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Here is the Yearbook Report - Larry English out two weeks ago.
Photo - Larry English - N. Illinois
Larry English #51 - 6’2” 255 lbs. - N. Illinois - Sp. 4.75 - Rating 88
Hindu Theory - LaMarr Woodley
Fast outside defender is coming off another strong performance that earned him first team MAC honors. Larry has been an impact defender since his breakout sophomore season earning MAC honors his final three seasons and Defensive Player of the Year over his last two seasons. He has lined up at both defensive end and outside linebacker over his career, displaying the quick first step that gives him an advantage off the snap with fine hand and arm technique to flatten out and get to the passer. He has come on strong over his career and is one of the top ‘tweener attack ends/ linebackers in this year’s class. He is ideally suited for the attack linebacker role in the 3-4 defensive scheme with further development. He has actually played more up as a linebacker than with his hand on the ground as an end over his college career. His fast hands and long arms allow him to counter quickly and use his natural leverage vs. offensive tackles whether playing down or up off the edge. He has quick feet and excellent change of direction skills that allow him to redirect fast and recover whether attacking the LOS or dropping in pass coverage. He separates well from blockers that allow him to use his fine closing speed to the ball and make big plays. He has the flexibility to bend the edge and get his shoulders past a blocker with the burst to pressure the passer consistently. He usually wins early on the down and needs development on additional counter moves and better overall strength to separate if his initial move is contained. He has shown the ability to stunt and spin and come back inside with a burst to the QB, but needs further work on that maneuver especially hand usage to separate. He can struggle to shed blockers once his initial move is contained and further counter moves is essential to win starting NFL time. With further hand development, he can compete for playing time as either a situational pass rushing as an end in a 4-3 set or up as a linebacker in a 3-4 scheme. He brings the key component from the outside, pressuring the passer off the edge. He has a good level of development with the fire to battle bigger athletes and win many confrontations. In run support, he shows fine functional strength that allows him to hold the POT fairly well, though at times, bigger tackles can engulf him. He struggles to anchor vs the double team and can get washed out at the POA too often at plays directed at him. He is a very good athlete with fine instincts while playing in space either vs the run or the pass. He has the change of direction skills, instincts and speed to cover backs and tight ends with equal success, though he has performed mainly in forward motion. He has improved his hand technique to separate from blockers quicker with the ability to get his shoulder past blockers as an edge defender but needs further work in that key area. As a senior, he started all 13 games displaying fine pass pressure off the edge. Over his final season, he totaled 37 tackles with 16 TFL, 8 sacks, 3FF and 1FR in a fine effort earning 1st team MAC honors and his 2nd Defensive Player of the Year award. As a junior, he had 67 tackles, 17 TFL, 1 FF, 2 PBU and 10.5 sacks while starting all 12 games. His career totals include 233 tackles, 57 TFL and 32 sacks. At the Senior Bowl practices and game, he displayed quickness off the edge and the ability to get after the passer with some ability to counter. He works hard, leads by example and shows fine football intelligence and instincts. He is similar to tweener defenders LaMarr Woodley, Shaun Phillips and Rosevelt Colvin in size, AA and big play ability. At the combine, he checked in at 255 lbs. and had an impressive workout. He ran 4.82 and 4.84 times with a 1.61 time for the ten yard split. He did 24 reps with a 36” VL, 8’11” BJ and a 4.38 short shuttle and 7.26 time in the three cone drill to complete an outstanding performance. He has the ability to start early in the NFL after some improvement in his lower body strength and overall technique, but he should contribute early as a good situational pass rusher. Fast rising top 40-50 prospect and a player in high demand by the 3-4 clubs like the Patriots, Jets, Cardinals and Dolphins. Big play defender with impact ability as a pass rusher and great fit for the attack backer role in a 3-4 defense. Fine early round selection with big upside potential.
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