Terrell a pleasant weapon at Pleasant Grove

Photo courtesy of sacbee.com

One of the more dangerous all-around athletes in the Sacramento region also happens to be one of the smallest. However, don't let the near 5-foot-8 stature of De'Aundre Terrell of Pleasant Grove-Elk Grove fool you.

If anything, Terrell can make a fool out of defenders with how he makes up for his lack of size.

Terrell is not even six feet tall and he's playing quarterback. However, he's got a little Russell Wilson in him with his ability to take off and run. I was also in awe of his throwing ability. Terrell has a cannon on him and also impressed me with his decision making on throws. When the pocket around him collapses, that's when Terrell proves to be the most dangerous at quarterback with his ability to either step out of the pocket and go deep with the pass, or go deep with a 30-40 yard scramble.When he takes off and runs, he's elusive and slips by 2-4 defenders.

If his future is not a quarterback, he has been utilized in a variety of ways with Pleasant Grove and his 7-on-7 squad Team ASAP, which is coached by former Arena Football League assistant Walt Saunders. Terrell lined up at wide receiver when I was at Livermore for Passing Down's Nor Cal Regional and burned defensive backs on wheel and out routes. On one play, Terrell hauled down one crucial reception where he out-jumped his much taller cover corner - by using a 42" vertical jump to grab the pass. He was also Pleasant Grove's punt return and, just like how he is when he scrambles, Terrell also left defenders in the dust on returns.

Defensively, Terrell shows excellent pursuits to the football and closes in well on passes. His speed already allows him to blanket wide receivers. His eyes for the football and closing fast on the rock also impressed me on film.

Obviously, size is a drawback especially if he gets more looks at quarterback. He'll likely get looked at more in another position. Bulk will be one area of need for him. So will continuing to refine his routes by playing wide receiver or showing a consistent ability to jam at the line as a cornerback on defense. In the end, though, Terrell can excite a lot of people regardless of where he lines up.  He won me over with how he performed in Livermore. Now I can't wait to see him in another 7-on-7 setting or his next highlight film.

More on Terrell can be found here.