(5’11”, 198, 4.46)
Started at linebacker as a freshman, but then served as a backup and redshirted the next two seasons, respectively, before converting to the Star position. On the lanky side for a defensive back, but was asked to do a little bit of everything, often playing downhill from the box/slot. Instinctive defender who times the snap count well and looks explosive when defending the run; made a ton of stops in opposing backfields over the past two years. Shows impressive quickness to slip past would-be blockers, but is active with his hands when he has to take on opponents. Excellent closing burst when he finds a lane to the ballcarrier. Likes to stick his nose in and uses wrap technique, but can be a little bit of an ankle-grabber. In the passing game, often plays off-coverage from the slot and shows nice clean transitions when planting and driving. Fast enough to carry opposing slot receivers down the seams, with pretty loose hips to turn and run; very little wasted motion. Squeezes routes appropriately at the stem. Can play aggressive, but usually backs it up with his play/route recognition skills. Would have liked to see him do more work in deep coverage, as some teams may consider him as a potential free safety. Teams looking to keep him as a nickel defender may have durability concerns given his physicality and thin frame. Offers additional value on coverage units.
DRAFTEXAMINER 