6’1” – 206 lbs – 4.30.
Redshirted, then sustained a season-ending injury in camp the following season. Recorded 43 tackles and broke up eight passes as a redshirt sophomore, then added 30 tackles, intercepted two balls, and broke up another nine throws as a junior before declaring for the draft. Prototypically-built cornerback with good height and a strong body; really looks the part. Takes snaps on both sides of the defense, primarily playing on the right side in either press-man or off-man; limited play from the slot but that might be suited to the style of football he plays. Plays the game with a tough temperament. Good footwork to match releases at the line of scrimmage from press looks. Can get physical from both press-man and off-man and disrupt routes. Provides good coverage on inside breaking routes, using his hands well and demonstrating good timing to go for the deflection. Uses his strength to pin receivers to the boundary; effective at locating over his shoulder and breaking up passes using timing and length. Also recorded an impressive 41” vertical and should be able to climb the ladder and defend vertical throws. Might be a little bit too physical at times, which could lead to penalties in the less-forgiving pro game. Playing off-man, has a casual backpedal and gets pretty good depth, although he could play with better pad level; tends to start from well off the line of scrimmage, so tends to jog to the appropriate depth. Answered any questions about his speed at the Combine, blazing a 4.30; however, wins with his strength more than with his fluidity or speed and may function best in a defense which rolls safety help over the top on his side of the field and allows him to get aggressive underneath. Zone might not be the best coverage shell for him, as he tends to lose track of defenders behind him. Plays screens well. Physical to attack blockers with good extension. Maintains outside position and plays with patience to keep runners from breaking containment. Comes with two years of starting experience for an SEC program and offers a pro-ready combination of size, physicality, and speed, traits which could earn him second-day consideration from a team that likes to let their cornerbacks mix it up at the line of scrimmage. Really helped his stock at the Combine.
DRAFTEXAMINER 