Maybe it’s because it’s July, or perhaps it’s because the NFL draft has gained so many followers that analysts just can’t wait to get their opinions known before the season starts. Either way, the Manning Passing Academy is gaining momentum as the go-to showcase for college quarterbacks to flash their skills for the NFL.
Mike Mayock was down in Louisiana this weekend watching the draft-eligible quarterbacks, and came away with some thoughts on Alabama quarterback A.J. McCarron, UNC’s Bryn Renner and Michigan’s Devin Gardner.
“Ball comes out well, very very smooth,” Mayock said about McCarron. “Great mechanics, good footwork. I think he’s got good but not great arm strength and he’s very accurate.”
Mayock said that Renner was the most polished quarterback at the Academy.
“Great feet, bigger than I thought at 6-foot-3, 220 pounds, balls come out beautifully,” Mayock said. “His father is a highly recognized high school coach, so it doesn’t surprise me that he is so polished.”
Garnder has less experience than McCarron or Renner, but he’s the most athletic of the three quarterbacks.
“Gardner is 6-foot-4, he’s 210 pounds, he’s got a buggy whip for an arm, he’s highly athletic,” Mayock said. “He’s raw as can be, but trust me — he’s a redshirt junior, and this kid’s got some ability. I’m really anxious to watch him develop this year.”
Mayock also came away impressed with Miami’s Stephen Morris. Texas A&M’s Johnny Manziel didn’t get the opportunity to throw since he wasn’t there on the first day and left with an “illness” before the camp was over. Manziel reportedly stayed out late on Friday night and didn’t show up until noon on Saturday. Archie Manning told Manziel to leave, according to Rumors & Rants.
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