Sean Callahan talked about him on Big Red Wrap-Up last night. He also mentioned academics so that is obviously a concern. Also, he said Strong ran a 4.7-4.8 40 at Husker camp. He seemed to think some of that was due to not being familiar with running a timed 40 yard dash but that is obviously a concern. If you're 6-2, 220, not so much. At 5-7, 180 you need to be fast at the D1 level. He looks to be a little faster than that on film but he isn't a burner either. Probably doing a little wait-and-see about how he develops physically as well as academically.
4.7-4.8 is really good for a soph who doesn't know how to run a 40. Just by teaching him the technique, you could get .2 off pretty easily. He doesn't appear to be a burner on film, but he's plenty fast to play at this level. Probably a legit 4.5 guy.
MOST of the kids going to combines these days are using personal speed trainers It's a huge business. These guys specialize in prepping kids for combines.
These guys can help a player through development- to take about .15 off for those who havent been doing the right type of training
When it comes to technique, it really depends on how BAD the players tech is. Yes, some kids can get .1 to .15 off fairly easily with a few minor adjustments to the take off and ending. It depends on where he is at now technique wise, how bad his is. Sounds like he probably hasnt seen that type of training as of yet.
So yes, with the right set of circumstances he could be a 4.5 kid, but nope, not a 4.3, while .2 doesnt sound like much, but .1s are like logrithems once you get below 4.6. No one is getting to 4.3 or 4,2 from a starting point of 4.7 or 4.8 as a HS Junior.
If Damon thinks the kid is heading in the right direction, I beleive him. Most of us have no clue what some of these kids have to deal with at home. The guys who coach at Omaha North, Omaha Central, Omaha South, Bryan, Northwest play social worker as much as they do coach. Ive not coached there but know many that have. Really tough gigs. First day of practice they may have half their kids out with no physical, no paperwork, have to track them down, yes kids without home phones or email or kids that you have to sell on coming out. It isnt like Prep or Millard North where 95% + of the kids on the team show up to that first day ready to go. THEN keeping them eligible and fed- that's a whole nother story. Talk to some of those coaches about kids having to go home to nothing in the cupboard or maybe just cereal etc- reality. I once had a kid quit because he had to visit his dad in prison and the drive was so far they had to miss games to get there on visitation weekends. Some have no support, no role models and no supervision- so dont judge. That's why I was a HUGE fan of Prop 48, to give kids like this some structure and a real chance. Travesty that program isnt around anymore.