Scouting the Portal: Mason Cobb, RaRa Thomas, and More

Steven's Projection:

A height of 6'5 is usually the magic number for lineman and where you start to see their size really come into play. Michigan already has some decent size on their line and will likely elect to keep this guy inside but he could play tackle without any major concerns. There's no such this as too many linemen on a team and even if he doesn't earn a start the depth he provides has to make Michigan very happy. He'll be a key piece in keeping the offense rolling into next season.

Mason Cobb - LB

2022 Team: Oklahoma State

2023 Team: USC

Adequate size at 6’0, 230 lbs. Very physical, playing bigger than his actual size. Strong lower half, stays in his legs and plays with a low pad level and very good balance. Elite ability to diagnose the play and react quickly. Quarterbacks the defense, directing his teammates as he reads the play. Uses hands well to shed blockers with ease. Very good twitch with good pursuit to the ball. Quick feet and good speed to cover sideline to sideline. Very good acceleration to close on the ball carrier. Tackles with violence, punishing the opponent and consistently bringing him to the ground. Very good pass rush as he is able to stay low to the ground and bend around the edge to get the QB.

Cobb was an impact player for the Cowboys, racking up 96 tackles in his first year starting as well as leading the team in tackles for loss. His elite athleticism and instincts allow him to read the offense and make the play every time. He strains to the ball and plays aggressively, making up for his somewhat smaller height. He is a true leader on the defense. Committed to USC, Cobb will look to have the same success he had at Oklahoma State with the Trojans. He will be an immediate starter with the ability to take USC’s defense to the next level.

Steven's Projection:

Instant upgrade to USC's linebacker room. He'll bring some life to an otherwise lifeless defense that was giving up huge yardage in its last couple of games. He plays with the speed and intensity to create highlight clips like the one above and will be a leader on the field. Even if his personal stat line doesn't show it USC's team defensive stats will be much better while he's on the field.

Troy Omeire - WR

2022 Team: Texas

2023 Team: Undecided

Very good size at 6’3, 221 lbs. Quick release from the line of scrimmage. Has suddenness in his movements, and sharp cuts in his routes. Elite downfield speed, able to burn his man in go routes. Offers a big target with soft hands to his QB. His twitchiness should make him dangerous with the ball. He is light on his feet, can create yards after catch with elusiveness. Also a willing and aggressive blocker. Has violent hands when run blocking in the open field.

Omeire was projected to be a star for the Longhorns as the number 43 receiver in the 2020 recruiting class. He suffered two knee injuries that led him to be sidelined for nearly all of his time at Texas. He appeared in four games last season, recording one reception on 23 snaps. He has the build, athleticism, speed, and twitch to be a very good receiver at the Power 5 level, but his injury history will likely scare away programs from pursuing him. If he can keep healthy, he holds tremendous upside as a deep threat, a receiver with true home run ability, for whichever team takes a chance on him.

Steven's Projection:

Elena's hit the nail on the head here- this guy is such a big risk and as it stands the only known offer he has is Arizona State, a program looking to completely retool its roster and can take risky prospects. I honestly wouldn't be shocked to see him fall down to the FCS or D2 level. He's only got one catch in college and his injury history could end up being a nagging problem for his athleticism and on game day. My guess is his recruitment will pick up as he goes on visits if team doctors can give their approval to coaches.

RaRa Thomas - WR

2022 Team: Mississippi State

2023 Team: Georgia

Good size at 6’2, 200 lbs. Good quickness off the line. Very good route running. Has good speed in the stem of his routes with long strides. Able to create separation in routes with sharp cuts. Has the awareness to find soft spots in the defense. Soft hands, plucks the ball out of the air. A threat with the ball, he has very good burst up the field and has very good short area quickness and elusiveness. Plays physically and through contact as he bounces off of tackles and requires multiple defenders to be brought down.

Thomas was Mississippi State’s top receiver last year, leading the team with 626 receiving yards and 7 touchdown grabs. He is a bigger target who consistently gets open, making himself an easy target for his QB. His downhill speed makes him a deep ball threat, but his elusiveness and twitch give him the ability to break out big yardage from short receiving plays. He is a natural athlete and a go-to red zone target. Thomas is committed to Georgia with two years of eligibility left. He will look to repeat his receiving success as a starter for the Bulldogs next season.

Steven's Projection:

Between him and Dominic Lovett I don't see how Bulldogs fans could be any more excited about their receivers room next year. Thomas is one of the top receivers in all of college football and combining him with Lovett will give Georgia plenty of reason to air it out next season. He's got plenty of talent and the only thing holding him back from blowing up the stat sheet next year is the fact that Georgia has too many mouths to feed in that offense.