Film Study: Notre Dame WR commit Jalen Guyton
WR commit Jalen Guyton, 6-1, 185, Allen (Texas) High
The numbers: Guyton served as the go-to wide receiver in the explosive Allen offense. He hauled in 82 passes for 1,770 yards and 22 touchdowns. He also scored one rushing touchdown and one kick return touchdown. Allen (16-0) ran through another undefeated season to win a UIL Class 6-A, Division I state championship.
The rankings: Rivals — Three stars, No. 53 WR. 247Sports — Three stars, No. 81 WR.
FILM BREAKDOWN
First impression: Guyton is a do-it-all receiver with the ability to make big plays. His speed allows him to burn defenses on deep routes, and his quickness and vision allows him to stretch short passes into big yardage. Guyton’s role at Allen mirrors Will Fuller’s at Notre Dame in a number of ways.
Strengths: He might not be as big as most deep-threat receivers, but Guyton repeatedly runs post routes with precision. His understanding of the weaknesses in the secondary allows him to beat coverages for long touchdowns. Guyton also shows tremendous playmaking abilities after the catch. He uses his deceptive speed to fly by defenders. He’s shifty enough to shake off corners and reads blocks well. His football IQ is apparent in making himself available to his quarterback when a play breaks down.
He did what? (1:25) Guyton again beats a cornerback in coverage and let’s his quarterback know. He throws his hand up as soon as he gets in position to beat his defender down the middle of the field. He accelerates past him and completes the touchdown catch and run … (1:40) Guyton catches a crossing route just outside the 10-yard line with no one around him. As he turns upfield, he sidesteps one defender diving at his feet and then jukes another player before heading into the end zone … (2:38) Guyton catches a screen pass with two blockers and three defenders in front of him. He stretches the play near the sideline before squeezing between a free defender and one being blocked. He tiptoes down the sideline and speeds into the end zone.
Competition level: Allen extended its winning streak to 43 games with another state championship in the largest classification in Texas. The quality of football at that level in Texas needs little explanation. Multiple playoff games were played in AT&T Stadium, the home of the Dallas Cowboys, with Allen’s state final bringing an attendance of 52,308. The MaxPreps XCellent 25 poll named Allen the 2014 national champions.
Left to prove: Few teams challenged Guyton with physical press coverage in his highlight film. Expect that to change at Notre Dame. His strength will be tested, and defenses won’t want him to get a free release and roam in the secondary. His highlight film is proof of what he can do if he’s allowed to. Guyton isn’t a very big target and likely won’t be asked to handle jump-balls in tight coverage. Because of that, it’s important for Guyton to be on the same page with his quarterback. He’s best when hit in stride and his quarterback at Allen, Texas A&M commit Kyler Murray, did that routinely. He will need to develop a similar chemistry with his quarterbacks at Notre Dame in order to maximize his potential.
tjames@ndinsider.com | 574-235-6214 | Twitter: @TJamesNDI
