This entry focuses on Neville Hewitt, an outside LB from Marshall University.
In fact, he WAS the very reason I decided to this "hidden gem" series. Vince Wilfork's departure and Mr. Hill pulling a spoiler threw a massive wrench to the order, but I finally got here.
Hewitt played a hybrid safety / Linebacker role like Shaq Thompson at JUCO level. Considering that, it is reasonable that his school listed him as 6'-2" 219lbs, which would be considered as "too light" at the NFL level. However, he put extra 12 lbs by his pro day and still blew people away.
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Before you watch tapes, pay close attention to 1) How often he DISENGAGE from blockers, always make himself available in a tackling position. (And I saw a few uncalled holdings in the NIU game) He often faces OLs who have good 60~70 lbs on him but he plays much bigger than numbers indicate. 2) How often he acts as a field general who makes pre-snap corrections. I tried to capture them as much as I could. 3) How often he gets animated and passionate (in a good way), installing Brandon Spikes / Browner esque swagger to the D# or even the entire team.
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SCOUT'S TAKE
Strong, wrap up tackler who delivers powerful hits and uses quick acceleration to fill the gap. Possesses closing speed and shows very active hands. Has demonstrated the ability to fend off blocks and make the tackle—impressive disengage and attack skills. Will be labeled "undersized" leading up to the draft. Has a lean frame but needs to bulk up. Played a hybrid safety/linebacker position at Georgia Military prior to joining The Herd in 2013. Had surgery in February of 2014 to fix a herniated disc, pinched nerve and bone spurs and then went on to win Conference USA Defensive Player of the Year. Team captain. Noted film room junkie. Has been able to overcome much adversity off the field and stay focused in the classroom, maintaining a 3.0 GPA. Very close friends with Clemson defensive tackle Grady Jarrett. Might be best suited for similar role to the way the Seahawks implement Kam Chancellor on defense at the next level. Compares to Ryan Shazier.
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Dan Brugler's Scouting Guide:
SUMMARY: A three-star safety recruit out of high school, Hewitt received attention from SEC schools, including an offer from South Carolina, but he failed to qualify and enrolled at Georgia Military College for two seasons where he learned structure. Hewitt transferred to Marshall for his final two seasons of eligibility where he started 26 games and totaled 208 tackles, earning 2014 C-USA Defensive Player of the Year honors. He had off-season surgery (Feb. 2014) to fix a herniated disc and pinched nerve, but he didn’t miss any games – accustomed to working through adversity (mother currently in prison for drug trafficking). Hewitt, who is best friends with Clemson’s Grady Jarrett, is physical and takes on bocks aggressively to hold up vs. the run despite his lack of ideal size and strength. He has natural instincts and the read/react quickness to sidestep bodies and arrive at the ballcarrier to make stops – rarely came off the field and is flying under the radar as a NFL prospect
