Small School Defensive Linemen
by Jim Schmatz
By Matt Feminis and Josh Buchanan (D2 Football)
The NFL is getting used to Hampton producing prospects, and defensive end Kendall Langford is the Pirates’ latest pro hopeful.
Brian Johnston (6-5 280), Gardner-Webb (I-AA)
A two-time All-American and back-to-back Big South Defensive Player of the Year, Brian Johnston has been one of the most dominant defensive ends in college football the past two seasons. In fact, he was one of just four non-Division I player on the Ted Hendricks Award (top defensive end in college football) mid-season watch list. Despite enduring double-teams, Johnston made 74 tackles, including an eye-popping 24 stops behind the line of scrimmage. He managed six sacks and 22 quarterback hurries. If his size and stats aren’t impressive enough, Johnston reportedly boasts commensurate measurables. According to the school’s report of his spring workout, Johnston was timed in 4.73 seconds in the 40, recorded a 4.12 short shuttle, and bench-pressed 450 pounds. Those numbers are above-average for a 280-pound defensive end, and also indicate Johnston possesses the explosiveness desired in the NFL. He played in the Hula Bowl, and if he can prove he belongs against better competition and replicate his spring numbers, he could solidify himself in the 5th-6th round range.
Kendall Langford (6-5 275), Hampton (I-AA)
Langford has the ideal measurables (4.9 40) for a defensive tackle, but has played end at Hampton. He has the option of losing weight and staying at end or moving inside at the next level. He was a first-team All-MEAC selection in 2006 and 2005, and earned All-America honors last season. This year Langford also earned 1st team All-MEAC honors but saw his production drop from 15.5 tackles for loss, eight sacks to 12.5 tackles for loss, five sacks. He lacks consistency, as he will stand out one game and then become silent the next. He has the ability to flow from sideline to sideline and cause havoc in the backfield but hasn’t been as much of a force this year. He was given a priority free agent grade heading into the season by NFL scouts but his upside should land him in the draft. He’ll participate in the Senior Bowl and the Combine. At this time, Langford is considered a possible 6th rounder.
Rudolph Hardie (6-2 280), Howard (I-AA)
A two-time All-American, Hardie has amassed 124 tackles, 45.5 stops for loss, and 21.5 sacks in that time. He’s likely closer to 6-foot-1 and 270 pounds, but he runs well, and figures as a late-round selection. Pass rushers are the equivalent to quality starting pitchers; they’re always in demand, and teams will overlook less-than-ideal size in exchange for above-average speed and/or production. There are similarly-built defensive ends in the NFL, such as Dwight Freeney (Colts), and Derrick Burgess (Raiders), but Hardie will have to show the burst and consistent pass rushing ability required to stick in the league as an undersized end. That said, the recent impact of Hampton such as Jerome Mathis (Texans) and Justin Durant (Jaguars) doesn’t hurt his chances. If he runs in the 4.7 range, as expected, Hardie could be drafted in the late rounds.
Eric Bakhtiari (6-4 260), San Diego (I-AA non-scholarship)
Another Ted Hendricks Award mid-season watch list entry, Bakhtiari joins his teammate, quarterback Josh Johnson, as a legitimate NFL prospect. Bakhtiari, described as a high-motor player with good speed, is being viewed by many scouts as a potential 3-4 outside linebacker, after dominating I-AA non-scholarship competition to the tune of 76 tackles, 20 sacks, and 24.5 tackles for loss. Bakhtiari wasn’t a starter until his senior year in high school, and assumed his career as a 198-pound defensive end would stop there. He intended to enjoy the typical college experience as a student-only at the University of Arizona before a USD visit snared him. Five years later, Bakhtiari has gone from entertaining thoughts of quitting football to a prospect who will certainly be in a training camp, if not selected late in the 2008 NFL Draft.
Kurt Hout (6-2 276), Ferris State (Division II)
The only tackle on our watch list, Hout has spent two years at Ferris State after being kicked off the Northern Colorado team for his involvement in an unfortunate incident. While at a party, Hout hit a teammate over the head with a bottle. The teammate then took out a knife. Further violence was avoided, but Hout’s car windows were later smashed in retaliation. Hout was not arrested, but was thrown off the football team. In two years at Ferris, however, Hout has only attracted attention for his on-field exploits. This season he registered 45 tackles (6.5 for loss) and 3.5 sacks. He’s a smallish tackle coming from a smaller school, meaning he’ll have to prove his strength and quickness, but he does stand out on tape. He’s a likely seventh rounder/priority free agent at this time.
Other notables: (Defensive ends): Jacob Owens (Fairmont State); Dallas Flynn (Northwest Missouri State); Marcus Dixon (Hampton); Alex Hall (St. Augustine); Bryan Robinson (Wesley); Maurice Baker (CW Post); Derrick Gray (Texas Southern)