Written By: Roy Countryman @Blitzalytics @PreacherBoyRoy
David Conners @Connors_David
Graphic By: Robert Robinson @RobRobGraphics
Offensive Player of the Week
Kenneth Farrow II, RB, San Antonio Commanders
30 carries, 142 rush yards, 4.7 YPC, 26 long, 1 rec. On 2 targets, 3 rec. yards.
Farrow went undrafted back in 2016 but signed on soon after with the San Diego Chargers. He moved up to the third RB on the depth chart after fellow AAF RB Branden Oliver popped his Achilles tendon. He then got the chance to be the main backup to Melvin Gordon after Danny Woodhead tore his ACL. He parlayed that into an opportunity to get two starts when Gordon then went down with an injury and looked pretty good as a combo until a shoulder injury of his own put him out for the season. After he was waived by the Chargers in 2018, and then he bounced on and off the New England Patriots roster until finally getting waved. He attended Houston University and was a rare three-year captain. He was a solid RB that was dependable and versatile producer during his time on campus. He ended his career with Houston by being named MVP of the Lockheed Martin Armed Forces Bowl.
Farrow is a powerfully built, versatile RB who can break arm tackles with his rugged running style. He is a natural pass catcher who can corral off-target throws and is hard to bring down after the catch with his bull in the china shop running disposition. He has great lower body strength evidenced by his 38” vertical jump. He is an adept pass blocker as well and will help keep his QB clean on vital third downs. He has good vision, and a nice burst to get through rushing lanes, and will churn legs on contact to get any extra yards he can. He also is willing to chip in on Special Teams and played on all coverage teams while at Houston.
Farrow has stuck close to what his resume says he is, a steady and versatile RB who can be a quality contributor in a committee. If he can continue to throw up quality running performances and showing the soft hands and pass blocking abilities he has on third down a team would be wise to give him a shot in training camp. His special team’s prowess would be the icing on top of the cake to give him a chance to catch on the tail end of an NFL roster. Teams like the Steelers, Eagles, and Rams would be wise to give him an opportunity.
Defensive Player of the Week
Drew Jackson, MLB, Memphis Express
13 Tackles (13 solo), 4 TFL, 1 sack, 4 PD, 1 INT
Andrew Jackson, MLB for the Memphis Express is the perfect example of a player who squandered a ton of raw talent by poor decision making. During his time at Western Kentucky University as an outside linebacker, Andrew Jackson was a top defensive player earning 1st team All-Sun Belt players honors in 2011 and 2012 with over 100 tackles in both seasons. He also recorded at least 17 tackles for a loss in both seasons. His senior season in 2013, he was named a team captain. He pushed the WKU defense to rank number 1 in the SBC. He rode that success to a 6th round draft pick by the Indianapolis Colts.
Unfortunately for Jackson, he was plagued by poor decisions. If one were to Google his name the first few articles are about his DUI or his suspension his senior year at WKU. Luckily, the AAF has created a platform for Jackson to give himself a second chance. He has matured since then. His play on the field suggests not only is he just as talented but in fact, he has improved under coach Mike Singletary.
Andrew Jackson will make an impact at the NFL level next season. He has widened his horizon since coming to the AAF converting from an OLB to an MLB. Coaches will see his versatility as a perfect asset. I see him making a roster as depth piece out of preseason and being a rotational piece in a complex defensive scheme like the Rams, Panthers, or Bills run. The Buccaneers have announced that they are converting to a 3-4 under Todd Bowles, he could be a great asset to help smooth the conversion.
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