When scouting defensive linemen for the upcoming draft, there are several things to look for. Explosion, size, speed, flexibility, quickness, technique are just a few. However every now and then I come across a guy that I simply write “Man Strength” next to. Wake Forest fifth year senior Duke Ejiofor is that guy. The top player on that defense by a long shot is the main reason the unit as a whole is currently leading the nation in tackles for loss per game. While he doesn’t jump off the screen athletically, there is a physical and mental maturity about his game that won’t go unnoticed. The Bednarik Award semifinalist is creeping up boards.What He Does Well:Versatility is the name of the game for Ejiofor. He spends most of his time lined up slightly outside the tackle but spends a lot of time inside. His pop off the snap that comes with heavy hands and a strong base can make him a weapon in the trenches in any situation. His variety of rush moves, especially when attacking the inside shoulder, are already pro-caliber. He can do a lot of damage between the tackles with his short area quickness coupled with that power presence and hand work. He can locate the ball, read blocks, and shed in short areas to make an impact in traffic. No matter where he lines up, he can pose as a matchup problem one way or another. Where He Needs Work:There isn’t much of a burst when it comes to his pure edge rushing ability. He won’t win off the snap via movement, thus he struggles to put the blocker in a disadvantageous position. If he is lined up across a blocker that can handle his power and strength, there won’t be much he can call on to counter-act. While his versatility is a plus, there aren’t any major standout attributes to his athletic side of the scouting report. When scouting defensive linemen for the upcoming draft, there are several things to look for. Explosion, size, speed, flexibility, quickness, technique are just a few. However every now and then I come across a guy that I simply write “Man Strength” next to. Wake Forest fifth year senior Duke Ejiofor is that guy. The top player on that defense by a long shot is the main reason the unit as a whole is currently leading the nation in tackles for loss per game. While he doesn’t jump off the screen athletically, there is a physical and mental maturity about his game that won’t go unnoticed. The Bednarik Award semifinalist is creeping up boards.
What He Does Well:
Versatility is the name of the game for Ejiofor. He spends most of his time lined up slightly outside the tackle but spends a lot of time inside. His pop off the snap that comes with heavy hands and a strong base can make him a weapon in the trenches in any situation. His variety of rush moves, especially when attacking the inside shoulder, are already pro-caliber. He can do a lot of damage between the tackles with his short area quickness coupled with that power presence and hand work. He can locate the ball, read blocks, and shed in short areas to make an impact in traffic. No matter where he lines up, he can pose as a matchup problem one way or another.
Where He Needs Work:
There isn’t much of a burst when it comes to his pure edge rushing ability. He won’t win off the snap via movement, thus he struggles to put the blocker in a disadvantageous position. If he is lined up across a blocker who can handle his power and strength, there won’t be much he can call on to counter-act. While his versatility is a plus, there aren’t any major standout attributes to his athletic side of the scouting report.