small_school_prospect_scouting

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+ Great pursuit angles in side-line-side-line. Will normally be in frame at the end with assist and overall effort on each and every play
+ Is perfectly fine with waiting and reacting for that 1½ second in runs defense to beat the offensive lineman on internal runs
+ Has excellent bend as a delayed blitzer getting by IOL
+ Can shoot gaps and dip + avoid for high-end speed impact of TFL
+ Is capable to be a SLB at the next level with addition of being a more so built and molded for a 3-4 ILB
+ Able to be used as a QB spy for a Dan Jones, PJ Walker sneaky athletic type QB wise
+ Elite drive, effort and composure throughout games
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- Can occasionally get off balanced in open space and against the higher end talent at RBs in the NFL will get more exposed with missed tackles
- stiffer hips, and doesn't flow naturally in horizontal movement in zone coverage. Will get drawn in towards the left or right depending on the motion. Losing the zone leverage and then makes up for it in his top end pursuit
- doesn't have ideal size or high end atheism, just an average athlete. Will still be serviceable but won't eye popping for NFL scouts to be a higher draft pick hype
- Has lots to improve more in the pass rush aspect of things if moved to SLB has lighter hands and nothing other than pure strength and bullrush effort in his disrupting blitz's
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Johnny has been one of the best linebackers in the nation over the previous two years. This year was one of the top 3 best linebackers in the FCS. I'm not sure if there's a game he doesn't play to his full potential in SDSU, Navy, Rutgers, JMU, W&M etc etc. Has lots of the NFL tools to be a fit for a 3-4 defense ILB 2 or a 4-3 SLB. Does have experience in kick coverage to be basically redshirted his rookie year from defense to adjust to the NFL level. I think his potential is a starter caliber player for a more super physical defense and less based on speed. For example Tennessee, Minnesota and Houston would be great fits for him. I have a late 3rd round grade on him. Realistically could be a later day 3 selection and or higher end UDFA.
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+ Is a heat seeking missile when he shoots through the gaps. Will read and react with perfection on inside counters
+ Hard nosed tackler delivers like it's the early 2000s
+ Position flexibility to be a WLB and a MLB
+ Love the hustle downfield looking for contact on kickoff coverage
+ Has the key experience and reps on special teams of what most small school UDFA have to prove their worth to make an NFL roster
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- occasionally gets fake out and will take a half step up on play actions giving a open zones
- Will get blocked out easily by TEs and OL in space struggling to fight off the block and eliminating him from the play
- Will over pursue and semi eliminate himself out of the play
- Doesn't have NFL size, length or top end speed to handle being a starter caliber LB
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Juanya' is a very physical linebacker of division II ECSU. He had a good career for the Vikings with some higher end games Winston-Salem, Livingstone and Virginia Union were graded out as (B+) this season. He was invited to the FCS Bowl and had some flashes as well there. I believe he can have a great career as a special teams player in the NFL as an ace. However his size and length will hinder his ability to be anything other than a LB3-4 in the NFL. I feel he will be best in one of the spring leagues to see if he can handle the overall size and speed threshold of former NFL level players. If he can excel there he will be on a NFL roster in no time. I have a UDFA grade on him for this year's draft.
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+ High end side-line-side-line speed
+ Gives his all Bob Sanders type tackling effort
+ Has an athletic nature of a blitz to beat the inside OG
+ Has shown out vs top opponents this season
+ Against TEs very well done in press man to man coverage
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- Has a higher miss tackle rate than you would like from your MLB
- will drop 2½ yards further than needed in zone coverage leading to first downs and TDs
- Has trouble fighting through the bodies and coming up and making the play
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Fa'Avae started at Washington State where he showcased his ability to be a potential star defensive player. He took full advantage of the spring season to boost his talents one up then in the 2021 fall season and now having an excellent senior year. His type of play reminds me of the hybrid type player they made Deone Bucannon in Arizona in the later part of the 2010s. A very athletic LB who brings old school physicality in his tackles. With great effort to chase down rushers and help gang tackle them. #2 is seen in most wrap up situations for Idaho. I really enjoy watching him 1v1 in press man coverage. He does excellent work vs bigger bodied TEs. The downsides are he is smaller as a MLB. Struggles with maintaining inside zone leverage and opening the holes behind him for the passing lane. Can at times get overwhelmed by IOL and get eliminated from affecting the play. Missed open field tackles a tad concerning vs shifter RBs. With that being said I have a 7th round grade on him. High chance of making a preseason roster and competing for a ST and lower 53 spot on a NFL team.
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