[SamuelMcF]

On the bright side, Jonathan McGill's freshman campaign graded out slightly better than Justin Reid's, with better grades in run support and tackling.

I hate to pull a Teejers, but this stat doesn't pass the "eye test", though it is entirely possible that my memory is biased by Reid's subsequent accomplishments and the general stench around the safety position last year.

BC

I'd chalk it up more to that bias. Reid really wasn't much to write home about as a freshman (most true freshmen aren't), but did have an interception (as did McGill). Other factors: McGill played twice as many snaps as Reid did (so you got to see a larger array of plays both good and bad), did not benefit from a pass rush of any kind, and is undersized and a step slow (again, as a freshman). He also posted his 2 worst games against Wazzu and Cal, right at the end of the season, which may be coloring our view.

It's also possible you and others may have occasionally confused McGill for JJ Parson; they are the same exact size, and Parson played a significant number of snaps at safety/nickel. I definitely did at some points.

[SamuelMcF]

On the bright side, Jonathan McGill's freshman campaign graded out slightly better than Justin Reid's, with better grades in run support and tackling.

I hate to pull a Teejers, but this stat doesn't pass the "eye test", though it is entirely possible that my memory is biased by Reid's subsequent accomplishments and the general stench around the safety position last year.

BC

I'd chalk it up more to that bias. Reid really wasn't much to write home about as a freshman (most true freshmen aren't), but did have an interception (as did McGill). Other factors: McGill played twice as many snaps as Reid did (so you got to see a larger array of plays both good and bad), did not benefit from a pass rush of any kind, and is undersized and a step slow (again, as a freshman). He also posted his 2 worst games against Wazzu and Cal, right at the end of the season, which may be coloring our view.

It's also possible you and others may have occasionally confused McGill for JJ Parson; they are the same exact size, and Parson played a significant number of snaps at safety/nickel. I definitely did at some points.