Notre Dame Commit Karson Hobbs Proves Doubters Wrong As A Senior
When you think back to last November, there were some mixed feelings when Notre Dame was able to flip standout 2024 Cincinnati (Ohio) Archbishop Moeller Karson Hobbs from his pledge to the South Carolina Gamecocks. There were some naysayers who questioned that decision. Then there were some who just wanted to be patent and see more, while trusting Mike Mickens.
With Hobbs’ senior campaign in the books, those critics should be very quiet. Hobbs was tremendous, developing into one of the better cornerbacks in the 2024 recruiting class. Here is a film breakdown of what Hobbs was able to accomplish in 2023.
COVERAGE UPSIDE
Hobbs specializes in press man coverage, utilizing his strong hands, quick feet and length to give opposing wide receivers headaches. On this rep, you can see all of those traits pop off the screen. It starts with a good jam at the line of scrimmage.
You can see just how physical Hobbs is. He loves to keep his hands on wide receivers but does it in a way that isn’t overtop, with little threat of holding. As the wide receiver works inside, Hobbs changes direction and stays on the wide receiver's hip. Once the ball is thrown, he is able to undercut the route and nearly come away with an interception.
Hobbs can carry routes vertically with the best of them. You can clearly see that he is confident both in his long speed and comfort to play the football in the air. On this rep, Hobbs was in cover three, zone turning to the inside and playing with outside leverage.
There is no panic while climbing vertically, once again showing confidence in his speed. He finishes with one of his 13 pass breakups on the season.
While Hobbs plays man coverage the majority of the time, there are some instances of zone coverage reps. When he is put into those situations, he does showcase outstanding football IQ. That is very prevalent on this redzone rep.
Hobbs does what we call “splitting the difference” between a route behind and in front of him. He allowed himself to stay patient and not fall back too far on route behind him and not get too aggressive on the short route. Obviously the quarterback had to end up hitting the shorter route. From there, Hobbs shows the talent to tackle in the open field and finish the play short of the endzone.
ATHLETIC PROFILE
Arguably the biggest jump for Hobbs this season was his speed. He had solid speed as a junior but it really took a step forward as a senior. You can see it on this particular rep coming from across the field.
While Hobbs is playing in pursuit, you can see the ground he is able to make up quickly. Obviously he finishes the play for a tackle but that isn’t the impressive part. Just getting himself in that position was impressive.
The speed for Hobbs pops all over his senior film. The easiest way to see that on film can be when a player is hauling from a distance to make a play in pursuit. You can see that from Hobbs on this chase down.
Hobbs covers about 50 yards on this particular play. He quickly covered that ground and ended up making the play. That type of effort and long speed is always a big bonus.
Playing the cornerback position isn’t easy. Opposing offenses will always do their best to out leverage defenders and create easy separation. The offense sends the wide receiver in motion on this play, seeing that Hobbs is in man coverage and having him chase in catch-up mode.
You can see the flash of speed from Hobbs to work across the field. He actually does come a little shallow on the route at first, which allows the wide receiver to get a little separation when they get vertical. You can see the speed for Hobbs. That recovery is very impressive, also possessing plus length to break up the pass down the field.
When you look at Hobbs, you might expect good long speed and some level of physicality. You get both of those attributes. The thing you might not be ready for is his change of direction skills. That can be an inconsistent area for several longer cornerbacks.
That is, however, one of the best areas of Hobbs’ game. As the wide receiver runs his route, you can see multiple stutters to try and create separation. Hobbs mirrors and matches that movement, staying in phase to finish with the pass breakup.
The beginning of this rep actually wasn’t perfect for Hobbs. He is clearly in man-to-man coverage and should be trying to force the wide receiver to the sideline.
Hobbs allows the inside release, letting the wide receiver make himself available for the quarterback. The things you love to see from Hobbs is his flexibility to get out of his pedal to turn and run. He showcases the vertical and closing speed to stay connected. Hobbs’ length again flashes to disrupt the catch point for the pass breakup.
PHYSICALITY AND EFFORT
Working near the line of scrimmage is where Hobbs is most comfortable. Aside from playing press, he also excels in the screen game. That’s where his physicality can once again shine.
On this play, you can see how aggressive Hobbs is at the line of scrimmage. The impressive part isn’t that he is able to squeeze down and make this play. No, the impressive part is the feeling he has to know it’s coming. The opposing offensive lineman is coming flat to try and make the block. Hobbs senses and squeezes the play so well that he completely avoids the blocker in space. It is just a phenomenal play.
Hobbs is still pretty skinny but he has no issue getting involved in the run game. He has a profile where I wouldn’t be shocked if he plays some nickel back during his career at times. There are flashes of making nice plays coming forward and in the backfield.
Once the wide receiver motions behind the line of scrimmage, Hobbs fires into the backfield. He arrives at the ball carrier with his closing speed and helps to force the fumble. He may not get the glory of the touchdown but Hobbs is the reason for it.
UPSIDE MOVING FORWARD
Rid the “three-star” label when discussing Hobbs. He is a long and lamented cornerback at 6-1 and 180 pounds, possessing a nice all around profile to develop on the next level.
With how Notre Dame has begun to develop the cornerback position, it’s hard not to be optimistic for what Hobbs and Leonard Moore can become on the next level. With his combination of talent, football IQ and work ethic, he has an opportunity to be a great player for the Irish.
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