BigBull45

ILB Rod Davis
(6'-2",239 Lbs,4.75 40 yd dash) Southern Mississippi

Notes: Four-year starter in high school who moved from defensive back to linebacker as a senior.Redshirted in 1999.Played in 12 games and started 10 at middle linebacker in 2000 and finished with 94 tackles,seven tackles for a loss and one sack.Also registered seven pass breakups,two interceptions and one forced fumble.Led the team in tackles with 100 in '01 and added ten tackles for a loss,three sacks,four pass breakups,two interceptions,one forced fumble and three fumble recoveries.Started all 13 games in '02 and led the team with 168-23.5-10.5.Also had three pass breakups,two interceptions,one forced fumble and three fumble recoveries.Third-team Associated Press All-American in '02 and a Butkus Award semifinalist.Started all 12 games in which he played in '03 with 164-20-4 and four pass breakups,11 QB hurries,one fumble recovery and five forced fumbles.Three-time first-team All-Conference USA selection.

Positives: Superproductive.Adequate size and strength.Great football intelligence and an active playmaker.Sure tackler.Reads and reacts quickly.Very good change of direction.Plays faster than timed speed because of his great instincts and recognition skills.

Negatives: Lacks great speed and explosiveness.Does not use his hands well to shed blockers.Tight hips.Slips blocks more than he takes them on.Questionable character.

Summary: Looks like the next Ray Lewis based on his production but may turn out more like Dana Howard (1994 Butkus Award winner who fizzled in the pros)at the next level due to his lack of speed and inconsistent effort.Can't be more than a two-down linebacker in the NFL and is a longshot at that.