6’2” – 241 lbs. – 4.63
One of the most productive linebackers in the class. Redshirted while converting from safety to linebacker. Has been starting since his redshirt freshman season, and a captain since his sophomore season. Posted 94-7.5-3.0 as a freshman with three interceptions and two defensive touchdowns, then went 111-8.0-1.0 with another pick as a sophomore. Followed that up with a 99-10.5-2.0 line and two interceptions as a junior, then went 105-8.5-1.0 with four interceptions as a senior. Plays in the middle of Wyoming’s even defensive front, although he could potentially play on the outside as well. Pretty well-built for a middle linebacker, with adequate height, a thick build, and what looks like solid length. Pretty good athlete with a solid motor; can flow sideline-to-sideline, and has a little bit of explosiveness to his movements, with some burst when closing or recovering. Patient when reading his keys and flows to the ball pretty well, although he can struggle to navigate through congestion at times. Has more of a run-and-hit style of play but demonstrates impressive contact strength and good extension when taking on blocks; there’s some violence in his hands to shed effectively. Hits with enough power to help set the tone effectively. Could be more consistent about breaking down in the open field, as he did miss some tackles by coming in too hot during the games reviewed. Also offers solid range in coverage, with the ability to make deeper spot drops than some of the other linebackers in this year’s class. Has a good feel for plays developing underneath and is able to plant, drive, and hit with some explosiveness. Can shade over bunches of receivers and pattern-match, carrying them into deeper zones. However, can occasionally creep up too close to the line and would benefit from a more conservative temperament in coverage. There are some minor issues with his footwork and balance when making drops but they didn’t seem to affect his range much during the games reviewed. Wasn’t asked to blitz very frequently. A rangy linebacker with the athleticism to flow sideline-to-sideline in the run game and to make drops into coverage, and who is also highly regarded for his leadership ability, he takes some false steps and can struggle to navigate through congestion but has starting upside. In a weak linebacker class, should be one of the ten or so first players at his position to come off the board, probably within the first four or five rounds.
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