6’3” – 210 lbs. – 4.84
Redshirted, then started the last of twelve total games played the following year, picking up thirty-five tackles. Started the last nine of twelve games played the following year, picking up 77 tackles, one interception, and three passes defensed. Totaled 87 tackles, three interceptions, and eight breakups as a redshirt junior, then declared for the draft. Tall prospect with solid bulk and impressive length for the position. Tended to take snaps well off the line of scrimmage and work his way up; snaps in the box were a relatively small part of his collegiate role. Has an easy backpedal and is an average to above-average athlete who looks pretty good when planting and driving or coming downhill to defend the run or rush the passer. Was asked to work in deep zones, demonstrating sound footwork and the ability to get depth, keep the play in front of him, read the quarterback’s eyes, and drive on spots. Got his hands on a lot of passes this past season and can also help enforce over the middle of the field with well-timed hit. Has an adequate closing burst and can generate some pop on contact. Instincts can often be a little bit off when working in deep zones, causing him to arrive late or get too shallow. Relatively limited work against opposing receivers and tight ends during the games reviewed, shading over for zone coverage at times but rarely playing man. Exhibits a pretty solid motor and a willingness to support the run. However, at this point there’s too much wasted movement to his game, possibly the product of indecisiveness. Looks a split-second late to recognize what’s going on and doesn’t always have the recovery speed to compensate for that. Despite his size and length, isn’t one of the most reliable tackles in the class; resorts too heavily to arm tackles or attempts to take out an opponent’s legs instead of breaking down, hitting, and wrapping. Needs to keep his head up more consistently. Despite having over two years of starting experience, doesn’t really look ready yet, needing to improve his instincts and tackling technique. He could have continued to polish his skills with another season at Fresno St., and having timed extremely poorly in Indianapolis, he might have trouble attracting interest before the mid-to-late rounds of the draft.
DRAFTEXAMINER 