Hey Bleeding Green Nation, I'm excited to bring you the first of several joint posts, highlighting under-the-radar College Football prospects. I'll be joined by Bradley Yitalo (@NFL_Drafthub), for these posts, as we explore the strengths and weaknesses of players to keep an eye on during the 2017-18 NCAA Football season.

To officially kick things off, today we will be profiling a very talented linebacker out of the University of Washington, Azeem Victor. Now a RS Senior, Victor could have easily declared for the 2017 draft, but instead decided to return to Washington and lead the Huskie defense alongside stud defensive tackle Vita Vea. Victor was off to a blazing start for the Huskies, before breaking his leg on a routine play versus USC. Now back fully healthy, and ready to go, let's take a look at what Victor brings to the table!

(Credit to LaManna Highlights)

Azeem Victor- 6'3 230 lbs

Strengths

Speed/Athleticism

Technique/Tackling

Play Recognition/Coverage

Block Shedding





Speed/Athleticism:





Bradley Yitalo (B.Y.)- The first thing that jumps off the tape with Victor is how fluid and natural of an athlete Victor is. Washington plays almost exclusively zone coverage, and Victor really gets to show off his range. With this kid’s effortless athleticism, he could play anywhere from the deep middle in a Tampa-Two defense, to a Will linebacker tasked with covering the The first thing that jumps off the tape with Victor is how fluid and natural of an athlete Victor is. Washington plays almost exclusively zone coverage, and Victor really gets to show off his range. With this kid’s effortless athleticism, he could play anywhere from the deep middle in a Tampa-Two defense, to a Will linebacker tasked with covering the Christian McCaffrey ’s of the world. Perhaps his most "NFL ready" skill, Victor is definitely ready for the NFL athletically.





Mal Davis (M.D.)- Agreed, Victor is a phenomenal athlete that flashes his speed at all levels of the field. He's able to run into the backfield as a blitzer to disrupt plays, or run a ball carrier down 20 yards down the field for the tackle. I expected him to be fast and physical, but I must say I was pleasantly surprised by how easily he moves around the football field.





(Some examples)

























Technique/Tackling:





M.D.- Victor is a pretty sure tackler, that's looking to square up the ball carrier. He's strong enough to bring down the ball carrier, even if his technique isn't perfect. Victor delivers big hits on tape, and definitely hits like a player much larger than he is. Even with his slimmer build, Victor is a tone setter for a very aggressive defense.





B.Y.- This was my favorite part of Victor’s game. His hips were really nice, but his tackling was downright eye popping. Not only a big hitter, Victor is terrific at getting a low center of gravity and wrapping up the ball carrier.

(Some examples)

Play Recognition/Coverage:

(B.Y.)- Ordinarily I prefer seeing a linebacker in a man system where you can see them match up one on one with backs and tight ends, unfortunately with Victor that was more of the exception than the rule. But what I did see (although limited) was Victor use his instincts, hips, and speed really well while tailing receivers.

As for zone coverage, Victor uses his big frame and quick hips to play his zone very well. Washington loves playing cover 3, and for the most part Victor played in the middle of the field occupying one hook/curl zone, staying underneath intermediate throws, and helping on short passes.





(M.D.)- I definitely agree, with the amount of zone the Huskies play it's somewhat difficult to truly assess Victor's man coverage ability. I do like his ability to mirror backs/tight ends in space, and his recognition ability. He has a very high IQ, so he reads plays/formation and attacks downhill. His speed mixed with his Football IQ, make him a versatile and rangy player in space.

Victor's play recognition is constantly on display, identifying both run plays and pass plays to blow them up before they go for big plays. A high football IQ is something that will get Victor on the field early in his rookie season, serving him well as a linebacker and special teamer.

(Some examples)

Block Shedding:

(M.D.)- Victor is relentless with his hands, and even when he's outmatched never quits on the play. When he can use his speed and elusiveness, Victor becomes almost untouchable for offensive linemen. He will need to continue to become stronger, but considering how well built Victor is now that shouldn't be a problem.

(B.Y.)- Relatively thin (230 Lbs) considering his 6’3 height, Victor’s ability to deal with blockers really impressed me. His hand fighting, and overall technique enabled him to get off of blockers weighing 70 pounds more than him. In the run game, I love his combination of quickness and ability to shed blocks, he’s one hell of a run defender overall considering his frame and lack of elite strength.

(Some examples)













Weaknesses:

Lapse in Effort

Size/Strength





Lapse in Effort:





(B.Y.)- Maybe I’m grasping at straws here, but occasionally the effort from someone who is supposed to be a team leader was fairly disappointing. Someone with his athleticism should look for any chance they can get to show it off, and too often he simply didn’t. Bottom line I just didn’t see Victor as a max effort type of player.





(M.D.)- I definitely can see what you're referring to, there are times on tape where Victor isn't giving 100%. I'll chalk it up more to conditioning than to effort though, as you can see many examples of "hustle plays" on tape from Victor. With the number of snaps that he plays, and his reckless nature pursuing the football, I do see times where Victor wears down later in games.





(Some examples)





















Size/Strength





(M.D.)- Like Bradley mentioned previously, Victor has a long frame at 6'3, so he looks undersized at only 230 pounds. Victor will definitely need to continue to get stronger, and an NFL weight program should be able to accomplish that. On tape you see Victor get pushed around occasionally by bigger offensive linemen, or he will have trouble tackling bigger ball carriers.





(B.Y.)- His strenth is something that can be fixed by simply putting on 10 pounds of muscle. Victor too often would get pushed out of the way when he was unable to break free. A linebacker doesn’t have to be able to man handle blockers, but ideally can at least hold his own, and with Victor I hope that skill comes about. If he's unable to become a little stronger, Victor’s NFL role may have to be limited to the weakside only.









(Some examples)





















Final Verdict:





(B.Y.)- Overall, if you’re gonna take anything away, know that Victor is a tremendously talented, athletic linebacker capable of making a real name for himself at the next level. Someone I have as a late first, to early second round prospect for now, Victor could climb even higher if he can muscle up and become more of a max effort player. With athleticism and technique being his top calling cards, Victor has a bright future in both run and pass defense, and should be able to fit in well in any system.





(M.D.)- I love Victor's fit specifically with the Eagles, especially with - I love Victor's fit specifically with the Eagles, especially with Nigel Bradham in the final year of his contract, and Mychal Kendricks perpetually on the trade block. Victor's speed alone makes him a threat to make plays side line to side line, and his tackling ability allows him to rack up a high number of stops. I was more so impressed by his understanding of the game, and offensive schemes. He consistently read offensive plays, anticipating and attacking with great strength. I could easily envision Victor playing side by side with Jordan Hicks providing 3-down scheme versatlilty. As of now, I see Victor more as a 2nd round pick, but with a huge combine (to be expected by his on tape speed), he definitely could creep into the 1st round.













Pro Comparison: Telvin Smith













While watching the film, the first player that jumped out was Telvin Smith . The play speed, athleticism, and play making are easy comparisons, as are the body types. Though Victor is almost 15 pounds larger than Telvin Smith's FSU playing weight (218 lbs), they both have slight-ish builds. As it was imperative Smith add strength to his frame, the same is the case for Azeem Victor. Victor has the big play ability that Smith has though, and if Victor lands with the right system (fit) he can have a similar impact in the NFL.













Thanks for reading, and please follow us at @WriteWhatULove (Mal Davis) and @NFL_Drafthub (Bradley Yitalo) for all of our content!



