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Needing to replace the production with Wan’Dale Robinson transfering to Kentucky, the addition of Montana transfer Samori Toure was a welcome addition for the Huskers. For this Scouting Perspective I took a look at Toure’s game against Southeastern Louisiana which took place in the 2019 FCS Playoffs. Toure went off in this game with 303 receiving yards and three touchdowns. Here is what I saw.
Where Toure Wins
Toure is at his best when he is working down the field. He doesn’t have elite speed or explosiveness but has enough acceleration and top end speed to get down the field and make plays. Early in the game against SE Louisiana he pushed outside before making a hard break to get inside leverage and then separated from the cornerback for a big gain.
New Nebraska WR Samori Toure with a nice double move to blow past the CB for a deep catch #NFLDraft #Huskers pic.twitter.com/mNsGk8x5wK
— Brian Johannes (@Draft_Brian) June 6, 2021
But Toure is much more than just a one cut deep route runner. Toure showed the ability to run double moves as he burned the cornerback as he sold going outside and then burst back up the field. Even on Toure’s short routes he uses the threat of going down the field to his advantage. Toure does a good job of pushing at the defensive back and then sinking his hips to work his way back to the ball.
2021 Impact
After spending most of his time at Montana as an outside receiver, Toure will transition to the slot at Nebraska. Some may think this is a bad move as the notion of a slot receiver is a small but quick receiver who mainly works underneath. But looking at Toure’s usage during the Spring Game he was still used on deeper routes. But more importantly Toure looked the part of a Big Ten receiver.
Nebraska’s offense is going to look a lot different in 2021 as they want bigger receivers and to take more shots down the field. With Toure’s 6’3 frame and production at Montana he should be a focal point for the offense and could quickly develop into Adrian Martinez’s top target.
NFL Draft Projection
While Toure should have some success with Nebraska and the Big Ten, he lacks the top end physical traits that a receiver would need to be considered an early round draft pick. If Toure is able to have a strong season at Nebraska along with his past production at Montana there is no reason he can’t be an early day three pick to a team looking for third or fourth receiver.