Like, I’m talking a small book here. Novella-style (in fact it’s so large, I’ve had to break it in two).
Slowly we’re starting to learn the characteristics of a prospect that make our FO fall in love with them. To me the main ones are:
- Grit/toughness
- Leadership, preferably in a captain’s role (if available)
- Tenacious and/or high effort play demeanor with a hot motor.
- Football intelligence, or as Dan keeps saying in interviews, FBI
- Work ethic/professionalism (in both the gym and the film room)
- Good, likeable teammate.
- Resiliency. Ability to bounce back from adversity (“we were built for this”)
We got a lot more insight into these aspects of prospects through Dane Brugler’s the Beast, so just like I did on the earlier post with more highly-regarded prospects, I did a deeper dive on the players with characteristics I think we’ll like. (For the most part, at positions I think we’ll be looking at… even if it’s only very late).
Now a lot of these are from really small schools which makes finding their tape problematic, so I was forced to cobble together an opinion based on broadcast game angles and/or footage filmed by the schools themsleves, highlights, and other found media. In one case, I only had access to the guy playing basketball (I mention it in the blurb). Mostly what mattered in the very deep cases though was upside + fit based on the characteristics above.
INTERIOR OFFENSIVE LINE:
- Nick Gargiulo, South Carolina (6’5, 318, 34 inch arms): Great size for a C/G. Closer in size to Ragnow than most of the early center prospects (except Barton). He’s smart and more athlete than mauler, but then so is Frank. And he’s no pushover. Coordinated, great grip strength and hand placement, his head’s always on a swivel. Really good reps against Georgia. His pad level gets a little too high sometimes, but that should be fixable. Can get off balance. Played everywhere along the line. Confirmed in an interview that we’d met with him virtually. Why he fits? Captain at Yale and then South Carolina (his first and only year there), play demeanor, won a toughness award at Yale.
- Nick Samac, Michigan State (6’4, 307, 32 3/4 inch arms): Really good at the second-level, really good technique, smart (three-time academic all Big-10), tenacious play demeanor but under control with good punch accuracy, checks the captain box, has strong hands and can really generate a lot of torque. He has a thinner base than you’d like which leads to some ugly reps against big uglies and double-teams, and while he moves really well going forward, his lateral quickness leaves something to be desired. Can be an issue on stunts and blitzes, even when he recognizes what’s happening. Coming off a broken fibula so couldn’t test, but will supposedly be ready for OTAs. Why he fits? Checks boxes for captain, play demeanor, work ethic, and football intelligence.
- C.J. Hansen, Holy Cross (6’5, 300, 32 3/8 inch arms): Another tall, athletic interior OL with questions about his anchor, I’m starting to think I have a type. The best athlete of any I’ve mentioned so far and maybe the smartest too. The question is will he meet the minimum anchor threshold? Right now I’d say he’s below it but he’s renowned for his work ethic, has a frame that looks like it can keep growing, and has added a lot of mass and strength over the past couple of years. If he can keep it up without losing too much athleticism could be a find late. Why he fits? Captain this past season, workaholic, football intelligence, rumored to be a coach-level communicator.
- Jacob Monk, Duke (6’3, 312, 32.5 inch arms): This one is admittedly more about his intangibles + cheap price. We’re gonna love him. Everyone raves about the guy. If there’s one guy who gets the Jack Campbell treatment as far as his teammates talking about him, it’ll be Monk (or his teammate Carter). He’s smaller than the other guys on this list, and worse, it shows up on tape. He can be moved. He’s got good strength in his hands and upper body, but not a lot in his lower half. That said he’s also one of the best athletes at the position in his class, great mover, easily picks up guys at the second level. A lot to like about him if he can just improve his one area of weakness. But Evan Brown was the same way and we stuck with him for awhile, and Monk brings more to the table. Why he fits? Two-time captain, off-the-charts OC IQ, people can’t shut about how much they love the guy.
- Hunter Nourzad, Penn State (6’3, 317, 33 inch arms): Probably the best combo of athlete and strength for a center outside the first couple of rounds (and the most likely of all of these to go day 2). He’s old af (like only 3 years younger than Frank), but he’s ready to hit the ground running too. A bit of a jack of all trades master of none type, but really smart, shifted over to C this year and looked like he’d been playing it his whole life. I think the guy could really end up a starting C in the league, which is kinda starting to show as he rises up the mock draft boards. Why he fits? Transferred up from Cornell and was an immediate factor, not a captain at PSU (and can’t find anything about his time at Cornell), but according to the Beast, the Penn State coach called him and Fashanu the foundation of the line, football intelligence.
- Tylan Grable, UCF (6’5.5, 306, 33 5/8 inch arms): Freaky athlete who’s new to the position (only been playing OL for 4 years, went from QB → TE → OL) but who’s already made remarkable improvement. If he continues to improve at that pace, we might be talking about one of the league’s best in a few years. There are plenty of technical mistakes on his tape, but imo they’re mistakes of inexperience. Has some natural power but still learning to tap into it. Only ever played left tackle as an OL but according to Dane most see his best postion as center. Why he fits? Football intelligence (has those QB smarts), could be a good guy to develop behind Ragnow, however he’s old (turns 25 this season)
- Jeremy Flax, Kentucky (6’5.5, 343, 33 3/4 inch arms): Born and raised in Detroit, Flax has sort of the opposite problem to the guys I’ve listed so far: strong anchor, but does he meet the athletic threshold for the league? I actually think he does which is why I’m listing him. Played only RT at Kentucky but probably not athletic enough to stay out there; but decent lateral quickness in short areas on tape for a man of his volume. No savant at the second-level but passable (kind of reminds me of Big V). His main issue imo is his inability to stay attached to his man in the run game, which means he’s oftentimes not as much of a factor as you’d like despite his impressive strength and anchor. Doesn’t have a lot of stun in his hands, prefers to control defenders. Why he fits? High effort/hot motor player, competitive and tough, stayed to fight for his place when coach tried to replace him and not only won, took his game to another level, football intelligence, had 0 missed assignments or penalties this year. (However, skipped his bowl game. We’ll see if that matters to Brad late in the draft).
- Bryan Hudson, Louisville (6’4.5, 300, 32 3/4 inch arms): Another great athlete for the position, fires out of his stance with good hand placement, a technician who understands leverage and angles and marries his feet with his arms, great at the second level, strong hands with some pop. Not a mauler but holds his own in a phone booth because of leverage know-how. Won the award for best OL in the ACC, already married, was a shot-putter for the track team too. Why he fits? Louisville did their captains game-by-game rather than season-long, and Hudson was the captain for game one and their bowl game. Extreme work ethic (leaves motivational post-it notes for himself). High school coaches called him a 30-year-old in a 16-year-old’s body. Played through injury all season (didn’t practice during the week but never missed a game). According to coach Jeff Brohm, “you’d have to amputate his leg for him not to play.” He adds: “He’s also a team leader who exemplifies what that position is all about: just toughness and grit, unselfishness.” Sound like Brad might like that?
- Dalton Tucker, Marshall (6’6, 307, 34 inch arms): A bit of a different profile to a lot of the other iOL on this list, Tucker is more of a mauler than the others. Great size, but doesn’t have top drawer movement skills or lateral agility, but really, really explosive moving forward (34 inch vert and 9’4 broad!). A factor in the run game. Brad has already shown a willingness to take a guy with a similar profile in Sorsdal (he didn’t have Tucker’s vert but the same 93% broad). On tape he looks like a better mover than he tested, though at best I’d call it average, and while he has a strong base, you’d like him to have more pop in his hands (has the frame to add even more weight/strength). Doesn’t get fooled often and understands his assignments. Why he fits? Marshall retroactively names their starting captains (which is more common than you think), and after the season he won the “eternal captain” award. Fiery hot motor, tough-nosed grinder.
- Nolan Potter, Northern Illinois (6’5.5, 310, 33 3/4 inch arms): Kind of the opposite of most of the guys on here in that he’s more of a phone booth guy. Decent enough athleticism to pull and trap, but you don’t want to send him to the second level very often. Excellent technician, consistent, doesn’t make many mistakes, excellent identifying stunts and blitzes. Smart, has been Academic All-MAC for multiple years. First team All-MAC for multiple years as well. Why he fits? NIU doesn’t name season captains but game-by-game, but Potter was named a captain for every game. Football intelligence, mean play demeanor, football junkie according to his former OL coach.
WIDE RECEIVER:
- Xavier Weaver, Colorado (6’0, 175): Mr. Reliable on that Colorado team full of stars, has legit horizontal juice. Despite his size has no problem with press, his feet are just too quick. Stops and starts on a pinhead. Great hands. Not much of a YAC guy but decent long speed, and because he’s so quick he can get past defenders and force them to catch up. Has a really innate feel for where to sit down in a zone and how to take advantage of a CB in off coverage. Physical corners will give him problems, if they can get their hands on him, and you definitely worry about him going across the middle at his size. Why he fits? Football intelligence, tough as hell - played through labrum tear all season (in fact didn’t tell his coaches because he didn’t want them to shut him down, knowing full well it would negatively affect his draft status), according to Dane coaches love his assertive attitude, both on and off the field. We were one of 12 teams to attend his solo April 3rd pro day.
- Mason Tipton, Yale (5’10, 180): Well we know he’s gotta be smart going to Yale (evolutionary biology grad who won Honor Society award for maintaining 3.2 GPA throughout college), then he tested like this: 4.33 40 (1.46 ten yard split), 37 inch vert, 10.5 inch broad. The dude has legit speed and explosion, and great hands to boot. Despite size played outside plenty and posted excellent contested catch rate (64%), partly due to excellent body control. Had a young breakout and produced all 4 years, but will need to work on his route-running. Physical corners give him problems. Why he fits? Yale only names one captain per season and Tipton wasn’t it, but he was given the Jordan Olivar award after the year, which goes to the senior on the squad, other than the captain, who through his devotion to Yale football has earned the highest respect of his teammates. Football intelligence, ‘my ball’ mentality, coaches rave about him as a person.
- Isaiah Wooden, Southern Utah (5’7, 176): Tiny fella, but a crazy athlete. 44.5 inch vert! 4.35 40 with a 1.38 ten yard split! 6.9 3-cone and 10’5 broad. And he wasn’t just a testing monster, he dominated on the field too. 900 yards and 14 TDs this past year in 11 games (despite frequent bracket coverage). 832 yards and 8 total TDs the year before, averaged over 10 yards per carry too (21 carries for 253 yards) and over 58.3 YPC on his 6 receiving TDs. Electric kick returner. Just turned 24 a couple of months ago, but everyone’s old on day 3. Lined up inside and outside, has excellent, snatchy, late hands. Like many small school guys needs to work on his route-running but has that inherent ability to get open in zone, and despite small size he’s an explosive YAC guy. Tough runner who will plow into DBs lol. Is often open by 5+ yards on tape. Gives his all blocking but as you might expect it doesn’t come easy. Why he fits? Fiery play demeanor, fights like crazy at the catch point, tough as nails, has a couple of full-field chase downs after picks/pooch punts on tape that are eye-opening and speak to his effort. Ultimate dawg, plays WR like a CB.
- Leon Johnson III, Oklahoma State (6’4.5, 210, 34 1/8 inch arms, 80+ inch wingspan): Mostly for potential untapped upside, he’s just learning how good he can be. Transferred to Oklahoma State after 4 years at George Fox university (where he dominated), slated to redshirt 2023 but willingly burned it in November when injuries hit the WR corps, flashed quickly against much improved competition (notably against BYU, Cincinnati, Oklahoma and Texas A&M). Really good athleticism for such a big guy (4.54 forty, 1.58 ten yard split, 35 inch vert, 10’10 broad, 7.10 3-cone). Excellent at the catch point, great hands, needs to work on his route-running but so do most of them. Played outfield for the George Fox baseball team for 3 seasons. Graduated with math degree from George Fox, won multiple academic honors at both schools. Why he fits? Puts the team above himself, football intelligence, gives his all as a blocker and sprung Ollie Gordon for multiple long TD runs, coaches rave about his focus and attention to detail.
CORNERBACK:
- Chigozie Anusiem, Colorado State (6’1, 200, 32 1/4 inch arms): If we really are switching back to more of a press-man scheme, Anusiem would be a great get late. Big, long and athletic (4.39 40 with a 37.5 inch jump), he’s the prototype and he’s got a nasty edge to him as well. Good tackler and played a ton of zone since transferring to CSU from Cal, and while he struggled at first seemed to be improving this year. He hasn’t been that much of a playmaker, but there’s some thought he might have that sort of ceiling. Was a regular standout at Shrine Bowl practices. Why he fits? Press man skills, play demeanor, very physical in coverage and in run support, football intelligence and route recognition, first-in last-to-leave work ethic.
- Carlton Johnson, Fresno State (5’10.5, 175, 30 3/8 inch arms): If we liked Starling Thomas, we’re gonna like this guy too. Ran a 4.28 at his pro day and like Thomas that speed is almost purely straight-line (7.33 3-cone). Can get grabby like Thomas too. But the path to the roster is there, the same one paved by Thomas. One of the better playmakers on the ball (had 3 picks against Arizona State), has preternatural sense for what’s going on around him. Can be overpowered in run support but gives it his all. Praised during Senior Bowl practices. Why he fits? Tenacious play demeanor, tough as nails, plays with chip on shoulder, lauded for maturity (has two daughters) coaches say he already plays like a professional.
- Isaiah Johnson, Syracuse (6’3, 206, 33 inch arms): Detroit kid who we actually met with at his pro day, so he’s not a complete unknown. He’s got some physical gifts not a lot of guys have, in addition to his size there’s a 38 inch vert, a 10’10 broad, and a 6.7 3-cone - which is a bonkers number. However there’s also one number that could be problematic to overcome at CB: the 4.64 40 (with a bad 1.61 10-yard split). Played 3 years at Dartmouth and graduated before transferring to Syracuse. Smooth mover who never panics, knows he has the length to recover when he’s lost a step, has a sixth sense for route breaks before they occur, never misses an assignment, uses the sideline really well. Safety conversion could be forthcoming, another old af dude (already 24), and his hands aren’t all that great. Why he fits? Was voted captain this year - rare for a CB - despite it being only his 2nd year in the program, football intelligence (dude went to Dartmouth), press man skills, versatility, tackling desire (never avoids a pile-up), five years of special teams experience.
- Micah Abraham, Marshall (5’9.5, 185, 31 inch arms): You can tell on his tape he’s the son of a pro (Donnie Abraham). Excellent technique with good speed (4.45 40), calmness at the catch point that makes him one of the draft’s best playmakers, can’t be fooled by route combinations and trusts his eyes which makes him a great closer on the ball, often runs the route for the receiver, tenacious play style - which can sometimes come back to bite him. Better too aggressive than otherwise though. One of the few guys I would consider a “lockdown corner” in the class - has double-digit pass break-ups in each of the past 3 years and 11 INTs over that span, despite not being targeted in 7 games last year. He’ll always have issues with his size, though. The effort’s there, but he struggles to hold up physically. I expect he’ll be targeted pretty regularly in the run game. Why he fits? Tenacious play demeanor, football intelligence, shows up in big games (had an INT, half a sack, and a pass breakup in Marshall’s 2022 upset of Notre Dame, great in bowls too including this year when he had 6 tackles, 2 pass break ups, and an INT), professional work ethic and study habits.
- Miles Battle, Utah (6’3, 196, 32 1/8 inch arms): Freaky athlete overall, but especially for a guy his size (4.37 40, 37 vert, 10’7 broad, 4.03 shuttle, 6.84 3-cone). Came up as a WR at Ole Miss but after struggling for playing time switched to CB in 2022, then transferred to Utah in 2023. As you might expect he’s raw as hell with his technique and awareness but has clear untapped upside (even though he’s already 24). Surprising tackling skills given his WR upbringing, praised by Utah coaches for adapting quickly to what they asked of him. Why he fits? Highly competitive, football intelligence, leadership (Utah CB coach called him the leader of the room, despite only arriving this year), earned his right to play at Utah (same coach: “he wasn’t promised anything”), played in meaningless bowl game because, as he says: “I came here wanting to play with these guys and I gave them my all, they gave me their all, so I’ve got to finish it out with them.”
- Cam Allen, Purdue (6’1, 200, 31 3/4 inch arms): Played safety at Purdue but the thinking seems to be he’ll make the switch to corner in the league. At the very least will be a versatile DB. Not as freaky as Battle as an athlete, but pretty good for his size (4.55 40, 1.52 ten yard split, 35 inch vert, 4.09 SS, 6.74 3-cone). Has a nose for the football, with 17 takeaways over the course of his career (14 INTs and 4 fumble recoveries). Intuitive understand of routes and timing at the catch point, excellent in run support and will probably be even better at CB, better in zone and off than press man right now, had some real struggles this year staying in phase. But has much less press experience and flashed at times too. Played in a lot of different schemes as Purdue changed DCs a lot. Like many of these guys, very old, turns 25 in November. Why he fits? Great work ethic, always in the film room according to teammates, called a role model by coaches, charismatic leader.
- Tyrek Funderburk, Applachian State (5’11, 186, 30 5/8 inch arms): A speedy corner (4.39 40) who plays a physical brand of CB. Excellent in off and zone, great recognition and burst to close on the ball, but also shows up really well in press, sticky with smooth hips, quick change of direction and plenty of juice. Instinctive playmaker with 8 picks over the last two years (2 returned for TDs in 2023), always looking to get the ball. Excellent against the run and wants to make receivers pay for daring to come anywhere near him. Played first 4 years at Richmond then transferred to App State for his final year, earned first-team All-Sun Belt. Can get grabby at the top of routes and needs to stay calmer at the catch point when in trail, but that doesn’t happen much. Why he fits? Play demeanor, football intelligence, punishing run defender, bet on himself and won, beloved by teammates, wasn’t named a captain as it was his first year in the program but by the end of the year was regularly at the podium for post-game press conferences.
- Keni-H Lovely, Western Michigan (5’10, 182, 30.5 inch arms): Very fast, very twitchy corner (4.37 40, 38.5 inch vert, 10’3 inch broad, 6.93 3-cone) with excellent closing burst. Has some of the best long speed in the entire class. Six INTs and 13 passes defended the past 2 years. Combative tackler with extensive special teams experience as a gunner. Has a knack for punching the ball and causing fumbles. Lacks the instincts and awareness the best CBs have which limits his playmaking, and can make him seem slow to react at the catch point in man. Which is why he ends up going after the WR’s hands more than the ball. His eyes betray him, he’ll likely get caught taking the cheese from opposing OCs. Why he fits? 2023 team captain who plays with a hot motor, special teams experience, solid tackling and great effort, great kid who donates a lot of time to charity.
- Mikey Victor, Alabama State (6’2.5, 205, 34 1/2 inch arms): A similar prospect to Isaiah Johnson (with even longer arms!), Victor is an enticing prospect for a lot of his measurables (36 inch jump, 6.82 3-cone) except one: the 4.64 40. Does he have to move to safety? It’s certainly possible. He played there at UNLV before transferring to Alabama State. Like Johnson he can be a little lumbering in his transitions - that’s just how it is with a man his size - but he also understands how to use his crazy levers. Good in press, re-routes WRs as well as anyone in the class. Stud at the catch point. Made a lot of key pass breakups, good production, won a game with an INT. 2nd in the entire country in passes defended per game (just above Quinyon Mitchell). Strong tackler but definitely needs some technique work, likes to go flying in for the kill shot. Stood out during Shrine Bowl practices (where he went 4-for-4 defending deep balls), first-team FCS All-American, second-highest rated FCS corner on PFF (84.9 grade). Invited to Alabama’s pro day. Why he fits? Press man skills, hard worker, more even-keeled than fiery but said to be a pro in the film room already.
SAFETY:
- Emany Johnson, S, Nevada (6’2, 218, 31 1/4 inch arms): One of the more bizarre profiles I’ve ever seen. He was at Nevada for 6 years and literally didn’t start a game the first 5. Then he makes first-team All-Mountain West his first year starting and wins team MVP. Had more tackles this past season than the previous five combined. And what’s strange is he looked like a natural when he finally got a shot. You can’t help but think that guy’s an NFL player. Good instincts and ball skills, plays the ball like a WR. Could improve in run support, but triggers well, flies in with purpose, and navigates the LOS very well. Just misses tackles. Needs to improve his technique. Ran a 4.50 40 with a 1.54 ten yard split, jumped 38 inches and had a 6.99 3-cone. The guy has legit NFL athleticism. We’re probably talking a UDFA here, but he’s got some pretty intriguing stuff to him. Lost his father and childhood best friend in 12 hour period during the 2023 season. Not as old as most 6th year players (still only 23). Why he fits? Special teams experience, energetic play temperament, childlike and infectious in his exuberance on the field, very loyal, stayed with Nevada through multiple staff changes,
- Derek Slywka, Ithaca College (6’2, 215, 31 3/8 inch arms): Extremely explosive small-school player (39 inch vert, 10’7 broad, 4.15 SS, 6.78 3-cone, 4.55 40 with a 1.56 ten yards split), played everywhere but most snaps at single high and two-high. Very instinctive, he eads routes, triggers and locates the ball really well (though he will fall for eye candy now and again). Lots of production re INTs and passes defended, will bait the QB into mistakes. Ton of pop behind his pads, guys know when they’ve been hit, a real tone-setter, but could stand to wrap up better. Legit makeup/closing speed. Loves to mix it up with offensive players. Obviously a huge step up in competition coming, and you’d really like to avoid situations that have him turning his back to the QB. Needs to get in NFL weight room to build up arms and upper body to help him shed blocks better. Named first-team D3 all-American by three different sources, including the AP. Why he fits? Hot motor, attitude, vicious tackling, special teams experience, improved every single year, coaches rave about work ethic, was defensive playcaller.
- Rod Gattison, Western Carolina (6’0, 199, 31 inch arms): Played CB in college but doesn’t have the speed or hips to do so in the pros. But he’s an excellent, physical tackler, with good trigger instincts, so a switch to safety could be in the cards. Why he fits? Gritty play demeanor, special teams experience, hard worker and film junkie, infectious alpha personality, at least three times I saw a coach/teammate say “he wants all the smoke,” which as I understand it is the 2020s version of “come at me, bro!”
- P.J. Jules, Southern Illinois (6’0, 203, 32 inch arms): High school teammates with Kerby Joseph, Jules is definitely a box safety but he’s also one of the more instinctive run defenders in the class. If he was a little younger (turns 26 in a month!), we might be talking about a day 2 pick here. He’s aggressive downhill, erases ball-carriers, effectively wades through and past blockers, and is a ballhawk at the catch point (he would be even more so if his hands didn’t betray him). Has a knack for being around the ball, very good at reading the flow of a play. I think of him as an older, cheaper Mustapha. Not a lot of playmaking, but good instincts at the catch point. Just doesn’t have the greatest hands. FCS AP 1st team All-American, finalist for FCS defensive player of the year, made Feldman’s freaks list for his lifting and jumping prowess. Why he fits? Play demeanor, hot motor, special teams experience, work ethic (“always in film/weight room”).
- Al Blades Jr., Duke (6’0, 194, 32 inch arms): Bennie’s nephew! Blades started off his career at Miami - as most Blades’ do - before transferring to Duke after graduating. Played most of his career as a CB but safety at Duke and his final season at Miami, which is probably where he’ll play in the league. Smart kid (I mean, Duke grad school), good athlete, punishing run defender, instinctive guy who plays the catch point really well and rarely takes the cheese. Doesn’t have the speed to stay in pure man-to-man (hence the safety conversion), and he’s another old af prospect (though not as bad as Jules) who turns 25 in October. Why he fits? Was named a captain at Miami as a TRUE freshman (2 games), understands what it takes to be a pro, is already a leg up when it comes to film study and work required.
- Quinten Arello, Dartmouth (6’0.5, 202, 30 1/4 inch arms): Two-time captain who, perhaps unsurprisingly, never misses an assignment or makes a mental mistake. Like ever. He simply cannot be fooled, and I really think that will be valuable going forward in the league. And you see the Dartmouth there and think bad athlete but check this out: 43.5 inch vert, 10’6 broad, 6.88 3-cone, 4.55 40. Very, very good athlete, it turns out. More of a drag-down tackler than a crusher but gets his man down, and really only played deep safety (both single and two-high). Never gonna be one of those safeties who flies in and thumps a guy close to the line. Why he fits? Two-time captain, coaches rave about his football IQ, work ethic and leadership skills, head man says “calm, steady, reliable and consistent, has a great way with the younger guys, he’s unflappable. You name it and he’s seen it before. He can direct traffic, he’s a controlling and comforting influence.” Gave the commencement speech at his high school graduation.
- Rashad Wisdom, UTSA (5’8.5, 203, 29 inch arms): Smaller than you’d like but has a ton of experience. Really good athlete too (4.50 40, 1.52 ten yard split, 37 inch vert, 4.11 SS, 6.89 3-cone). The first thing that stands how is his tenacity, he’s a fiery little dude, sometimes to his detriment when it comes to taking a few steps the wrong way, not to mention penalties. Despite size he’s very strong against the run and physical in coverage. Has been UTSA’s best defensive player for five years, since making all-Conference USA as a frosh. Highly decorated career. Has been on the Jim Thorpe preseason watchlist for 3 straight seasons, and the Bronco Nagurski and Chuck Bednarik watchlists for two. Lost his brother and best friend to kidney cancer at 18, made him grow up fast. Why he fits? Like LSU with the number 18, UTSA gives out single digit jerseys to the players voted on by their teammates as the best leaders of the team, starting with 0 and going to 9. Wisdom has worn the number 0 jersey the past two years. Three-time team captain, is renowned in the program for his work ethic and resiliency, pretty much checks every box we have, so I’m just gonna stop listing them. He’ll be a fit for sure.
