Ole Miss passer Chad Kelly demonstrates freedom of thought on the type of play that has enslaved many a top prospect. 

I’ve seen many good college quarterback prospects throw blind into underneath coverage because the rhythm of the play process enslaves their senses. Quick plays where the quarterback looks to one side of the field before turning and throwing to the other poses this trap.

I want passers that can think and act independently of the rhythm of a routine play. Those that can are often the type possessing the awareness I’m seeking from an offensive leader and creator.

One positive about Chad Kelly’s game is that his brain doesn’t switch to automatic pilot in situations that get other young passers into trouble.

This single play doesn’t make Kelly a conceptual mastermind of the gridiron, but it’s a good sign that he’s alert. You’d be surprised how many aren’t.

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