Ear to the streets
— Early in the week, I was informed that an informal workout was being put together by Quinn Ewers with a few top prospects in the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex. We were told we could attend the event under the condition of keeping it quiet and not disclosing the location. The event was organized by Ewers in an effort to work out with some of the top pass-catchers in his class and do some recruiting. The group came together tonight, and Ewers was joined by Texas commit Phaizon Wilson and Texas targets Armani Winfield and Evan Stewart.
— It was a bit funny watching all the guys get to know each other. Wilson and Ewers have been talking a lot in the last week, but neither really knew what the other had as a skillset. After the workout was done, Wilson was blown away by the way Ewers threw the ball. He kept marveling at how effortless it was for Ewers to put it right on the money in any kind of situation. Ewers was also pleased with how big of a target Wilson was and the way he caught the ball.
—The guys went through the route tree running a variety of different looks for Ewers to throw to. The early going was pinpoint accuracy and zip on stops, slants and comebacks, but the main event was the deep post. On five straight throws, Ewers threw picture-perfect deep balls from 50-yards out dropping them right over the shoulder and in-stride with the receiver. At one point, Winfield yelled "Oh my God, it's so pretty," while running a route watching the ball in the air. The deep accuracy was as impressive as any quarterback I've ever seen.
— Winfield and Ewers were somewhat familiar with one another. Southlake Carroll beat Lewisville 84-6 last season, and Ewers made sure to get a few jokes off about that. Winfield is really polished as a wideout and he's filling out in his upper body. Sometimes I have to remember that I've known him since he was a freshman, and I've watched him physically develop over the last four years. Winfield is probably the most natural receiver of the group with great route-running ability and exceptional hands. It's one thing to see Ewers work from the other sideline, but Winfield got a new appreciation being on the other end of the pass. While I don't sense anything imminent with him as of now, I feel really good about my 247Sports Crystal Ball pick in favor of Texas.
6COMMENTS
— The best interaction of the night was watching Ewers and Evan Stewart get to know each other. They had only talked before this, but they blew each other away many times. Stewart is one of the fastest players in the country, and he was very pleased that Ewers could hit him in stride instead of underthrowing him as many others do. Stewart showed off insane athleticism and speed changing gears fluidly through breaks and a vertical that blew everyone away. Ewers' jaw dropped when he saw Stewart elevate one time to catch a touchdown pass. They seemed like two people who had only heard of each other eyeing one another from across the room. Stewart really likes Texas, and he talks with Jay Valai more than anyone. That said, he wants to enjoy his recruitment and take his time. I don't get the sense he's ready to shut anything down.
— I saw Ewers during the spring and he looked like he was carrying a lot of burden from his recruitment. He's never been ungrateful about it, but it can take its toll on a kid. Seeing him today, he was as light as a feather. The weight was really off of his shoulders and he was having fun with everything. It was awesome to see him recruiting in action. He's not over the top about it, but he is effective. He has the type of personality that can thrive in any situation, and his skills speak for themselves. Talking with him, it was clear that Texas was his dream school and he didn't want to miss the opportunity to commit there. I can't see the future, but barring anything crazy, I don't think there's anything to worry about with his recruitment.