy, but not the dominant player that he should be, he is not yet "looks like Tarzan, plays like tarzan". That said, he flashes that ability a couple times a quarter, and it is something to see. When Sumner flips the switch, he is unstoppable. I would put him against any college opponent- SEC, Big X, Big XII, whoever. I will also say that Sumner never gives up on a play. He goes snap to whistle on every down I saw.

Projection:
I know this sounds premature, but I am predicting a solid 7th for Blaine “Vanilla Gorilla” Sumner. Late in the draft is where you take gambles on players with insane physical talents that need to be coached up on the field.

BlaineSumner07action3.jpg
 
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Here's a little more info. on him. He can bench press a maximum of 635 lbs. WOW!!!

http://cdsdraft.com/profile.php?id=6150

Overview

Very productive 4-year-starter, small-school pure nose.

'07: 33 total tackles, 7 TFLs, 6.5 sacks.
'08: 32-4.5-1.5
'09: 33-7-4, along with 2 hurries and a FR.
'10: 32-6.5-.5, along with 2 FRs, and 3 blocked kicks.

Also ran the ball occasionally in SY or goal line. Career rushing mark: 26-38-3.

Strengths

Freakishly strong pure nose. Has squatted 1000 pounds. Has done 50 reps at 225, with a 635 bench max. 425 hang clean. Plays with good leverage. Can stone the double team at this level. Pro size. Quicker than you might think. Very consistent and reliable. Will earn his money.

Weaknesses

Short arms. No versatility. A little overaged. Maxed out. May be too tightly wound. Despite his straight line speed, will not be much of a pass rush threat at the next level.

Projection

Priority UDFA who will be a tough cut for a 3-4 team.
 
Hottoddie said:
Here's a little more info. on him. He can bench press a maximum of 635 lbs. WOW!!!

http://cdsdraft.com/profile.php?id=6150

Overview

Very productive 4-year-starter, small-school pure nose.

'07: 33 total tackles, 7 TFLs, 6.5 sacks.
'08: 32-4.5-1.5
'09: 33-7-4, along with 2 hurries and a FR.
'10: 32-6.5-.5, along with 2 FRs, and 3 blocked kicks.

Also ran the ball occasionally in SY or goal line. Career rushing mark: 26-38-3.

Strengths

Freakishly strong pure nose. Has squatted 1000 pounds. Has done 50 reps at 225, with a 635 bench max. 425 hang clean. Plays with good leverage. Can stone the double team at this level. Pro size. Quicker than you might think. Very consistent and reliable. Will earn his money.

Weaknesses

Short arms. No versatility. A little overaged. Maxed out. May be too tightly wound. Despite his straight line speed, will not be much of a pass rush threat at the next level.

Projection

Priority UDFA who will be a tough cut for a 3-4 team.
Click to expand...

Guy stole my notes! jk

His weaknesses dont bother me all that much. Short arms are a problem, but nothing some technique work cant fix when coupled with his strength. Versatility is not really needed in a 3-4 nose, and neither is a real pass rush. He will push the pocket and clog run lanes, that is all you can ask for in a NT.
 
He's probably a smart guy cause' Co. School of Mines has one of the best academic programs in the country (I didn't even know they had a football team).
 
Texan4Ever said:
He's probably a smart guy cause' Co. School of Mines has one of the best academic programs in the country (I didn't even know they had a football team).
Click to expand...

Found an interview that says he chose Co. School of Mines because of its academics. It was pretty cool to hear from an athlete.
 
rmartin65 said:
Guy stole my notes! jk

His weaknesses dont bother me all that much. Short arms are a problem, but nothing some technique work cant fix when coupled with his strength. Versatility is not really needed in a 3-4 nose, and neither is a real pass rush. He will push the pocket and clog run lanes, that is all you can ask for in a NT.
Click to expand...

But doesn't Wade Phillips like athletic NTs who can rush the passer and basically rush the gap?

He may be a good developmental NT for a traditional 3-4, but maybe not so much for Phillips.
 
Doppelganger said:
But doesn't Wade Phillips like athletic NTs who can rush the passer and basically rush the gap?

He may be a good developmental NT for a traditional 3-4, but maybe not so much for Phillips.
Click to expand...

That is what he did in Dallas with Ratliff. In San Diego, he worked wonders with the 350 lbs Jamal Williams. I think Phillips takes the best possible players, and tailors his scheme around them.
 
I didn't realize how big he was (330-Lbs) until I looked up his profile. How did you find out about this guy BTW?

If the Texans can get him as a FA and try him out, I would be glad we're at least giving this small school prospect a chance. He could play as our NT or even as a DE.
 
Texan4Ever said:
I didn't realize how big he was (330-Lbs) until I looked up his profile. How did you find out about this guy BTW?

If the Texans can get him as a FA and try him out, I would be glad we're at least giving this small school prospect a chance. He could play as our NT or even as a DE.
Click to expand...

His teammate Schiechl (who is a damn fine prospect as 3-4 OLD BTW) has been on my must watch list since the summer. I noticed Sumner, but always attributed his film and stats to playing next to such a star (at the level), so I did not do much serious research. I had Sumner rated as my 12th best small school DT.

Then I noticed his first pro day numbers- 49 reps- and decided to give Sumner serious evaluation. And I was stunned. If anything, Sumner was the cause of Schiechl's fantastic tape. I spent a good 8 hours a couple days ago researching this guy, and could not be more impressed. I just wish I could have noticed him earlier, it was an oversight I do not plan on making again.

As to your last paragraph, I would not like to leave him to chance. Depending on his other workout numbers, Sumner could rise to a 6th round pick. He has the raw ability athletic ability to be a stud NT, but needs a lot of technique work. Thankfully, he realizes this himself, so it is not a major, major flag. Also, as I noted, he does not use his strength all the time. He does not ever (and I mean ever) get pushed back, but he does not push the pocket as much as someone with his strength should. I hope that can be corrected.

And he is strictly a NT. Sticking him at DE would be a mistake, as he does not have the kind of lateral agility I look for.

I am trying not to get too hyped on the guy, but it is hard.

Oh, and dont google image him. Trust me.
 
I heard that they did the bench at the end of the Air Force Pro Day......that makes his 52 even more impressive......if it could be anymore inpressive
 
TimeKiller said:
Don't. Do. It. Trust me (too)....

I like this guy as a late round investment. Athletic ability like this guy has is rare. Technique can be taught, busting a 50 burger on the bench is a freak.
Click to expand...

Wow. Curiosity hurled the breakfast. Should of listened..


:mariopalm::mariopalm::mariopalm::mariopalm::mariopalm:
 
Honoring Earl 34 said:
My friends nephew goes there , he plays center so I'll get the scoop .

http://wn.com/BlaineSumner
Click to expand...

Awesome!

Pro day results per http://www.jbscouting.com/index.php/blog/1647-pro-day-summary-1

Colorado Mines DT Blake Sumner measured in at 6013, 335 pounds, and ran a 5.46 40-yard dash. He had a 1.85 10-yard, 32-inch vertical, 9’5 broad jump, 4.94 short shuttle, 8.01 3-cone, and had 49 bench reps. He had 9 5/8 hands, 35 5/8 arms, and 75 ¾ wingspan. He doesn’t move well in short areas so he would have to be a 3-4 nose guard. On a side note his agent is Kevin Poston.
Click to expand...

Colorado Mines DT Blake Sumner measured in at 6011, 335 pounds, and ran a 5.38 40-yard dash. He had a 1.82 10-yard, 3.06 20-yard, 4.84 short shuttle, 7.57 3-cone, and did 45 bench reps. He had 10 hands, 30 7/8 arms, and 75 wingspan. He is known to have benched over 50 but not locking out deducted reps from his workouts.
Click to expand...

Some conflicting numbers there in terms of bench (first time I have heard 45), but interesting to finally get semi-official speed/agility numbers. As opposed to his mock pro day numbers found here- http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3Yc66P9aWE4&feature=related - these match his game film fairly well.

The 5.38 40 is pretty disappointing, but we have to remember, this is for a 3-4 nose. He wont be running 40s, his 10 and 20 yard splits are far more important. That said, his 3.06 20 is very troubling. It is a good .1-.2 behind other nose prospects. His 10 yard split is better though. 1.82 is about .05 behind the elite nose prospects.

The shuttle and 3 cone numbers rule out any possibility of Sumner playing 3-4 DE on occasion, but that is not very surprising, as I have mentioned that in an above post.

In terms of leg explosion - 32" vertical and 9'5" broad jump- he stacks up very well for a man of his size. His broad jump is among the best in the draft class for the position (the best of the NT prospects I could find from any level) and surpasses the numbers of elite NTs such as Ngata (9'2"), Wilfork (8'4") and Jenkins (9'). The vertical is also one of the best in the class, and better than the 3 aforementioned all pro NTs.

To sum up- I am bumping Sumner to a 6th round projection. With so many teams in a 3-4, and the absolute rarity of finding a player with these level of strength and explosiveness, teams will take a risk on a player that needs work on his technique. I only wonder at what could have been if he had been playing at the FBS level, receiving FBS coaching.
 
rmartin65 said:
Awesome!

Pro day results per http://www.jbscouting.com/index.php/blog/1647-pro-day-summary-1





Some conflicting numbers there in terms of bench (first time I have heard 45), but interesting to finally get semi-official speed/agility numbers. As opposed to his mock pro day numbers found here- http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3Yc66P9aWE4&feature=related - these match his game film fairly well.

The 5.38 40 is pretty disappointing, but we have to remember, this is for a 3-4 nose. He wont be running 40s, his 10 and 20 yard splits are far more important. That said, his 3.06 20 is very troubling. It is a good .1-.2 behind other nose prospects. His 10 yard split is better though. 1.82 is about .05 behind the elite nose prospects.

The shuttle and 3 cone numbers rule out any possibility of Sumner playing 3-4 DE on occasion, but that is not very surprising, as I have mentioned that in an above post.

In terms of leg explosion - 32" vertical and 9'5" broad jump- he stacks up very well for a man of his size. His broad jump is among the best in the draft class for the position (the best of the NT prospects I could find from any level) and surpasses the numbers of elite NTs such as Ngata (9'2"), Wilfork (8'4") and Jenkins (9'). The vertical is also one of the best in the class, and better than the 3 aforementioned all pro NTs.

To sum up- I am bumping Sumner to a 6th round projection. With so many teams in a 3-4, and the absolute rarity of finding a player with these level of strength and explosiveness, teams will take a risk on a player that needs work on his technique. I only wonder at what could have been if he had been playing at the FBS level, receiving FBS coaching.
Click to expand...

Right now he may be to strong for his own good as far as being stiff .

My friends nephew and this guy were roommates . He's a good kid who is strong as an ox . Played in an all star game and did well . Has talked to Denver .
 
rmartin65 said:
Quite possible, likely even.

What did you mean by "get the scoop"?
Click to expand...

Just something about him as far as him being trouble or a good kid type thing . My friends nephew graduated last year but still goes there and is in the NHS so this guy hangs out with good people .
 
Rey said:
Guys...

You have to say what comes up so people don't let curiosity get the best of them.

Hopefully I will be the last to make that mistake...

:goodluck:
Click to expand...

Just suffice it to say, the other Blaine Sumner is very proud of himself. :mariopalm:
 
Blaine Sumner, who played college football at the Colorado School of Mines, reportedly bench-pressed 225 pounds a whopping 52 times. 5.18 40 time.

http://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2011/03/19/pro-day-prospect-bests-combine-bench-press-record/

He is hieght 6 ' 1.5 " weight 335 a 34 NT projected to be a undrafted freeagent I think he would be worth a look. Played at Colorado Mines.

Overview
Very productive 4-year-starter, small-school pure nose.

'07: 33 total tackles, 7 TFLs, 6.5 sacks.
'08: 32-4.5-1.5
'09: 33-7-4, along with 2 hurries and a FR.
'10: 32-6.5-.5, along with 2 FRs, and 3 blocked kicks.

Also ran the ball occasionally in SY or goal line. Career rushing mark: 26-38-3.

Strengths
Freakishly strong pure nose. Has squatted 1000 pounds. Has done 50 reps at 225, with a 635 bench max. 425 hang clean. Plays with good leverage. Can stone the double team at this level. Pro size. Quicker than you might think. Very consistent and reliable. Will earn his money.

Weaknesses
Short arms. No versatility. A little overaged. Maxed out. May be too tightly wound. Despite his straight line speed, will not be much of a pass rush threat at the next level.
 
Sounds like a powerlifter that plays football.

As a powerlifter myself, I don't think that's necessarily a bad thing.

Might be nice to keep him in mind for the last round or as a UDFA.
 
The Pencil Neck said:
Sounds like a powerlifter that plays football.

As a powerlifter myself, I don't think that's necessarily a bad thing.

Might be nice to keep him in mind for the last round or as a UDFA.
Click to expand...

I was thinking the same thing as a UDFA you lose nothing to bring him in or a 7th round pick.
 
srrono said:
Blaine Sumner, who played college football at the Colorado School of Mines, reportedly bench-pressed 225 pounds a whopping 52 times. 5.18 40 time.

http://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2011/03/19/pro-day-prospect-bests-combine-bench-press-record/

He is hieght 6 ' 1.5 " weight 335 a 34 NT projected to be a undrafted freeagent I think he would be worth a look. Played at Colorado Mines.

Overview
Very productive 4-year-starter, small-school pure nose.

'07: 33 total tackles, 7 TFLs, 6.5 sacks.
'08: 32-4.5-1.5
'09: 33-7-4, along with 2 hurries and a FR.
'10: 32-6.5-.5, along with 2 FRs, and 3 blocked kicks.

Also ran the ball occasionally in SY or goal line. Career rushing mark: 26-38-3.

Strengths
Freakishly strong pure nose. Has squatted 1000 pounds. Has done 50 reps at 225, with a 635 bench max. 425 hang clean. Plays with good leverage. Can stone the double team at this level. Pro size. Quicker than you might think. Very consistent and reliable. Will earn his money.

Weaknesses
Short arms. No versatility. A little overaged. Maxed out. May be too tightly wound. Despite his straight line speed, will not be much of a pass rush threat at the next level.
Click to expand...

At least try to see if there's already an existing thread...

http://www.texanstalk.com/forums/showthread.php?t=80551
 
The Pencil Neck said:
Sounds like a powerlifter that plays football.

As a powerlifter myself, I don't think that's necessarily a bad thing.

Might be nice to keep him in mind for the last round or as a UDFA.
Click to expand...

Sumner played football first, and started working out to get better at football. To me, at least, that means he is a football player at heart. Also, like you said, powerlifting is hard core. I doubt that it will be like the track guys playing football (not that there is anything wrong with track).
 
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