5’11” – 190 lbs. – 4.68
Appeared in thirteen games in a reserve/special teams capacity as a freshman, then intercepted five passes and broke up another nine as a full-time starter the following year. Started the past two seasons as well, totaling four interceptions and seventeen passes defended over that span. Has solid height and bulk and a strong build. Lined up on the short side of the field and was asked to play a lot of shuffle and press-man. Would also rotate over into a high zone when there wasn’t a receiver on his side of the field. Plays with the type of polish and smarts you’d expect in a three-year starter. Uses his size and length to his advantage in press-man, getting his arms on his opponent both at the line of scrimmage and in order to and stick with them through the route stem. Good footwork to match releases. Relies on that length to help him compensate for borderline speed; may have to roll a safety over the top in order to provide help against deep threats. Can also be a little bit slow to get his head around to locate, with a tendency to make a little too much contact on deep targets. That said, clearly had the trust of his coaching staff, which often left him alone on islands and brought their safeties closer to the line of scrimmage. Does a good job of reading the quarterback’s eyes when shuffling, with good reaction times to undercut routes and make plays on the ball; clean footwork and long strides to get depth. Looks pretty good planting and driving on spots. Made a lot of plays on the ball over the past three years, a testament to his pattern recognition, consequent tendency to be in-phase, and length. Willing to get physical in the run game but has an appropriately conservative approach to positioning, locking out blockers and staying to the outside of his receiver in order to push runners back toward his teammates. Patient when left unblocked on the end of the defense. When he does stick his nose in, has the closing burst, length, and physicality to bring down ballcarriers. May not be the fastest or most fluid cornerback in the draft, but plays with the type of sound instincts and technique to contribute at the next level. Pro-ready frame and polished game should smooth his learning curve, but stock is probably no higher than the mid-to-late rounds after barely clearing 4.7 in the forty.
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