Here’s the breakdown of one of UGA’s newest commitments by former Bulldogs great Terrence Edwards for the AJC:
Player: DeeJay Dallas, Wide Receiver, Brunswick, GA.
Specs: 6-feet, 182 pounds
College: Committed to UGA over Auburn.
The first thing that jumps out to me on film: The first thing that I noticed about DeeJay Dallas is his ability to accelerate from 0-100 when he gets the ball in his hand. DeeJay has a natural ability as a kickoff returner. As a kick returner you have to see blocks and set up blocks to have a successful return. DeeJay’s ability to accelerate as quickly as he does, plus having the vision to see open holes, makes him a dangerous return man.
What I like: DeeJay is a gifted athlete that has natural running abilities that can’t be taught. He understands how to set up blocks and accelerate though the hole. He is a multi-faceted athlete who can do multiple things as an offensive player. He’s the type of player who you can’t handicap as just a wide receiver. He is what I call a “PlayMaker”.That’s someone who just make plays whenever his number is called. If that’s running jet sweeps, screens or running routes from the wide receiver position.
What he needs to improve upon before he gets to UGA: With having natural running abilities he does not concentrate on one position. His high school uses him all over the field, so he’s not focusing on only one position. I would like to see him run better and more precise routes. Once he progresses and understands the wide receiver position, however, he will understand route concepts better.
Is his ranking fitting? I think his 3-star rating is fitting at this time. I think with a big junior season his ranking will go up and he will be one of the top players in the state of Georgia.
How I expect UGA to use him: I expect UGA to use DeeJay as the primary kick returner early in his college career. I expect for UGA to have a creative package in which they can use his explosive play-making abilities. I think he will be a situational wide receiver at first but he is a guy you have to get the ball in the hands of as a runner and receiver.
Who he reminds me of that played at UGA: The person who DeeJay Dallas reminds me of isn’t on UGA’s roster but on a big SEC East rival’s roster. Pharoh Cooper of South Carolina is the player who DeeJay reminds me of the most. Both athletes have great acceleration after the catch or when running jet sweeps. Pharoh is also what I call a “PlayMaker” South Carolina uses him all over the field because of his abilities to make great plays for his team. DeeJay is cut from the same cloth, and has the same abilities.
Terrance Edwards starred at UGA from 1999 to 2002, finishing his Bulldogs career as the SEC’s all-time leading receiver in yards and No 2 in receptions. Edwards still holds several UGA receiving records. He played for the Atlanta Falcons in 2003, and recently retired after nine seasons in the CFL.