Larry Hart: Jacksonville Jaguars Camp Star

by Alfie Crow on Jul 31, 2010 9:45 PM EDT in Jacksonville Jaguars Camp Recaps

After three practices in the hot Florida sun, the clear star so far of the 2010 Jacksonville Jaguars training camp is rookie defensive end Larry Hart. There were a lot of questions about Hart's size when he was drafted (6-1, 251lbs) out of Central Arkansas.

So far however, that size has done absolutely nothing to damper Larry Hart's performance in rushing the passer. Consistently through the first three practices, Hart has been putting pressure on and getting to the quarterback, no matter who he's lined up against.

Hart not only possesses the quickness to beat tackles off of the line of scrimmage, but tonight he also displayed the ability to power through them. Hart showed an impressive bull rush maneuver that pushed the opposing offensive tackle into quarterback David Garrard. On Friday night, Hart also embarrassed left tackle Jordan Black on an inside swim move. If Black was a river, Hart would have made it to the other side in record time.

One of the reasons the Jaguars drafted Larry Hart was not just for his quickness, but the power in his lower body. Hart's shown the ability to slice through the line and get to the running back in the backfield. He's a guy who reportedly was able to squat 650 pounds.

In high school.

"I compare myself to Dwight Freeney," Hart told me on my radio show. "I know I haven’t accomplished anything yet, but he’s what I compare myself to and I can be that type of player."

The Jaguars practiced tonight in "half pads", as I like to call it. It wasn't the standard shells, but regular shoulder pads. Even with "half pads", Hart was able to abuse the offensive lineman opposite him.

The Good: Larry Hart

The Bad: The Quarterbacks

None of the quarterbacks have really looked good through the first three days, but they haven't been bad either. David Garrard has been his usual self and Luke McCown has been the same as Garrard or a shade under. Trevor Harris doesn't look like he has much at all to offer, and I really question if he has an NFL quality arm.

The Ugly: Eben Britton

I don't know if it's just because of practice or if this will be a recurring trend, but Eben Britton has been beaten like a drum by both Larry Hart and Derrick Harvey in 11 x 11 drills.

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Scary thing, if Britton has to go to guard, who plays RT?

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by Jonathan Loesche on Jul 31, 2010 9:50 PM EDT reply actions

It's not good

to hear that the ugly was Britton. I was hoping your we’re going to be talking about his strength, not him being a liability in pass protection.

by rws591 on Jul 31, 2010 9:52 PM EDT reply actions

He cannot use his strength

… until the pads come on and full contact is allowed.

by KeithG on Aug 1, 2010 3:57 AM EDT up reply actions

No doubt

Eben is a physical player who plays better in pads, but pass blocking from an OT requires that they don’t get abused in shorts.

If hip hop is dead, then it happened the day that Dilla died.
-Akrobatik

by Bestjagfan on Aug 1, 2010 10:39 AM EDT up reply actions

Also

Damn you for stealing the pic I was going to use for my next story

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by Jonathan Loesche on Jul 31, 2010 9:53 PM EDT reply actions

The diving one? Yeah I was like “Oh Hart’s in that one and it’s HILARIOUS”

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by Alfie Crow on Jul 31, 2010 9:54 PM EDT up reply actions

i want to see all these guys when it’s full pads/gear and going full speed.

Sean

Pax Armis Acquiritur

by cuffs007 on Jul 31, 2010 10:44 PM EDT reply actions

Indeed

Tackles struggle the most with these “no proper contact” practises. There is no way that Britton should beat out Harvey and Hart repeatedly when he is not allowed to use all his strength to defeat their superior speed and athletism.

Still, I’m very pleased to hear that Hart and Harvey are being disruptive. From another “practise report” I read, it sounds like Kampman has been doing quite well too.

by KeithG on Aug 1, 2010 3:55 AM EDT up reply actions

Yeah, I'm not surprised Harris is struggling

I wanted to grab Jarrett Brown in UDFA so bad. When an arm(and an athlete) like that goes undrafted you gotta pick him up.

Good to hear about Hart.

If hip hop is dead, then it happened the day that Dilla died.
-Akrobatik

by Bestjagfan on Aug 1, 2010 12:04 AM EDT reply actions

Jevon Snead available...

He just got cut from the Bucs

In the face of adversity, what you do from then on dictates who you really are...

by JagsNguyen on Aug 1, 2010 8:22 AM EDT up reply actions

Man

Did anyone fall so far so fast? Prisco really nailed it with Snead. In fact Snead is one of the main reasons I think Prisco is nothing more than a local show entertainer who knows a lot less about quarterbacks than he thinks he does.

That being said, if ever the UFL was for someone, he’s the guy. Call me crazy or hung over, but I’m really hoping for a Tom Brady to the Jags kinda like Montana to the Chiefs.

by Joe Fisher on Aug 1, 2010 8:45 AM EDT up reply actions

Actually, Prisco killed Snead all during his 2009 season meltdown.

Prisco is by far the most knowledgable NFL guy in town.

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by Alfie Crow on Aug 1, 2010 8:52 AM EDT via mobile up reply actions

let's keep it in perspective - it's early

and this is ‘gloriified underwear practices’ so far. When we start seeing these guys against opposing teams #1’s in preseason – we’ll get a much better gauge.

But so far – that’s great to hear that about Hart. How’s Lane doing? I really like his size and hope he pans out.

Great piece and please – keep em coming :-)

by OGN on Aug 1, 2010 7:54 AM EDT reply actions