'09 FL CB DeAndre Byrd (Nebraska Verbal)

[lopo89]

'09 FL CB DeAndre Byrd


Rivals

Tallahassee (FL) Lincoln

Ht: 5-foot-10
Wt: 170 lbs
40: 4.5
Long Jump: 20'
TJ: 39'8"
Statistics: 30+ tackles, 4 int's

Originally Posted by ESPN

Byrd is an impressive cornerback prospect on film and may possesses some of the better upside in this defensive back class. Very long, rangy body and actually looks a lot taller than his listed measurable on film; could still have another few inches of height left on his high-cut frame and definitely a ton of bulk. Very smooth DB, despite his elongated lower-body and tendency to play high. Fluid pedal when he plays with proper knee bend and transitions very quickly breaking/exploding on underneath routes. Quick-twitched athlete who does a great job anticipating and undercutting routes with good closing burst. Equally impressive defending the deep throw in coverage; shows fluid hips and turns, good leaping and ball skills and knows how to high-point. Adjusts to ball well when it's in the air and is just a savvy corner. Understands the concept of zone defenses; levels off, reads the quarterback well and jumps the correct route. Difficult to throw the jump ball on with his height, long wingspan, good leaping and ball skills. Displays the foot-quickness and hips to tightly mirror a WR's stem in off or catch-man technique. Good recovery speed and burst. However, he is better playing the ball in front of him than opening to turn and run on vertical routes. Has good speed not great. Plays high and a bit stiff at times with little sink in his hips. Stiffness and elongated lower-body can hinder transitional quickness and stop-start skill when trying to shadow receivers in and out of their breaks. Shows some aggressiveness and is feisty supporting the run but lacks the strength and power right now to set the edge, tackle strongly and press bigger receivers. With that said, Byrd possesses smooth movement skills for a taller a corner and is very athletic. Body still has much physical developing to do and is a kid who should only get better with the added size and strength he will get in a fulltime college weight-training program.Exciting prospect.

Rankings: Member of ESPN 150 watch list

Offers: Illinois, Wisconsin, Iowa, Michigan St., South Carolina, South Florida, Ole Miss, Miss St., Colorado, Arkansas, Central Florida


Rivals $

5/25

Video

[GoRU]

Lincoln High's Byrd commits to Nebraska | tallahassee.com | Tallahassee Democrat

Byrd, one of the top defensive backs in the area as a junior, selected the Cornhuskers over Illinois, Arkansas, Colorado, Auburn, Middle Tennessee State and Kansas State. His decision becomes binding in February on National Signing Day.

"Nebraska is a great atmosphere," Byrd said. "The fans are great. The coaches treat me like my coaches at Lincoln."