LATEST UPDATE: He is a game wrecker with a high level of skill.
With the addition of Shedeur Sanders, the Pac-12 has earned the moniker “conference of quarterbacks” as it heads into 2023. While the conference is rich in quarterback talent, it only emphasizes the importance of having a strong pass rush. Coach Prime went after the portal in an attempt to boost Colorado’s pass rush, with Jordan Domineck as the crown prize.
Domineck played for Georgia Tech from 2018 to 2021 before transferring to Arkansas for the 2022 season. He effectively transitioned to the SEC and had his greatest season yet for the Razorbacks last year.
Domineck has the inside track to be Colorado’s top pass rusher in quite some time after transferring to CU as a graduate transfer. In this episode of Buffs Film Room, we look at Domineck’s best plays and discuss how he affects the game.
Having an effect on the quarterback
Colorado’s defense only had nine sacks last season. That number was dead last among FBS teams, with five fewer sacks than the next closest squad. Domineck concluded 2022 as Arkansas’ second-leading sack man, trailing only future NFL Draft pick Drew Sanders.
While Domineck only recorded nine sacks in four seasons at Georgia Tech, he received high marks in pressure statistics from PFF and ESPN Stats & Info. The following rushes demonstrate just what the Florida native can accomplish to get to the quarterback.
Domineck had the sack early in the Yellow Jackets’ 2021 late-season game against Notre Dame, using a spectacular long arm and slide to go under the right tackle.
In the fourth quarter of last year’s game against Cincinnati, the former Razorback performs a great spin move on the Bearcats’ left tackle and crushes the quarterback for a sack and forced turnover.
Domineck used his get-off and lengthy arm around the edge to knock Jalon Daniels to the ground in Arkansas’ 2022 Liberty Bowl matchup against Kansas.
While not a sack, number 14 in red does an excellent job hitting the mesh spot of this LSU read option to derail the play and force an Arkansas field-flipping turnover.
Despite only appearing in a few games during his five-year career, Domineck had a significant impact on the game and was a force for his team when he was on the field.
Keeping the line of scrimmage in tact
We know the pass-rushing potential exists, but Domineck maintains his ability to generate plays and force offenses to earn every yard against him in the run game. Domineck, listed at 6-foot-3, 250 pounds, possesses the strength, length, and tenacity to defend the run effectively.
Alabama is using a split zone formation here, and the tight end is expected to come across the formation and prevent Domineck from making this play from the backside. However, we see him make another rapid move into the backfield, allowing him to negate the play.
The graduate transfer from Lakeland, FL is now able to penetrate and disrupt the play at the point of attack. That swift get-off is on display once more, and Domineck stops this play before it even has a chance.
While you’d expect Domineck to beat a tight end one-on-one, it’s the effort and ability to maneuver through traffic to get to the ball carrier that stands out on this play.
To tackle Domineck one-on-one in the run game, you’ll need a blocking-tight end in the mold of T.J. Hockenson or Darnell Washington. We also see him use his length to extend the tight end away from his own body, allowing him to simply disengage and make a play on the ball carrier when he is within range.
In this drill against a pulling guard, the Arkansas graduate shows off his strength and stoutness at the point of attack, his quick feet to threaten the guard inside, and his ability to extend and use his length to make a tackle on the ball carrier at the line of scrimmage.
Domineck’s 2023 season projection
While Domineck is without a question the strongest pass rusher Coach Prime has signed to this year’s team, the manner he’s attacked the portal with a priority on defensive ends and linebackers signals a high turnover at those positions.
Domineck is no stranger to that method, having had sporadic starts and being shuffled on and off the field at Georgia Tech and Arkansas. Domineck might have a breakout year in 2023 based on what we saw from him above and the number of times he will be able to pressure the quarterback in the pass-heavy Pac-12.
Coach Prime has recruited a team of hungry and driven football players who have shown early signs of understanding the magnitude of this year’s club’s opportunity. Front seven players and graduate transfers Taijh Alston, LaVonta Bentley, Shane Cokes, Leonard Payne, and Taylor Upshaw will likely lead CU’s pass-rush in 2023, with all hoping to be chosen in 2024.
Domineck will be considered for the NFL Draft if he can surpass his 2022 sack total of 7.5 or even break into the double-digits. When you look at the clips above and think what he can do with this coaching staff and supporting group, it’s easy to see how Domineck can easily enhance his status this season.
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