Small School Linebackers
by Jim Schmatz
By Matt Feminis and Josh Buchanan (D2 Football)
Justin Durant (Hampton) came off the board in the second round last April, but no small schooler will hear his name that quickly this year. A prospect out of little-known Clark Atlanta heads the list.
Curtis Johnson (6-2 237), Clark Atlanta (Division II)
Clark Atlanta may not be a household name, but plenty of scouts are familiar with the location, as defensive end/outside linebacker Curtis Johnson is an intriguing small-school prospect trying to become the first noteworthy CAU product since former NFL fullback Chuck Evans (1993-2000), who was drafted in the 11th round in 1992. An All-American, Johnson is no longer a sleeper after two dominating seasons. In his junior season, Johnson opened eyes with 18 tackles for loss. This fall, he amassed 112 tackles, including 27 for loss, to go along with 13.5 sacks. A speed rusher, Johnson is athletic, makes plays, has the ability to contribute on special teams, and shows a knack for separating ballcarriers from the football (nine forced fumbles as a junior). He’s a prospect who could see a spike in his stock, as estimates of his 40 time range from the mid-4.5s to 4.7. Johnson participated in the East-West Shrine game–representing the first Clark Atlanta player to do so–and has received a Combine invite. He could warrant 6th or 7th round consideration.
Andy Studebaker (6-4 255), Wheaton College (Division III)
One of the few Division III prospects our watch list, Studebaker has seen his stock fall this season due to injury. Entering 2007, however, Studebaker’s prowess was well-known, as he was viewed as a legitimate mid-round draft choice before an injury-plagued senior season in which he appeared in just five games. Studebaker, described a ‘freak’ by his coaches, landed in Wheaton after failing to draw Division I/I-AA interest as a 205-pound high school senior from a small, downstate school in Illinois. The all-state high jumper became a recruiting coup for Wheaton, emerging as the best pass rusher in Division III and a team captain. In 2005, Studebaker made 55 tackles (19.5 for loss) with 7.5 sacks before taking off in 2006, a season in which he amassed 17.5 sacks and 24.5 tackles for loss en route to All-American recognition and NFL prospect status. Agents and scouts from every NFL team flocked, but two injuries and a sickness limited Studebaker to five games (he recorded five sacks). He was operated on in November to repair a partially-torn foot ligament, and recovery is expected to take five months, meaning he’ll miss all-star games and the Combine. Studebaker is described by coaches as a high character kid. After going down, he was disappointed, but didn’t abandon his leadership responsibilities, taking to a role as a quasi-cheerleader/coach. A petition for a medical redshirt was recently denied, so Studebaker’s collegiate career is over, but he’s expected to make a full recovery. Studebaker dominated inferior opponents with quickness, speed, and strength. In the spring, he was timed in the low 4.5s. If he can regain the speed and athleticism that made him one of the elite small-school prospects entering the season, he could be a steal in the later rounds as a potential stand-up linebacker.
Bryan Smith (6-3 230), McNeese State (I-AA)
A two-time All-American, Smith was the Southland Conference Player of the Year. He’s likely smaller than listed, but his athleticism and production can’t be overlooked. Smith, who also played basketball and high jumped in high school, made 84 tackles to go along with 13.5 sacks and 19 hurries in 2006. This season, he had 10.5 sacks and 22.5 tackles for loss. His forte is pass rushing, as he was a collegiate defensive end, though he projects as an NFL outside linebacker. Right now he carries a late-round grade, as he’ll have to prove himself a consistent second-level tackler. A transition from defensive end to linebacker also entails the awareness needed to become reliable in coverage. Smith had his first chance to work out and concentrate as a linebacker at the Hula Bowl, and is a possible 7th rounder.
Other notables:
-Inside linebacker: Ronnie McCullough (Bethune-Cookman); Joe Mays (North Dakota State)
-Outside linebacker: Shane Simmons (Western Washington); Kroy Biermann (Montana); Shaun Richardson (Tennessee State); Michael Eubanks (Delta State); Shonda Falkner (Indiana State); Chris Hemphill (Central Washington); Christian Serena (West New Mexico); Steve Allen (West Texas A&M)