6’0” – 205 lbs. – 4.42
Appeared in nine games as a freshman, then stepped into the starting lineup the following season and recorded 45 tackles, three interceptions, and three passes defensed. Followed that up with a 63-tackle, four-interception, 12-deflection junior year and a 98-tackle, six-interception, seven-deflection senior year, converting from cornerback to safety for his final season of eligibility. Tall, long-limbed, and well-built defender who played left cornerback in 2017, often lining up in press-man and using his length to disrupt releases. Has pretty good footwork to match receivers at the line, and uses his length to pin opponents to the sideline. Playing off-man coverage, gets physical near the route stem to disrupt routes. Has a basketball background, and his length and impressive leaping ability (reportedly has a 40” vertical) combine with solid ball skills; picked off thirteen passes over the past three years, breaking up twenty-two more. Pretty dangerous with the ball in his hands. As a safety this past season, typically took snaps opposite opposing slot receivers and would play off the edge or in the box in the absence of one. However, also played a handful of snaps per game in deep coverage. Offers a desirable, physical temperament. Quick to come up and support the run, flowing to the ball well. Does a good job of working through traffic and taking on blockers, using his quickness and length; can slip past bigger opponents or stack and shed against receivers. Not afraid to stick his nose in, with a wide tackling radius and some ability to thump; would like to see him break down more often instead of flying in and going low. Records more tackles because of his instincts than because of his fundamentals. Was able to blow up some plays in the backfield by rushing off the edge. Backpedaled fairly regularly and demonstrates good balance and footwork in his backpedal to gain depth, keeping plays in front of him. However, isn’t the fastest or most explosive player; lacks the explosive plant-and-drive skills to provide tight coverage through the stem, and is more likely to make quick tackles after the catch to limit additional yardage. Worth mentioning that he did time better than anticipated in Indianapolis. Has done a little bit of everything in college and has a tantalizing combination of size, length, leaping ability, and physicality, but may have to narrow his responsibilities a little bit at the next level in order to compensate for just average speed. Sort of a “jack-of-all-trades, master-of-none” prospect.
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