Jordan Ta’amu, QB, Mississippi #10

6025, 221, 4.77

Notes: Full name is Jordan Taalolo Ta’amu-Perifanos. From Pearl City, HI. Played at New Mexico Military Institute in 2015-16. He did not start as a freshman, but passed for 3,014 yards and 32 touchdowns, and rushed for 328 yards and 7 touchdowns as a sophomore at NMMI. Ranked third in the NJCAA with 334.9 passing yards per game and second nationally with his 32 passing TDs. Transferred to Ole Miss. Began season as backup to Shea Patterson, played in 8 games, became the starter for the final 5 games (after Patterson was injured), passing 115-for-173 (66.5%) for 1,682 yards, 11 TD, 4 INT and rushed 57-165-4 in 2017. Started all 12 games and completed 266-of-418 (63.6%) passes for 3,918 yards, 19 TD, 8 INT and rushed 116-342-6 in 2018. Will graduate in May 2019 with degree in criminal justice.

Positives: Nice stature, mechanics and delivery. Can push the ball downfield and shows beautiful accuracy, timing and touch at times. Makes some money throws. Can zip the ball into tight windows. Make big plays. Throws the deep out. Looks off defenders and can locate secondary receivers. Good all-around athlete. Has mobility. Can buy time with his feet and hurt defenses with his running ability. High character person. Has a calm confidence and even-keel demeanor. Poised under pressure and seldom appears to be rattled.

Negatives: Comes off as too relaxed and not take-charge enough for some. Questionable decision-making at times and is inconsistent with his accuracy and ball placement. Needs improvement reading coverages, refinement in overall passing skills and ball security. Doesn’t have great size or build or a true cannon arm.

Summary: Has some talent and upside potential, but lacks consistency as a passer. Flashes at times throwing the ball, but is more an athlete and runner still. Late-round developmental prospect.