By: JaDarius McCoy
Justin Fields (Quarterback #1)
6’3 230 lbs
21 y/o Junior Ohio State University
(Photo by Ralph Freso Getty Images)
Games watched: CLEM ‘20, PSU ‘20, RTG ‘20, MD ‘19, NEB ‘19, MSU ‘19
Summary:
Justin Fields was recruited to be the Quarterback for the Georgia Bulldogs in 2018. He saw minimal action.
In the 2019 season, Justin Fields transferred and became the starting QB for the Ohio State Buckeyes. He led the Buckeyes to an undefeated regular season, with 3,757 yards from scrimmage, 51 total touchdowns, and three interceptions. Fields and the Buckeyes lost to the Clemson Tigers in the College Football Semifinals.
For the 2019 season, Fields was a Heisman Trophy Finalist, Davey O’Brien Award Finalist, named First Team All Big-Ten (coaches and media), and also named Second Team All-American (Walter Camp Football Foundation, CBS Sports, Associated Press, American Football Coaches Association, and Football Writers Association of America.)
In 2020, Fields was named preseason second-team All-American by the Associated Press. Covid-19 shortened the Buckeye football season, but Fields led the Buckeyes to an undefeated regular-season record (6-0) with 2,483 all-purpose yards, 27 total touchdowns, and six interceptions.
The Buckeyes defeated the Clemson Tigers in the College Football Playoff Semifinal and subsequently were defeated by the Alabama Crimson Tide in the National Championship game.
Fields will finish his Ohio State career at 11th in all-time passing yards, 2nd in all-time passing touchdowns, and 14th all-time Rushing touchdowns.
Strengths:
- Makes cross-field throws
- Zip on throws flashes in the red zone
- Off-platform and throws on the run
- Intermediate and Short Accuracy
- Enough arm to hit on deep balls
- Flashed the ability to identify matchups before the snap
- Escapability in the pocket; showed awareness
- Athlete in space, legitimate dual-threat QB
- Flashed ability to go through progressions
Weaknesses:
- Can become too indecisive with a rushing lane in front of him
- Has more negative plays when forced to go beyond his second read.
- Could stand to improve scanning the entire field
- Can improve at pre-snap pressure diagnosis
Conclusion:
Justin Fields had the best showing of his career against the Clemson Tigers. He also showed toughness in that game, as he sustained a rib injury on an illegal hit. He played the rest of the game and finished with 385 passing yards and six passing touchdowns.
The Ohio State Buckeyes run many concepts that only require the QB to read half the field at a time, leading to quick and easy decisions. He will likely need to improve at feeling comfortable going through multiple progressions, even though he did put some of that ability on film.
His desire to make the throw downfield led to him neglecting a running lane, but his pocket awareness was, for the most part, adequate. He’s tough to tackle behind and beyond the line of scrimmage. If a team is willing to sprinkle in some Run-Pass options for him, Fields will prove to be a valuable franchise QB before long.
Average Performance Grade: 81.2 / 100
Overall Grade: 5.8 (Starter within one year)
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