Ruolo: Tight End College: South Carolina State – Classe: Senior
Età: 21 – Altezza: 6’5 (195 cm) – Peso: 244 (110 kg)
PLAYER OVERVIEW
A no-star wide receiver recruit, Hemingway grew up in a small town and weighed only 180-pounds out of high school, causing him to go under-recruited by FBS programs. A three-year starter at South Carolina State, he was used as a versatile "Y" tight end and lined up inline, wing and in the slot, running mostly short-to-intermediate routes.
Hemingway started every game as a senior in 2015 and finished with 38 receptions for 418 yards and one touchdown, earning First Team All-MEAC and All-American honors. His 2015 campaign earned him an invitation to the 2016 NFLPA Collegiate Bowl.
STRENGTHS: Skyscraper with arms and projectable frame. Uses his reach to extend and highpoint, climbing the ladder. Big-bodied target to split defenders and manipulate the middle of the field. Long, fluid strides to accelerate off the line of scrimmage and threaten the seam. Flexible lower body to make strong cuts and create separation at the stem. Smooth route-runner, using patience and body fakes to sell patterns.
Stabs at the catch point, not allowing traffic to alter his focus. Good pop at initial contact as a blocker. Worked hard to develop his frame, adding 60+ pounds since arriving at South Carolina State. Well-respected individual and earned the 2015 Walter Payton Achievement Award, which is given to the student-athlete in the MEAC/SWAC Challenge who best shows character and team spirit.
WEAKNESSES: Lean-limbed and lacks prototypical thickness and build for the position. One-gear athlete and lacks variety in his routes. Most of his patterns were within seven yards of the line of scrimmage and didn't give the secondary much to worry about on film. Picks and chooses his aggressiveness at the catch point.
Not doing much after contact as a ballcarrier and doesn't run as big as he looks. Holds the ball too loose, leading to fumbles. Upright blocker and struggles to sustain. Late to recognize blocking angles and gain proper positioning. Below average career production, especially in the end zone with only two combined touchdowns the last two seasons.
IN OUR VIEW: Even though he is incredibly raw in several areas, Hemmingway is an intriguing size/speed athlete with upside to secure a NFL roster spot if given time to develop his power and mental toughness – day three developmental tight end in the mold of Ladarius Green.
Dane Brugler (3/8/16) – CBSSports.com