George Uko
USC
DT/3T/DE
Height: 6.3
Weight: 275
40yd: —
Age: 22
|
Stats |
||||||
|
Year |
G |
Tak |
TFL |
Sak |
PBU |
INT |
|
2011 |
12 |
18 |
1.5 |
1.5 |
1 |
0 |
|
2012 |
13 |
31 |
9 |
5 |
1 |
0 |
|
2013 |
14 |
36 |
7 |
5 |
0 |
0 |
Athleticism: A-
Uko is extremely athletic for an interior lineman. He has very good initial burst and can accelerate to the QB. He has good agility for a lineman and has a svelte build which allows him to shoot gaps. Uko has the ability to drop into coverage given the right situation.
Pass Rushing: B-
Because of his athleticism, Uko is a very good pass rusher. He is able to use a spin move to his advantage and disengage from his blocker. He will get his hands up and jump to attempt to bat down the pass, but would like to see it more often.
Run Stopping: D+
Because of his build Uko can struggle to anchor at times and can get blown off the ball. Will not be a two-gapper at his current weight. Can disengage from blocks with more urgency and proficiency. Possesses above strength for a guy his size, but is not ideal. Can knife into the backfield and shoot gaps.
Technique: B-
Is a balanced player and plays with fairly good leverage for a guy his height. Shows good tackling technique, but could stand to improve and wrap up when he gets his man. Needs to show more effort and urgency with his hands to disengage.
Intangibles: D-
Has only been a starter for two seasons. Needs to play with more effort and higher motor. Has no excuse to take plays off given his playing weight. Has room to polish and improve his game awareness and football IQ.
Red Flags: Size, Work Ethic
Bottom Line: Uko has played as a DT under Monte Kiffin and as a DE this past season. The position he plays at the next level will be dictated by the team that drafts him, but he likely will not fit a 34 scheme. Would have benefitted from staying for his senior and season given the emergence of Leonard Williams along the Trojans line and receiving a higher draft grade. He is not the most well-rounded player but he has a high ceiling and has the talent to be a starter at the next level if he wants it.
Comparison: Henry Melton
Grade: 8.2 (3rd Round)
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