Each week, The Blade will recap the most interesting Toledo football grades released by Pro Football Focus, the scouting website that evaluates players’ performance on every play of every game. For context, grades are based on a 0-100 scale.
Allen Jones, Jr. (83.5 offense): The Prairie View transfer left tackle had his best day as a Rocket, earning the highest overall grade on offense and the highest run blocking (82.1) and pass blocking (77.7) grade among offensive linemen. Running backs Connor Walendzak (4.1 yards) and Sevaughn Clark (4.4 yards) each rushed for more than four yards per carry. Northern Illinois had five tackles for loss, including three sacks.
Ethan Spoth (74.7 offense): Similarly, Spoth had one of his best performances. He had the third-highest offensive grade and was just below Jones in run blocking (78.3). The entire Toledo offensive line had his most consistent, across-the-board day, especially when you factor in the quality of the opponent. Perhaps it’s a turning point for the unit.
Emmanuel McNeil-Warren (89.2 tackling): Another week, another top-line performance by the junior safety. McNeil-Warren had one of the highest tackling grades in the country, while also grading out first in overall defense (79.2) and coverage (78.6), and third in run defense (74.9). PFF credited him with 14 tackles and one pass breakup. He only allowed 11 yards after the catch on three receptions.
Lance Dixon (73.0 coverage): The athletic linebacker had one of the best coverage grades, breaking up one pass and allowing zero completions on three targets. Dixon’s speed makes him a great pass-defending linebacker. The former five-star ranks 46th nationally in pass coverage among linebackers who have played at least 100 snaps. He’s given up nine receptions on 15 targets, breaking up three passes.
First Published October 22, 2024, 2:52 p.m.
