Caelen Carson NFL Draft 2024: Scouting Report for Wake Forest CB
Mar 19, 2024
CHARLOTTE, NC - OCTOBER 28: Caelen Carson #1 of the Wake Forest Demon Deacons reacts after dropping an interception during a football game against the Florida State Seminoles at Allegacy Federal Credit Union Stadium in Winston-Salem, North Carolina on Oct 28, 2023. (Photo by David Jensen/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
HEIGHT: 6'0"
WEIGHT: 199
HAND: 8¼"
ARM: 31⅜"
WINGSPAN: 75⅝"
40-YARD DASH: N/A
3-CONE: N/A
SHUTTLE: N/A
VERTICAL: N/A
BROAD: N/A
POSITIVES
— Versatile player with a good split of reps between outside cornerback and slot defender. Can play both off and press coverage from those alignments.
— Smart defender with good route recognition. Plays with good leverage and understanding of schemes.
— Physical defender who uses his hands to take on blocks. Quickly disengages from blockers to make plays in run and screen games.
NEGATIVES
— Below-average eye discipline and awareness in zone coverage. Overaggressive at times and can get caught out of position.
— Average braking ability. Doesn't trust his eyes at times, causing him to be slow out of his breaks and leading to poor footwork. Can take poor initial angles out of breaks and lacks ideal burst.
Caelen Carson is a versatile defender who has two years of experience as a starting cornerback at Wake Forest. He broke up 26 passes and hauled in three interceptions during his four-year collegiate career. Combined with his ability to play from the slot, Carson has shown that he can step up and fill his roles in both the run and pass game.
Carson is a defender with a short memory span. He does a very good job of competing on each rep and moving on to the next one even after giving up a play. He's a versatile defender who can play in both man and zone schemes, although he often gives up too much of a cushion and allows easy catches in front of him in both coverages.
When in press coverage, Carson shows his lateral movement at the line of scrimmage. While working down the field, he does a good job of sinking his hips to match receiver's breaks. Though he has good footwork, he can be out of control at times, causing him to lack the burst needed to compete at the catch point. He also struggles to cover bigger receivers down the field at times, as he lacks the ability to play above the rim.
Carson is a more-than-willing run defender, He makes quick reads and triggers downhill. When taking on blocks, he shows his physicality to shock and control the blocker. While using his hands and short-area quickness, he does a very good job of disengaging and getting to the ball.
However, he's inconsistent between tackling receivers and running backs. When tackling running backs, he often dives and doesn't look to wrap up ball-carriers. When looking to tackle receivers, he does a good job of attempting to run his feet through the tackles, though he still shows inconsistency with that.
Ultimately, Carson should be a late Day 3 prospect in the 2024 draft. Though he has versatility as a defender, his lack of on-ball production and tackle security are his biggest pitfalls. He will give depth to a room at multiple positions and should be able to contribute on special teams as well.
Kobie Turner NFL Draft 2023: Scouting Report for Wake Forest DL
Feb 24, 2023
Wake Forest's Kobie Turner (0) rushes in on North Carolina State quarterback MJ Morris (16) during the first half of an NCAA college football game in Raleigh, N.C., Saturday, Nov. 5, 2022. (AP Photo/Karl B DeBlaker)
HEIGHT: 6'2 1/4"
WEIGHT: 288
HAND: 10 1/8"
ARM: 32"
WINGSPAN: 77 7/8"
40-YARD DASH: TBD
3-CONE: 7.08
SHUTTLE: 4.49
VERTICAL: TBD
BROAD: 8'0"
POSITIVES
– Impressive get-off. Fast off the ball and has good initial quickness.
– Physical at the point of attack as a run defender and takes on blocks with low pad level to gain a leverage advantage.
– Against scoop and combo blocks, attacks and gets hands on the lineman he's lined up across from to help free up linebackers. Has a solid base to avoid losing too much ground.
– Has the strength to get some extension and shed blocks versus base blocks from offensive linemen.
– Has a nice rip move when slanting to help get penetration.
– Has a knack for punching the ball out when making tackles.
– Has good leg drive on his bull rush to help collapse the pocket, which also helps with his rip move.
– Good athlete with the quickness, agility and hip mobility to develop/flesh out a few finesse moves down the line if he gets his use of hands down.
– Can be effective in line games. Physical and strong as the penetrator and to pick the offensive lineman he's lined up across from, and athletic and agile enough to be an effective looper.
– Excellent pass-rush motor to get coverage sacks. Never stops rushing.
– Hustle player in general who will factor into gang tackles down the field.
NEGATIVES
– Slightly undersized for an NFL defensive tackle and has a pretty full frame already.
– Lack of arm length limits how much extension he can get when taking on blocks, which could make shedding more difficult for him in the NFL.
– Isn't strong enough to hold up against a true double-team on the front side of gap runs.
– Struggles with his balance and needs to play under more control, especially in the backfield. Occasionally comes in like a bat out of hell and falls on his face when the ball-carrier cuts or when he goes from pressure to none after defeating a block.
– Late and inaccurate with his hands when rushing the passer, which gives up his chest to blockers and limits his pass-rushing arsenal.
– Doesn't have a go-to pass-rush move that he can win with immediately in the NFL.
– Fairly inconsistent player who will make a splash play on one rep and then get beat on the next.
NOTES
– Richmond transfer
– Wasn't ranked by 247Sports or any recruiting outlet coming out of high school in the 2017 class, went to FCS Richmond as a walk-on
– 2020-21 (Spring) Honors: CAA Co-Defensive Player of the Year, First-Team All-CAA, Second-Team All-American (AP, Stats Perform FCS)
– 2019 Honors: Third-Team All-CAA
OVERALL
Kobie Turner might have one of the best stories of any prospect in this year's NFL draft class. His college career started as an FCS walk-on, and his parents gave him a year to get a scholarship. Not only did he accomplish that goal, but he ended up becoming an All-American before eventually transferring to Wake Forest and being in this position.
That story of perseverance will certainly help Turner's draft stock as scouts and general managers dig into each player's character and work ethic. It also helps that he has a good blend of strength and athleticism to work with and develop in the NFL.
Turner's run defense is already solid, but his use of hands as a pass-rusher is a major work in progress. It also doesn't help that the Spider and Demon Deacon lacks NFL size for a defensive tackle and has some physical limitations.
However, Turner has done an excellent job of proving that he belongs this past year by standing out against ACC competition and at the East-West Shrine Bowl. While his play is inconsistent and he is an older prospect who is a bit of a project, he'd be a great fit as a 3-technique in a scheme that allows its defensive tackles to penetrate instead of play gap control.
A.T. Perry NFL Draft 2023: Scouting Report for Wake Forest WR
Feb 24, 2023
WINSTON-SALEM, NC - SEPTEMBER 24: A.T. Perry (9) of the Wake Forest Demon Deacons stiff arms Nate Wiggins (20) of the Clemson Tigers during a football game between the Wake Forest Demon Deacons and the Clemson Tigers on September 24, 2022, at Truist Field in Winston-Salem, NC. (Photo by David Jensen/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
HEIGHT: 6'3.5"
WEIGHT: 198
HAND: 9 1/4"
ARM: 33 1/4"
WINGSPAN: TBD
40-YARD DASH: 4.47
3-CONE: TBD
SHUTTLE: TBD
VERTICAL: 35"
BROAD: 11'1"
POSITIVES
— Good build. Tall, lean frame with very long arms.
— Great build-up speed. Excels when he can stride out in one direction.
— Above-average with the ball. Wins with speed and decent contact balance.
— Smooth, graceful mover for his size. Can sink his hips on routes comfortably.
— Great ball-tracking skills and hands down the field.
— Good ability to fight through contact and play the ball in the air.
NEGATIVES
— Below-average twitch and acceleration. Can take too long to get rolling at times.
— Route-running technique needs to be ironed out, needs more confidence. Runs routes as if he is thinking about them too often.
— Can be sloppy versus press coverage. Struggles to use his hands to keep himself clean.
A.T. Perry is a towering vertical threat with the athletic tools to blossom into a complete X receiver.
Perry will make his money down the field in the NFL. At 6'3" and 195 pounds, he sports a long, lean frame that enables him to stride out with huge steps and blow by opposing defensive backs late in the route. It takes him a few steps to get rolling, but once he starts striding out, it's difficult to keep up with his size and speed combination.
Perry's best work often comes on go balls, post routes and the occasional deep over route, all of which just let him take off in one direction. He also has loose feet and hips for a player his size, which allows him to threaten other routes that play off of vertical stems, such as deep digs, glance routes and comeback routes.
Perry also has the ball skills one might expect of a 6'3" receiver. He has moments of inconsistency when it comes to fighting through contact, but there's still more good than bad in that area. More importantly given his downfield skill set, Perry is very comfortable tracking the ball. He excels at finding the ball over his shoulder and shows little issue contorting his body however necessary to get hands on the ball. Perry also has strong, reliable hands to finish the catch more times than not.
On the other hand, Perry lacks the twitch and acceleration of a truly dominant player. The sharper the route break, the more prone he is to needing to slow down, take extra steps and roll slowly out of the break, losing some separation potential.
Perry can also be sluggish off the line at times. It takes him some build-up steps to really get moving, which is an issue when paired with his inconsistent technique in using his hands to defeat press coverage. Perry may be able to solve some of these issues with coaching, but it will likely take a good deal of time, especially the route-running.
Perry is an exciting bet on a vertical threat. It isn't easy to find guys with his size, deep speed, fluidity and ball skills. Perry's lack of twitch and some technique inconsistencies make his game incomplete right now, but he can still be an early contributor as a field-stretcher while he strives towards rounding out his game. A Bruce Arians-style vertical system that leans on Perry's size and speed would be his best fit in the NFL.
From FCS Walk-On to NFL Draft Prospect, Kobie Turner Looks to Defy the Odds Again
Feb 8, 2023
Kobie Turner, Wake Forest
LAS VEGAS – It's the last day of practice at the East-West Shrine Bowl, and defensive tackle Kobie Turner looks to cap off an impressive week. He trots out onto the Las Vegas Raiders' practice facility sporting a matte black helmet with the blue and red Richmond Spider logo on the side and gold letters that read "Wake Forest" at the base of his head.
While that color scheme may clash, it perfectly symbolizes Turner's journey to becoming an NFL draft prospect.
The Spider-turned-Demon Deacon has a path to the draft similar to J.J. Watt's. Like Watt, Turner was lightly recruited out of Centreville High School in Clifton, Virginia. While Watt was a 2-star prospect, Turner was unranked in 247Sports' recruiting database and walked on at Richmond, an FCS school.
As a freshman, he didn't have much time to spare. His parents gave him one year to earn a scholarship—similar to Watt's situation at Wisconsin—or he would have had to transfer to a community college to keep his dream alive.
With a chip on his shoulder, not only did Turner earn that coveted free education, but he became an FCS All-American.
"I'm the type of guy who's gonna work from the ground up, and I'm completely OK with doing that," Turner told Bleacher Report during an exclusive interview at the Shrine Bowl. "That's what I've done my whole career.
"... The first year [at Richmond] when a lot of freshmen who come in, they're relaxed and they're freaking out about the social scene and stuff like that. I didn't have time for that. ... From the second I stepped on the field, there was a specific purpose, a specific mindset, and I think that's something that can differentiate me. Because that's the mentality that I have."
Despite all of the accolades (CAA Co-Defensive Player of the Year and three-time All-CAA selection) and stats (16 sacks and 33.5 tackles for loss in 38 games), Turner still had something to prove to NFL scouts. That's why he transferred to Wake Forest ahead of last season.
"The whole transfer was about playing against better competition, about doing whatever it took to put myself in the best position to be able to make it to the league, so it was a complete business decision," Turner explained.
"Wake had a great spot. [Defensive line] coach [Dave] Cohen and [head] coach [Dave] Clawson have been there for around eight years. It's a culture that's already set up ... and they brought me in and welcomed me with open arms, and I was just able to come in and put my piece of the puzzle; the leadership, the motor, the effort and just the way that I attack things."
Going from getting no scholarship offers out of high school to earning one from the defending ACC Atlantic champions could have created some complacency for Turner. However, he maintained a "walk-on mindset" at his new school.
"[I went] into this year with a chip on my shoulder," he said. "Being an FCS guy, and not only that, but walking on to FCS school.
"I don't know that there are a lot of doubters, per se. My family has always believed in me, and I haven't had a lot of outside noise just because I haven't opened myself up to that. But certainly, a lot of people wouldn't think that I will be in this position where I'm at today, and this is only the beginning.
"... I'm just trying to keep going forward and keep climbing these new mountains and just, you know, keep working hard."
While Turner's journey to the NFL started with plenty of obstacles, it has become part of his value proposition to general managers and scouts. It's something that helps him stand out from the rest of the pack.
"I think that just shows how I approach things," he said when asked how his story differentiates him in the predraft process. "Even when I got to Wake, nothing was handed to me and I didn't want it to be that way. ... And it all goes back to work ethic, playing with the motor, playing with energy, playing with passion."
While Turner didn't log a start this past season, he still managed to finish second on the team with 10 tackles for loss. Not bad for a guy who couldn't even get an FBS school to give him a chance coming out of high school.
While becoming an NFL star is Turner's next goal on his football journey, he's already made the most of the opportunities the sport has presented him with. He earned his bachelor's at Richmond and a graduate degree from Wake Forest.
Even if professional football doesn't work out for the former walk-on, he should have no problem landing on his feet. But the combination of his perseverance, mindset and skill set suggests we'll be hearing the name Kobie Turner on Sundays for a while.
What a fun week we had for the last Saturday of September in college football. In the noon slate, No. 4 Clemson barely got past No. 21 Wake Forest, needing...
No. 5 Clemson Survives Wake Forest's Upset Bid with 51-45 Win in 2OT Thriller
Sep 24, 2022
WINSTON-SALEM, NC - SEPTEMBER 24: Nate Wiggins #20 of the Clemson Tigers breaks up a pass intended for A.T. Perry #9 of the Wake Forest Demon Deacons to end the game in the second overtime at Truist Field on September 24, 2022 in Winston-Salem, North Carolina. Clemson won 51-45 in 2OT. (Photo by Lance King/Getty Images)
DJ Uiagalelei's five passing touchdowns allowed No. 5 Clemson to survive No. 21 Wake Forest's upset bid Saturday.
The Tigers held on for a 51-45 double-overtime victory over their ACC rival thanks to Davis Allen's 21-yard touchdown catch from Uiagalelei to start the extra frame.
Wake Forest got the ball last with an opportunity to win the game, but the offense only managed to gain four yards, and Sam Hartman's pass to A.T. Perry on fourth-and-6 was incomplete.
Despite being ranked No. 4 in the preseason Associated Press Top 25 poll, Clemson had a lot to prove this season.
Uiagalelei, in particular, was going to be under the microscope after a disappointing sophomore campaign in 2021 when he had more interceptions (10) than passing touchdowns (nine). The California native arrived at Clemson with a lot of hype as a 5-star prospect and top-ranked pro-style quarterback in the 2020 recruiting class, according to 247Sports.
Through four games, it certainly looks like Uiagalelei has taken a huge step forward. His five touchdowns Saturday gave him 10 for the season. He went 26-of-41 for 371 yards against Wake. The 21-year-old has only thrown one interception on 129 attempts so far.
The Tigers defense did get challenged in its first major test of the season. Clemson allowed 447 yards of offense to Wake Forest. Hartman was terrific in the loss, completing 20 of 29 attempts for 337 yards with six scores and no interceptions.
The Demon Deacons put up 21 points in the third quarter and took a 38-35 lead with 8:07 remaining in the fourth quarter on Matthew Dennis' 29-yard field goal.
Antonio Williams set his team up with good field position thanks to a 26-yard kickoff return that got the Tigers out to their own 48-yard line. Their drive stalled after seven plays, but B.T. Potter drilled a 52-yard field goal to tie the score.
After trading touchdowns in the first overtime period, Uiagalelei hit Allen on 3rd-and-6 from Wake's 21-yard line for the game-winning score.
The loss drops Wake Forest to 3-1 on the season, but head coach Dave Clawson's squad continues to play well coming off an 11-win campaign in 2021.
Clemson is off to a 4-0 start with possibly its most difficult regular-season opponent looming. Head coach Dabo Swinney's squad will host No. 12 North Carolina State on Oct. 1. No. 25 Miami is the only other currently ranked team still on the schedule (Nov. 19).
Wake Forest QB Sam Hartman Cleared to Play vs. Vanderbilt After Medical Evaluations
Sep 6, 2022
CHARLOTTE, NC - DECEMBER 04: Sam Hartman (10) quarterback of Wake Forest during the ACC Football Championship game between the Pitt Panthers and the Wake Forest Demon Deacons on December 4, 2021, at Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte, N.C. (Photo by John Byrum/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
Wake Forest redshirt junior quarterback Sam Hartman has been medically cleared to resume all football activities after being diagnosed with Paget-Schroetter syndrome on Aug. 9.
A Wake Forest statement announcing the comeback also stated that Hartman is available to play on Saturday at Vanderbilt.
Dr. Julie A. Freischlag, Hartman's surgeon, explained what happened to the Wake Forest star and how his condition was treated:
"Sam developed a blood clot in the subclavian vein. This condition is known as Paget-Schroetter syndrome, or effort thrombosis. We suspect this occurred as a result of a previous infection that eventually caused inflammation.
"After our diagnosis on August 9, we first did a procedure to remove the blood clot. Secondly, we performed surgery to eliminate the pressure on the vein and then dilated the vein. On Friday, we did another follow-up ultrasound on Sam and everything looked great. The clot was gone, the blood flow was good and he felt great.
"Blood thinner therapies were discontinued once they became medically unnecessary and he is medically cleared to return to full competition.
"Sam is a wonderful young man and I, and our entire team, wish him all the best as he returns to the football field."
Hartman shined for the Demon Deacons last year, completing 58.9 percent of his passes for 39 touchdowns (14 interceptions) and 4,228 passing yards. The 23-year-old landed on the ACC's second team thanks to his efforts.
Wake Forest finished No. 15 in the Associated Press poll with an 11-3 record, an ACC Championship Game appearance and a Gator Bowl victory.
The Demon Deacons got this season off to a good start with a 44-10 win over VMI. Backup quarterback Mitch Griffis completed 21 of 29 passes for three touchdowns and 288 yards.
Hartman is expected to take his starting role back Saturday, per ESPN's Pete Thamel.
Saturday's game against Vanderbilt will start at noon ET. The Commodores have opened their season with wins over Hawaii and Elon.
Wake Forest QB Sam Hartman out Indefinitely with Non-Football-Related Medical Issue
Aug 10, 2022
CHARLOTTE, NC - DECEMBER 04: Sam Hartman (10) quarterback of Wake Forest during the ACC Football Championship game between the Pitt Panthers and the Wake Forest Demon Deacons on December 4, 2021, at Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte, N.C. (Photo by John Byrum/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
Wake Forest announced Wednesday that starting quarterback Sam Hartman is out indefinitely for treatment on
a "non-football-related medical condition."
Here's a statement from the Demon
Deacons' athletic department:
Following a workout on Tuesday,
Aug. 9, redshirt junior quarterback Sam Hartman sought medical
attention for a non-football-related condition. The results of those
tests and subsequent treatment will remove Sam from team activities
indefinitely. The timeline for his return to competition is
uncertain. In respect for Sam's privacy and in compliance with HIPAA,
no additional details will be shared at this time. Wake Forest
Athletics medical and athletics training staff are providing Sam and
his family with constant support. More updates will be shared when
appropriate.”
Hartman, a 23-year-old North Carolina
native, enjoyed a breakout season for Wake in 2021. He completed 58.9
percent of his throws for 4,228 yards with 39 touchdowns and 14
interceptions across 14 appearances as the team went 11-3.
He was named to this year's preseason
watch list for the Davey O'Brien Award, which is given to the
nation's top quarterback.
"Tuesday was a frustrating day,
but I am extremely grateful for our medical staff and for Dr. Chris
Miles and Niles Fleet for staying with me throughout this process," Hartman said. "I look forward to attacking this rehabilitation
process and I am so appreciative of the support I have received from
my family, teammates and coaches."
Other members of the Wake Forest staff
also released statements about the news.
Head coach Dave Clawson:
Sam Hartman is the true
embodiment of a leader and is one of the finest young men I have ever
had the pleasure to coach. As a two-time captain and coming off
record-setting seasons in 2020 and 2021, Sam was intensely focused on
the betterment of his teammates throughout the entire offseason and
helping our program continue to achieve great things on the field.
Additionally, he is an incredible person in the community and in the
classroom. We'll look forward to having Sam back on the field as soon
as he can, and in the meantime Sam and his family have the full
support of our coaching staff and program in his recovery.
Athletic director John Currie:
Our No. 1 priority at Wake
Forest is always the health and safety of our student-athletes. As we
rally around Sam and his family, we are grateful for the expert care
and attention provided by our entire sports medicine team led by head
physician Dr. Chris Miles and head trainer/associate athletics
director Niles Fleet. Sam Hartman represents everything right about
intercollegiate athletics and the unparalleled team culture Coach
Clawson has built at Wake Forest. We know all of Deacon Nation is in
his corner.
Michael Kern will likely take the reins
of the Deacs offense. Mitch
Griffis, Brett Griffis and Troy Hoilman are the other quarterbacks on
the roster.
Wake's season gets underway Sept. 1
when it hosts VMI at Truist Field.
Sam Hartman Dominant as Wake Forest Routs Rutgers in 2021 Gator Bowl
Dec 31, 2021
JACKSONVILLE, FLORIDA - DECEMBER 31: Brandon Chapman #23 of the Wake Forest Demon Deacons celebrates a touch against the Rutgers Scarlet Knights during the TaxSlayer Gator Bowl at TIAA Bank Field on December 31, 2021 in Jacksonville, Florida. (Photo by Sam Greenwood/Getty Images)
Wake Forest ended 2021 on a high, beating Rutgers 38-10 in the Gator Bowl on Friday at TIAA Bank Field in Jacksonville, Florida.
The Demon Deacons' 11 wins tie a program record set in 2006.
They steadily wore down the Scarlet Knights, rolling up 453 total yards and scoring 24 unanswered points to close out the contest.
Head coach Dave Clawson and his staff only had around a week to draw up a new game plan after Rutgers replaced Texas A&M, which was forced to withdraw because of COVID-19-related issues.
In retrospect, the Big Ten may have wished Rutgers sat this one out. The result is the conference's first bowl loss of the 2021 season.
Notable Performers
Sam Hartman, QB, Wake Forest: 23-of-39, 304 yards, three touchdowns; six carries, 21 yards
A.T. Perry, WR, Wake Forest: 10 receptions, 127 yards, one touchdown
Johnny Langan, QB, Rutgers: 2-of-2, 21 yards; six carries, 20 yards; six receptions, 57 yards
Hartman Exorcises Bowl Demons
Last year, Sam Hartman had a bowl season to forget. He threw four interceptions in the second half as Wake Forest suffered a 42-28 loss to Wisconsin in the Duke's Mayo Bowl.
The redshirt sophomore explained to ESPN's David M. Hale how he began to prioritize his mental health following that defeat, reflecting how he wishes he had earlier in life.
Hartman clearly wasn't weighed down from any memories of last December as he threw a pair of touchdown passes in the first quarter against Rutgers.
With the Demon Deacons offense sputtering a bit in the second half, Hartman broke off a 35-yard run on third down in the fourth quarter to get inside the red zone. Four plays later, he found Brandon Chapman for their second touchdown connection of the day.
His 50 total touchdowns in 2021 are the second-most in a single season by an ACC quarterback.
Hartman headlines a long list of starters set to return to Wake Forest in 2022. A second successive 10-win season is an attainable goal for next season.
Wake Forest in 2022 will be a classic test of brand bias in rankings. They return nearly everyone on offense from from a Top 10 offense and an 11-win team. Sam Hartman should be first-team All-ACC. Will voters believe?
The Scarlet Knights entered Friday at 118th in total offense, averaging 313.8 yards per game. They were also 109th in offensive SP+, per ESPN's Bill Connelly.
The Rutgers offense engineered a 12-play, 75-yard drive on its first possession of the game. Aaron Young capped it off with a 12-yard touchdown run.
The Scarlet Knights were set up with a 1st-and-goal at the Wake Forest 10-yard line but had to settle for a 28-yard field goal from Valentino Ambrosio to make a 14-10 game. Their next trip into the red zone ended in an interception by Wake Forest defensive back Gavin Holmes.
After Hartman's touchdown passes, the Rutgers defense did a good job of stymying Wake Forest for stretches. The offense failed to capitalize, though, and that put far too much pressure on the defense over time.
All things considered, this wasn't a bad performance from Greg Schiano's team.
