Clemson Tigers 2018 recruiting class: Derion Kendrick breakdown
In the months leading up to National Signing Day I am going to be taking a look at each of the members of Clemson’s 2018 recruiting class as it continues to grow. Today’s edition features athlete commit, Derion Kendrick.
Related Story: Analyzing 2018 DE commit Justin Mascoll
Strengths:
- High School quarterback, which means he has a high football IQ and good leadership qualities.
- Dynamic athlete, can play quarterback, wide receiver and defensive back at a high level.
- Spacial awareness, Kendrick has an outstanding feel for when to cut and can feel defenders around him that he might not be able to entirely see.
- Vision, can make one cut and slice through and entire defense.
- Speed, Kendrick does not look like a burner, however, he has speed capable of getting on the edge of a defense.
Weaknesses:
- Depending on which position Kendrick chooses to play at Clemson, he will have to learn the intricacies of that position. Kendrick will be in a situation similar to Deon Cain who was also a high school quarterback.
Outlook:
Derion Kendrick is an intriguing prospect, because of his versatility. While he doesn’t seem to posses the top end speed that Deon Cain had coming out of high school, his functional athleticism is better. Cain played quarterback in high school, but, was not an adequate passer, while Kendrick has success throwing the ball down the field. This speaks to Kendrick’s ability to adjust to a new position.
Kendrick may end up playing defensive back at Clemson, which he has the size and athleticism to do. At 6’1, 195 pounds Kendrick has the lateral quickness and hands to be a solid contributor in Clemson’s secondary. At this point in his development, Kendrick compares favorably to former Clemson safety, Jadar Johnson.