UCLA Football: So what is all the noise about Dorian Thompson-Robinson?

Fancy Footwork

Kelly wants players that are fast and long and DTR is both, which is why his feet are just as important as his arm. Whether he is looking to run the ball himself or getting into space to make an optimal pass, this dual-threat’s speed is going to be trouble for a lot of defenses.

Thompson-Robinson’s movement in Kelly’s system is going to be key to his success and if DTR can quickly acclimate, then he should be a top contender for the starting spot.

The thing I noticed about DTR is that he is constantly moving his feet. Dropping back in the pocket, he tends to keep his feet churning until he finds his target. He will then dig his feet into the ground, gripping it tightly to set his foundation.

DTR also keeps his feet moving when he is on the run. For example, when trying to move around defenders, he will maintain his forward momentum as his feet move his body ever so slightly away from a defender to give him a better angle to cut while keeping his progression in tact and accumulating more yards.

He also uses his feet to get out of sticky situations. If he is trying to jump over a defender or escape from a shoe-string tackle, his feet will keep pumping, as of he is riding a bicycle, as he gets those extra yards. The fact that he is always on the go is a plus for this new offense. Thompson-Robinson’s movement in Kelly’s system is going to be key to his success and if DTR can quickly acclimate, then he should be a top contender for the starting spot.