6’2” – 185 lbs. – 4.55
Redshirted, then started all six games played in 2017, missing seven games with a broken foot but intercepting three balls on the season. Picked off another four as a redshirt sophomore and finished his career with a total of twenty passes defensed, deciding to forego his final two seasons of eligibility. Measured in at nearly 6’2” in Indianapolis, taller than his listed height; may be asked to add some additional bulk once he gets to the pros. Comes from a defense which had simplified responsibilities for its cornerbacks, allowing them to line up in press-man looks, sometimes bailing out into shuffle coverage. Plays with a competitive temperament commensurate with his position. Pretty smooth mover who can cover a lot of ground with his shuffle and flip his hips to turn and run with opponents down the sidelines. Shows the ability to use his arms to stick with defenders through the route stem. Does a good job of getting depth and reading the quarterback’s eyes when shuffling, although he sometimes opened himself up to being targeted on curls and hitches; could be targeted successfully on timing-based throws underneath because of the lag between a receiver’s break and his own transition from shuffling to driving on the ball. However, flashes the ability to break off of one defender and switch onto another when playing zone. Smooth plant-and-drive skills to break up passes when he’s in-phase. Has impressive ball skills for the position and made the most of his opportunities to pick off passes during the games reviewed; able to locate the ball and exhibits pretty good timing to go for the deflection. Leaping ability (36.5” vertical) and height should allow him to defend vertical targets. Doesn’t have ideal physical attributes for taking on blocks and making stops in the run game, but is feisty enough to mix it up with blockers, getting his arms extended and showing a good level of activity to try and fight through opponents. Decision to declare early for the draft may have been based on his strong finish to the season, and possesses the confidence and athleticism to potentially develop into a starting cornerback at the next level; however, path may be a little bit more difficult than some of the other top prospects at his position, given that he is coming from a relatively simple defensive scheme and needs to hone his technique and develop his strength further.
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