Strengths: Excellent instincts Superb pass-coverage skills Fabulous run-defender Phenomenal in zone coverage Ball skills Runs with receivers that come in his zone Good speed Extremely reliable tackler Uses good tackling technique to wrap up ball-carrier Read-and-react skills Intelligent Sideline-to-sideline run-defender Can flip his hips to run with receivers Athletic Quality hitter Functional strength Physical player…

Career Recap: Striker was an unknown heading into the 2013 season, but the sophomore broke out as one of the top defenders in the Big XII. The conference’s coaches selected Striker as a Second-Team All-Big XII pick while the media named him a first-teamer. Striker totaled 50 tackles, 6.5 sacks, 10.5 tackles for a loss…

Strengths: Quick to the second level Agile Plays with excellent technique Pad level Good balance Can match up on speed rushers Anchors well against bull rushers Effective in double-teams Pulls well Gets to blocks on the second level Scheme versatile Conditioning Experienced Intelligent Work ethic Leader Weaknesses: Durability Needs more power Short arms (32 1/8…

Strengths: Ideal size Very fast straight-line speed Press-man corner Can run with speed receivers downfield Zone corner Capable of matching up against No. 1 receivers Good length Fast backpedal Rare speed for a big corner Experienced against good college receivers Decent tackler Chips in as a run-defender Confident; has the man corner mentality Ready to…

Strengths: Superb receiver Plays with quickness Has a burst to the hole and second level Capable of breaking off long runs Tremendous balance Pad level Body lean Good vision Thickly built Has power to him Thick lower body Has a nose for the end zone Can get yards after contact Quickness Great cutting ability Elusive…

Strengths: Massive lineman Explosive speed Extremely powerful Occupies two blockers in run game Burst off the snap Ideal 3-4 nose tackle Surprisingly athletic Can collapse the pocket Gets angles to push the pocket in pass rush Capable of dominating the point of attack Huge upside Weaknesses: Back surgery in 2013 Inexperience Raw Must maintain conditioning/stamina…

Strengths: Man-cover corner Fast; can run with speed receivers Excellent at not allowing separation Length; hard to get ball around him Good ball skills Physical; will battle receivers Doesn’t panic with the ball in the air coming at him Great size to match up with big receivers Plays well in off-man coverage Ability to run…

Strengths: Big-time play-maker downfield Fast; can stretch a defense vertically Dominant size Always open because of his size Threat to score from anywhere on the field Impressive body control Very good along the sideline Skilled at making contested catches over defensive backs Big target Leaping ability Physical with corners Attacks the football Adept at finding…

Strengths: Extremely physical Excellent run-defender Good instincts Devastating hitter Good tackler Quickness Can separate the ball from the receiver Comes up with splash plays Reads a quarterback’s eyes Functional in zone coverage Intelligent Disciplined Natural strong safety Operates well in zone Contributed on special teams Should be able to play quickly Experienced and successful against…

Career Recap: In 2013, Virginia Tech featured one of the best defenses in the nation. The Hokies had a ton of talent in their secondary, but it all started up front for the Hokies as their defensive line was extremely disruptive. Perhaps the best player in the front seven was Maddy. Maddy racked up 55…