6’0″ – 201 lbs. – 4.50
Started three of thirteen games played as a freshman, with the same number of starts over fourteen games played as a sophomore. Became a full-time starter over ten games played as a junior, then declared for the draft. Tall, long-limbed cornerback who lines up on the outside of the formation, taking most of his snaps in press-man or off-man coverage and typically playing on the shorter side of the field. Well-coached defensive back who backpedals with good leverage, footwork, and quickness, especially for a bigger cornerback; plays for one of the only remaining college programs which actually asks their cornerbacks to backpedal on a consistent basis. Uses his length to his advantage at the line of scrimmage, with above-average footwork to match opposing releases; also does a good job of placing his hands and pinning opposing receivers to the sidelines. Has good speed to carry opponents downfield and defend passes over the top. However, when turning and running with opponents, can be a little bit late to get his head around and locate the ball in time to make a play on it. Creates little bit too much contact down the field, which could lead to penalties at the next level. Burst to close when targeted is just average, and doesn’t fully compensate for it with his reflexes; relies more on above-average recognition. When he does locate, exhibits the body control to get his hands on passes and force incompletions; broke up thirteen throws this year, and intercepted two more passes. Has potential as a run-defender because of his overall size, but isn’t very involved in coming up in run support, and can be jolted at the line by power. That said, flashes the ability to use his hands to shed blocks when run at, and has the length and wrap technique to bring down ballcarriers when he’s in the area; also does a good job of playing off of blocks in the screen game. Also served as a punt returner, running back one for a touchdown as a sophomore. Could stand to improve his functional strength and get more involved in the run game, but has the combination of size, length, technique, and ball skills to develop into a starting cornerback at the next level. Those traits make him a candidate to come off the board in one of the first two rounds of this year’s draft.
DRAFTEXAMINER 