As the Players All-Star Classic kicks off onn Tuesday (today), lets take a look at the North Defense that features some likely draft selections and a variety of notable and talented position switchers.
Scott Smith of Texas Tech is a fanastic athlete on the defensive line, two Temple products hope to show they can play in a variety of NFL systems, and a variety of non-FBS prospects hope to prove they are tops at their position on this North Defense.
Defensive Linemen
Top Defensive Lineman: Scott Smith, Texas Tech
Suspended after his first 4 games at Tech for the duration of the 2010 season for breaking team rules, Scott Smith was the top rated JUCO defensive end coming out of Butler CC in 2009. Smith may very well be the most physically gifted player at the Player’s All Star Classic. Having excellent arm length, wingspan, overall size, and raw athleticism, Smith displays a good first step and the power to snap back opposing linemen at the point of attack. A bit raw in terms of technique, needs to clean up his hand placement and add moves to his repertoire. Attacks the passing lanes with his hands, being exceptionally good at deflecting passes at the line of scrimmage; gives great effort on each and every snap, evidencing a solid motor and high stamina level. Needs character and background check, but has impressive talent and upside.
Defensive End to Watch Out For: Jamie Blatnick, Oklahoma State
Possesses extraordinary strength and girth, with reported 500 lbs bench press. Upper body strength allows him to stack and shed easily on the edge; very strong at the point, gets good jolt and push back on opposing lineman. As a pass rusher, Blatnick has flashed suddenness and burst off the line of scrimmage, but struggles when forced to move laterally or change direction. Able to really explode out of 4 point stance, Blatnick showed good speed rush qualities when lined up as a 9 technique. Lacks pass rush variety outside of speed or bull rush. Will likely get looks from 3-4 teams as an outside linebacker, Blatnick needs to convince scouts he does have the movement skills to work effectively in space.
Defensive Tackle to Watch Out For: Christo Bilukidi, Georgia State
Born in Angola and lived in France, Brazil, and Canada (in that order) before coming to America to play football. The French speaking big man has lined up at both defensive tackle and end during his time at Georgia State, and according to the CFL Scouting Bureau, is considered a top 15 prospect for the CFL Draft. Though incredibly new to the sport, having only played football for just 4 years, Bilukidi attacks with solid leverage vs. the run. Very powerfully built and heavy handed at the point, Bilukidi would be best served spending a year or two either in the CFL or on a practice squad.
Linebackers
Top Outside Linebacker (tied):
1T. Adrian Robinson, Temple
Coming into the season, Eric Galko of Optimum Scouting had high hopes for Robinson, who comes off the line quickly, has some decisive outside rushes, and really flashes as a potential 3-4 outside linebacker. But he really struggles in run support, getting off blocks, and overall rushing the passer in non-obvious passing situations. If he can show some athleticism to drop back, which he likely possesses, he could have a big week to impress NFL scouts with.
1T. Tahir Whitehead, Temple
An aggressive, rushing linebacker, Whitehead is undersized to be an every down linebacker in all schemes. He does have some natural rushing ability, can get skinny in pursuit, and has the suddeness in his cuts and overall speed to make plays on the outside. If he can show developed coverage ability and he can hold blocks adequately in the game, Whitehead could secure a draft selection.
Top Inside Linebacker: Caleb McSurdy, Montana
Although McSurdy has only started the previous two seasons, he has remarkably played in every single game since 2008 in his freshman season. An old school “mike” linebacker, McSurdy maintains a thick, “sturdy” frame (NPI), and good pop underneath his pads. Will likely measure in with short arms, as based off film study he does not show the ability to consistently stack, shed, and win against offensive linemen. Reacts to flow quickly and shows plus instincts at the position; also shows great intangibles in terms of his command of the defense and passion for the game. An absolute tackling machine who racked up 131 tackles on the season, McSurdy was named the 2011 Big Sky Defensive player of the year.
Linebacker to Watch Out For: Zach Nash, Sacramento State
A 4-year starter at Sacramento State, Zach Nash wreaked havoc in opposing backfields this past season with 10.5 sacks and 15 tackles for loss. Has twice recorded 5 sacks in a single game, and holds the school sack record in a career with 29.5. Nash will have to showcase the flexibility and bend to drop in coverage, as well as the ability to chase down ball carriers in open space as a 3-4 outside linebacker.
Defensive Backs
Top Cornerback: Jeremy Jones, Wayne State
Arguably the most dominant defensive back in Division II, Jeremy Jones intercepted 17 balls in his 4 year career as a starter at WSU for a school record 406 yards and 3 touchdowns. Jones also ranks as 1st all time among defensive backs in career tackles (291) and 2nd all time with 23 pass break ups and 40 passes defended. Jones has passed 50% of his NFL application by dominating lower competition; now he has to go out and prove he can run with the top receivers in Little Rock, Arkansas. Stepping up in front of scouts will go a long way in setting the direction of Jeremy Jones’ professional football career, whether that be in the CFL or NFL.
Top Safety: D.J. Campbell, Cal
Really wasn’t impressive to our regional scout Mark Dulgerian, after he saw him on tape and in person. Doesn’t flash anything real special and is a decent athlete who plays conservatively and allows too many guys to make plays around him. We’ll have to see if Campbell can step his game up and show some improvement from his regular season play.
Defensive Back to Watch Out For: Troy Woolfolk, Michigan
Though this corner is hailing from one of the bigger schools, Woolfolk really has an uphill climb to make an NFL roster. At this point, he has not exhibited the overall speed, consistent fluidity in his pedal, or the recovery skills to make it as a corner in the league. Needs to dispel these concerns by showing the ability to trust his pedal longer, work with his hands better downfield, and run with these receivers in Arkansas. As is the case with most guys here, this week will be crucial in earning Woolfolk a practice squad or roster slot.
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