Miami Herald
by Paulo Figari
Phillip Dorsett WR Miami
Size: 5’10, 195 pounds
Grade: 6.8 (Scale)
Strengths- Dorsett has several intriguing tools in his toolbox; however, speed is what makes him the hot commodity that he is. Dorsett is rumored to run a 4.2 Forty Yard Dash which is absolutely mind boggling. Dorsett’s speed and natural running ability are definitely his biggest strengths. Dorsett does showcase nice hands and decent route running ability to compliment his speed. He runs several routes very well and shows nice body control and vision once he has the ball in his hands. He does not waste any steps while getting into full gear and can go from 0-60 in a blink of an eye. Dorsett has nice suddenness at the top of his break to compliment that deathly speed.
Weaknesses- Dorsett may have phenomenal speed but his lateral ability is surprisingly lacking. Dorsett also struggles mightily dealing with physicality and making grabs in traffic. He won’t win many 50-50 balls due to his lack of high pointing ability in contested situations. His narrow frame will also raise durability questions and his ability to take punishing hits may be lacking as well. Dorsett won’t make many miss in the open field with elusiveness either despite his adequate open field vision.
Overall- Dorsett is a speedy weapon who has enough route running skill to play inside or outside. His small size and lack of strength will hurt him in traffic, but a creative offense that can get him the ball in space can turn him into a very useful weapon. Dorsett is a former track star but he’s also a solid football player.
Game Notes: vs FSU
- He quickly shows his highly touted straight line speed
- Lines up on the boundary and in the slot.
- Beat Ronald Darby on an inside post route by selling it with a nice head fake.
- He is a willing blocker and shows decent ability
- Adequate vision after the catch in space.
- Dropped an outside post that would have been a touchdown. He high pointed well but the ball clung off his hands
- He is very sudden at the top of his breaks
- Lacks upper body strength to block on the interior of the field
- Under developed route tree. Only running crossers, posts, and Go’s.
- A one cut and one speed type receiver. Lacks a second or third gear.
- Improved hands even in traffic.
- Lacks elite lateral quickness for a guy with his speed.