6’1” – 199 lbs. – 4.40
Was a reserve and special-teams contributor in each of his first two seasons with the team, but stepped into the starting lineup last year and reprised his role there as a senior. Worked as an outside cornerback, lining up on both sides of the field. Tall with solid length (arms measured 32.25”) and reasonable bulk, although he has thin legs which may require further physical development. Responsibilities involved a lot of bailing from press-man looks, but also uses shuffle technique and works in zone at times. Uses good footwork at the line of scrimmage to match an opponent’s release. Fast enough to stay in an opponent’s hip pocket down the sidelines, even from press looks. Has good ball skills; gets his head around to locate, exhibits good timing, and uses his length to his advantage when attempting to break up balls thrown his way. Has reliable hands and managed to come away with nine interceptions over the past two years combined. Plants and drives well on spots in coverage. However, can be a little bit stiff at the route stem and needs some time to gather when changing directions; looks more comfortable running with opponents downfield rather than carrying them across the field on routes over the middle. That problem may be compounded by average instincts. Might be a little bit too physical downfield, which could cause him to be penalized at the pro level; drew an average of four penalties per season in college. May not be quite as good against height as his size and length would indicate, having posted a very disappointing 29.5” vertical leap at the Combine. When defending screens, will extend his arms but can be driven off of spots because of his lack of lower-body strength. Is a physical hitter with wrap technique, but his positioning in the run game leaves something to be desired. Was asked to blitz from the edge at times and disguises well, whether from the slot or boundary. Also plays on kick coverage units. Has the size, length, and speed to develop into a starting cornerback in a predominantly man-based scheme, which should be enough to find him a spot within the first two rounds of this year’s class, even given the depth of the cornerback group; however, would probably be more comfortable defending against speed on the boundaries than against quicker receivers who could give him trouble underneath.
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