Prospect of the day: Vanderbilt ILB Chris Marve

The Breakdown…

ICONMarve is a thick, compact kid.

ILB Chris Marve: No. 13 (6-0, 235)
A tough kid who is the leader of the Vanderbilt defense. Is instinctive inside and plays the game with a fire and has the willingness to fight through pain and be effective when not at 100%. Displays good instincts inside. Read and reacts well to the football, picks his way through traffic and exhibits a natural burst when asked to attack downhill take on the lead guy. Isn’t a real stack and shed backer, but plays with natural leverage, can create a pop for himself and anchor with some consistency when taking on lead blocks. However, is much better suited to slip blocks/run around them inside. Possesses good coordination/ change of directions skills and knows how to keep himself clean in tight areas. Will take himself out of plays at times trying to avoid blocks and looks limited to more of a run and hit scheme. Showcases good range in pursuit, can run sideline-to-sideline, plays fast because of read and react ability and seems to always be around the football. Is a solid tackler, not the most overpowering guy and will slide off ball carriers when trying to shed and make a play through the hole. Nevertheless, breaks down well in a phone booth and in space

Looks comfortable in zone coverage, keeps his feet under him in his drop, re-directs wells laterally and exhibits a burst out of his breaks in pursuit. Needs to do a better job feeling routes develop around him in zone and keeping his head on a swivel, especially on those underneath crossers. Is physical off the line in man coverage as well keeps feet under him maintains balance and extends his arms well. Never looks overextended and can make it tough for backs/tight ends to separate initially when trying to release into their routes.

Impression: He’s a natural leader, plays with a passion for the game and can win in both the run and pass game. His size is the one negative to his game, but reminds me some of Brian Rolle the linebacker from Ohio State last season and if given an opportunity in a cover two type scheme, the guy has a chance to play early and eventually start.

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