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By Charlie Campbell
Weaknesses:
Summary: Some prospects take more time before they emerge for the NFL, and that was the case with Trask at Florida. Trask was recruited to the Gators by former head coach Jim McElwain to be a pocket passer in McElwain’s pro-style offense. In 2017, Trask was set to compete with Feleipe Franks for the starting quarterback job, but a hit in practice from Jabari Zuniga knocked Trask out for the season. McElwain was fired during that season and replaced by former Gators offensive coordinator and Mississippi State head coach Dan Mullen.
Trask was Franks’ backup in 2018 and that looked poised to continue in 2019 until Franks went out for the season with an injury. The Gators’ offense improved once Trask became the starter, and he showed progress week-by-week during the 2019 season. Trask completed 67 percent of his passes that season for 2,941 yards, 25 touchdowns and seven interceptions. He had four rushing touchdowns as well. Florida did not have a good offensive line or consistent running game, and Trask made some clutch throws. He had Florida winning on the road in LSU during the second half going toe-to-toe with Joe Burrow before the National Champions eventually pulled away. Trask closed out the year with a strong handful of games, leading Florida to an 11-2 record in Mullen’s second season.
In 2020, Trask dominated the SEC, putting together impressive performances week after week. He tore up Kentucky, Vanderbilt, Ole Miss, South Carolina, Tennessee and Arkansas, plus also carrying Florida to a win over Georgia in which he threw for almost 500 yards. He also was very good against Alabama in the SEC Championship, throwing for over 400 yards and three touchdowns – plus rushing for another two. Trask’s lone bad game of 2020 was against Oklahoma in the Cotton Bowl, but he was playing without his top-three receivers and star tight end. On the year, Trask completed 69 percent of his passes for 4,283 yards, 43 touchdowns and eight interceptions. He had three rushing touchdowns as well.
For the NFL, Trask has well-developed pocket-passing ability. He possesses excellent pocket presence, and if given time, he can carve up a defense from there. Trask has a strong arm capable of making all the throws. He can push the ball vertically downfield and is an accurate passer. He also shows good timing and precision on his throws to lead receivers to yards after the catch. With good accuracy, Trask is able to loft in throws into tight windows and beat good coverage through the location of his passes. Trask does a really nice job of varying his velocity to throw a very catchable pass, and he also shows an ability to put air underneath his passes to loft in touch balls downfield. Trask can be a bit conservative and has a tendency to underthrow some passes to ensure the reception is made rather than risk an incompletion by sailing the ball over the head of the receiver.
Assisted by his thick build and good height, Trask hangs tough in the pocket, standing tall and surveying the field with advanced field vision. He works off his primary read and sees the field well. Considering his Florida offensive line was average, his poise and patience were impressive. Trask will make throws with rushers bearing down on him and doesn’t get rattled from taking hits. He is an excellent pocket passer, and if he were a better athlete with more running ability, he would be a first-round pick in the 2021 NFL Draft.
While Trask is not a dual-threat running quarterback, he is willing to run, and Florida called a lot of design runs for him. Trask is just not a good athlete or quick moving in the pocket, so defenders easily chase him down with ease when he gets on the move. Trask will struggle to avoid the rush in the NFL and can’t serve as a running threat in the professional ranks. For the next level, Trask is a statue, and improving his pocket manipulation to glide around in the pocket is one of his most important points of emphasis.
Off the field, Trask earns rave reviews from team sources. “Trask is a phenomenal kid,” said an area scout. “He’s one of the most genuine people I’ve came across, and he’s just a team player. [He] handles himself like a pro and puts in all the work needed, and goes above and beyond. I can’t give anyone a higher recommendation than him.”
Trask is a potential second-day pick in the 2021 NFL Draft because the lack of mobility and being a statue in the pocket are pushing him down. Three directors of college scouting and a national scout told WalterFootball.com Trask is a better pocket passer than Justin Fields, in part because Trask lacks mobility, so he has developed good pocket awareness by default. An AFC general manager told me they think Trask will be a second-round pick in the 2021 NFL Draft. Trask has starting potential as a pocket passer for the NFL, but to be successful, he will need a supporting cast with a very good offensive line and some playmaking receivers.
Player Comparison: Brad Johnson. One team source said Trask reminded them of Tampa Bay Buccaneers Super Bowl winning quarterback Brad Johnson, and that makes sense. Both have thick builds with quality arms, accuracy, pocket presence, and toughness. Both also lack mobility and athleticism to escape defenders. Johnson had a good NFL career, and Trask could as well if he lands in a good situation.
RELATED LINKS:
2021 NFL Mock Draft: Charlie’s | Walt’s
2021 NFL Draft Prospect Rankings
2021 NFL Draft Scouting Reports
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