6’0” – 201 lbs. – 4.45
Texas native who appeared in twelve games as a freshman, also contributing on special-teams units and returning kicks. Started the final eight of twelve games played as a sophomore and ended up starting throughout his junior and senior seasons as well. Tall, well-built cornerback who looks the part of a boundary defender, although arms measured in shorter than anticipated (30.75”). Typically lined up in off-man coverage on the right side of the defense as a junior, with some zone sprinkled in, then played more press-man when the coaching staff changed for his senior year. As a three-year starter, plays with the type of awareness and polish you’d hope for. Prior to his senior year, played on one of the rare collegiate defenses which asked their cornerbacks to backpedal on a regular basis, and exhibits the ability to get low and use clean, fast footwork to get depth. Has loose hips and is able to flip and carry opponents down the sidelines to defend routes over the top. Does a good job of getting his head around and can use his length to make plays on the ball. More of a smooth cornerback than an explosive one. Has a conservative temperament, offering pretty generous cushions which open up routes for receivers on underneath throws, especially because, although his reaction times are quick, he lacks the explosive plant-and-drive skills to put himself in position to break up those types of passes. However, length, timing, and leaping ability can compensate for his lack of elite speed by allowing him to knock away targets downfield; that combination of skills allowed him to break up a staggering thirty-one passes over the past two years, to go along with his four career interceptions. Looked good using his length to play press/bump-and-run as a senior, matching releases at the line and disrupting timing. In contrast, some of his play in zone coverage is a little bit soft, allowing receivers to pass over to the safety with minimal interference. Likes to get physical in the run game and is capable of extending his arms, taking on blockers, and getting to the ballcarrier. Strong tackler with a wide radius. Comes with the size, length, awareness, and technique to compete for a starting role early in his career, with the type of conservative approach that should help him avoid being beaten over the top; having played in different schemes and using different techniques, has a lot of different tape to increase confidence in him as a potential second-day pick.
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