David Syvertsen breaks down South Florida’s electric pass rusher George Selvie.
George Selvie – South Florida
Scout: David Syvertsen
Height/Weight: 6’4/252
Ideal System: 4-3
Pro Potential: Adewale Ogunleye – Chicago Bears
Position Traits:
Pass Rush/Closing Ability/Moves and Counter Moves: Has plenty of experience starting off with his hand in the dirt. Understands the nuances of the pass rush and has the ability to consistently reach the edge in good position to make a move. Is not strong enough with his hands on the blocker to use an effective secondary move. Does not utilize double moves to the inside.
Pursuit/Lateral Movement and Agility: Long strides can get him from one end to the other very quickly. Does a nice job of taking the proper angle to meet the ball carrier at the intersection.
Quickness/Explosion: Has not kept the same explosion he used to have as he put on the nexessary bulk to play defensive end. However still one of the quicker pass rushers in this class. Covers a lot of ground in his first two steps, consistently in the position an end wants to be in because of his explosion.
Run Defend/Recognition: Has played plenty of snaps over his four year tenure at South Florida. Has a nose for the football and locates the ball carrier quickly. Figures out the counter right off the bat and collapses the lane while getting himself in position to make the tackle in the backfield. Plays fast and smart at the same time.
Size/Length/Hand Size: Has the ideal frame for the defensive end position. Freaklishly long arms with big hands. Has put on over forty pounds in four years, but needs to add more bulk to be an every down threat in the NFL. Has been physically overwhelmed at times.
Strength/Ability to Shed Blocks: Has improved his strength in his lower half, enables him to stay low and maintain position. Struggles however to play strong up top and gets locked on to by a good blocker. Does not throw away blocks, heavily relies on speed to beat opponent.
Tackling: Wraps up well and uses his long arms to enclose the ball carrier. Does not deliver a blow when he makes a hit, more of a catch and grab on to tackler. Will get the runner down when he is in the position to.
Technique/Hand Use/Leverage: Does an exceptional job at bending at the knees and playing lower than his opponent. Has refined his technique, making him a tough player to move out of the way. Gets his hands inside and maintains the necessary separation to make a play.
Versatility: While his best trait is the explosion off the edge, Selvie can play the run better than most think. Could potentially play outside linebacker in a 3-4, but his best role would be on the right side of a 4-3 with his hand in the dirt. Minimal experience moving backward after the ball is snapped.
Final Word: Selvie appeared to be the next big thing after his 14.5 sack – 31 tackle for loss season in 2007. However foot and ankle injuries have brought up durability concerns but he remains an active and disruptive hustler when playing hurt. He is a leader on and off the field that puts everything he has in to offseason workouts. While his production has been down since his monster sophomore campaign, his ceiling remains as high as any pass rusher in the class. If he is put in to the right situation with the proper coaching, he could be a double digit sack artist year in and year out.
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