NFL Draft Scouting Report

Underclassman … 4.48 speed … Two time all-ACC in 2006 and 2007 … May change name to Kenny Wilson … Great athlete … Disappointing Junior season … Good size … USA Today’s Defensive Player of the year as a high school Senior in 2004 … Smart … Instinctive … Wonderlic score was 13 at the Combine

College career

2007

v OU: Came up to make a couple of run stops early … Exploded into backfield for hit and forced fumble … Solid downfield diving tackle // v Texas A&M: TD saving tackle on run down sideline … Great open field tackle on RB on edge

2006

Selected third-team All-America by Rivals.com and second-team All-ACC, even though he missed the final three regular-season games with a broken thumb…One of eight UM players who were selected to the 2006 ACC Academic Football Team…Named the team’s Defensive Back of the Year…Finished fourth on the team with 71 tackles and led the team with four interceptions, including three in one game at Duke…Added six tackles for loss and six pass breakups…Started all nine games in which he played…Made eight or more tackles in five of his 10 games…Ranked fifth in the ACC in interceptions per game (0.40)…In the season opener against Florida State, made seven solo tackles, with two tackles for loss and one pass defensed…A week later vs. Florida A&M, tallied one solo tackle and one assist…Registered nine tackles (seven solo) in Week 3 at Louisville…Made a team-high 11 tackles (10 solo) vs. Houston, and then 11 more tackles (six solo) against North Carolina…Registered six tackles (three solo), with one tackle for loss vs. Florida International. Also made his first interception of the season…Had one of the best games of his career at Duke. Started at safety but also played some cornerback for the first time in his career. Saw action on all 70 plays, making four solo tackles (one for a loss). Also intercepted three passes, tying a school record set by eight other players a total of 10 times. Named ACC Defensive Back of the Week. Gave him four interceptions in the last two games…Started at Georgia Tech and despite a broken thumb suffered in practice a few days before the game. Registered a team-high nine tackles (six solo), with two tackles for loss and one pass breakup…Started against Virginia Tech and played the entire game with a cast, making four tackles (three solo), with one tackle for loss…Did not play the next three games (Maryland, Virginia, Boston College)…Returned in time for the MPC Computers Bowl against Nevada and totaled eight tackles (six solo).

2005

Named to All-Freshman teams by The Sporting News, Rivals.com and CollegeFootballNews.com…Voted to the All-ACC Freshman Team…Started the final 11 games of the year at free safety, replacing an injured Anthony Reddick…Ranked third on the team with 88 tackles (58 solo), with three tackles for loss, one interception, four pass breakups, two QB pressures and one fumble recovery…Had five games with nine or more tackles…Did not start the season opener at Florida State but took over at free safety in the second quarter after Reddick was injured. Made one assisted tackle and one QB pressure…Made his first start in the next game at Clemson and was named ACC Defensive Back of the Week. Was UM’s defensive player of the game after leading the team with 13 tackles (nine solo). Intercepted a pass in the third overtime to end the game and give Miami the victory…Made seven tackles (five solo) and one pass breakup in his Orange Bowl debut vs. Colorado…A week later vs. South Florida, made seven more tackles (three solo)…Notched nine tackles (five solo), one tackle for loss and one QB pressure vs. Duke…Playing barely a half for the second week in a row, tallied seven tackles (three solo) and one pass breakup at Temple…Registered nine tackles (six solo) against North Carolina…Played into the third quarter at Virginia Tech before leaving the game with a groin injury. Made three tackles (one solo)…Started at Wake Forest but sat out the second half of a 47-17 victory. Still led the team with 11 tackles (nine solo) and one tackle for loss…Made seven tackles (six solo), with one tackle for a loss vs. Georgia Tech…Started his 10th consecutive game vs. Virginia and tallied 10 tackles (eight solo), with one pass breakup…Made four tackles (three solo) against Louisiana State in the Peach Bowl.

High School Career

Nation’s top safety prospect and USA Today Defensive Player of the Year…Intercepted 16 passes in high school…As a senior in 2004, played free safety and finished with 84 tackles, six interceptions, three fumble recoveries, four defensive touchdowns and three punt returns for touchdowns…Played in the prestigious Army All-American Bowl…As a junior, made 54 tackles and seven interceptions, returning two of them for touchdowns, including a 100-yarder…As a sophomore, made three interceptions…Also competed in basketball and track in high school…Parade All-American and selected to the PrepStar Top 100 Dream Team…Member of the USA Today All-USA High School Football team and named the Defensive Player of the Year…Rated the nation’s No. 1 safety prospect and the No. 12 player regardless of position by Rivals.com…Ranked as the No. 1 safety and the No. 10 overall prospect by Scout.com…The No. 1 prospect in Dade County by the Miami Herald…Ranked as the No. 1 prospect in the state by the Orlando Sentinel, the No. 2 overall prospect in the country by the Tampa Tribune, and the No. 10 overall player by Tom Lemming…Member of the Florida Times-Union Super 75…Chose Miami over Tennessee…Coached by Walt Frazier.

Good hitter … Had key helmet to helmet penalty on third and long against Ohio State in 2006 … Plays as a DE in the nickel package … Defensive captain in 2007 … Makes plays in the backfield … Great size … Slightly mistake prone at times … Leadership

Senior Year

v Appalachian State: Poor blocking on field goal resulted in key FG block by his man to clinch huge upset defeat … Had a career high in tackles but was disappointed with performance // v Oregon: Good solo stop up middle on third and short to force punt // v ND: Got hand up to deflect pass at line and force punt … Half sack around edge on all out blitz … Knockback hit up middle … Exploded to ball on dumpoff for big hit and 4 yard loss … Exploded to ball again with speed for sack as QB rolled out … Unnecessary hit for roughing penalty // v Wiconsin: Tackle out at sideline for short gain … Pressure on QB led to interception, but he roughed the passer … Called for roughing again two plays later as he clothesline QB on option play … Beaten by TE for big gain … Made play in backfield on endaround play … Tackled RB from behind in backfield for loss

NFL Draft Scouting Report

All-American … Potential first rounder … Leadership … Good size … Could play in a 3-4 or 4-3 system … Pretty good in coverage, although technically could be better … Rated as the top OLB by Mike Mayock of NFL Network … Impressive week at the Senior Bowl … Takes on blockers well … Good lateral movement along the line … Great speed … Sideline to sideline pursuit … Great coverage and diving pass breakup against Washington in 2006 and also nearly had an interception, got some pressure on the QB and made a tackle for a loss as the QB was flushed from the pocket … Made a sack on 3rd and goal at the 9 versus Oregon State in 2006 and also pressured the QB up the middle but he escaped … Showed good hustle as he was upended but still got up to make tackle … Active game against the run versus Oregon in 2006 and got good pressure to blow up a fourth down play … Also twice made stops on catches underneath shy of the first down marker, with one big hit … Got some good pressure against Cal in 2006 and also stuffed a QB sneak on third and short, but botched a good chance for a fumble recovery … Had a big hit in the hole to force a fumble at the 5 against ND in 2006 and had a half sack negated by a penalty … Delivered big hit on WR, but was harshly called for a helmet-to-helmet penalty … Stuffed a couple of runs in the hole against UCLA in 2006 and made a key stop on 3rd and goal to force a late FG

College career

2007

v Nebraska: Started … Big hit on opening kickoff … Big hit in hole … Almost made low diving interception … Stepped up to wrap up runner in hole // v UW: Good hustle and speed to sideline to haul down QB short of first down, although it would have been a horse collar tackle in the NFL … Leapt up to deflect pass late in fourth // v Arizona: Recovered fumble by TE in first … Good blitz, but QB got away from him … Forced RB to reverse field and made tackle for big loss … Good strength to wrap up and take down runner up the middle … Wrapped up RB for no gain after pass to flat

Rivers started for his third season at weakside linebacker as a senior in 2007 and turned in an All-American season. Overall in 2007 while starting 12 games (he missed the Arizona State game with a sprained left ankle suffered at California), he had 78 tackles (second on USC), including 5 for losses of 15 yards, plus 4 deflections, a team-high 3 fumble recoveries and 1 forced fumble. He was 1 of 10 semifinalists for the 2007 Butkus Award and 1 of 17 quarterfinalists for the Lott Trophy, as well as an SI.com All-American first team, Pro Football Weekly All-American first team, Walter Camp All-American second team, Phil Steele’s All-American third team and Collegefootballnews.com All-American honorable mention pick. Rivers was named to the 2007 All-Pac-10 first team (for the second year in a row), ESPN.com All-Pac-10 first team, Collegefootballnews.com All-Pac-10 first team and Phil Steele’s All-Pac-10 first team. He was a USC team captain. He won USC’s Co-Lifter of the Year Award. He was a Senior Bowl invitee. He was named to the 2007 Playboy Pre-Season All-American team. He had arthroscopic surgery on his left ankle to remove bone spurs following 2007 spring practice.

He had a team-best 6 tackles with a deflection versus Idaho, a game-high 10 tackles with a deflection at Nebraska and a game-best 14 tackles against Washington State (the most by a Trojan since Lofa Tatupu had 14 versus Oregon State in 2003) with 2.5 for a loss. He then had 4 tackles and a deflection at Washington, 6 stops and a deflection against Stanford, 6 tackles (1 for a loss)and a fumble recovery at Arizona and a tackle and fumble recovery at Notre Dame. He had 12 tackles at Oregon, a team-best 7 tackles against Oregon State, 4 stops at California and 3 tackles, including 1 for a loss in which he forced and recovered a fumble (to set up a USC TD) against UCLA. He had 5 tackles (0.5 for a loss) against Illinois.

2006

Rivers started for his second season at weakside linebacker as a junior in 2006 and proved to be a dominant force. Overall in 2006 while appearing in all 13 games, he had a team-high 85 tackles, including 7.5 for losses of 22 yards (with 2 sacks for minus 9 yards), plus a team-best 3 forced fumbles, a fumble recovery and 2 deflections. He made the 2006 Pro Football Weekly All-American honorable mention, All-Pac-10 first team, ESPN.com All-Pac-10 first team, Rivals.com All-Pac-10 first team and Scout.com All-Pac-10 second team. He won USC’s Bob Chandler Award.

He had a team-best 8 tackles, with a fumble recovery and forced fumble, at Arkansas to earn Pac-10 Defensive Player of the Week honors. He added 5 stops (with 1 for a loss) versus Nebraska, 3 tackles (with a sack) at Arizona and 5 tackles at Washington State. He had a game-best 12 tackles (1 for a loss), plus 2 deflections, against Washington and a team-best 8 tackles (1 for a loss) against Arizona State. He had 5 tackles (with a sack) at Oregon State, 5 more tackles and forced a fumble that USC recovered at Stanford and a game-best 10 tackles against Oregon. He made 6 tackles (0.5 for a loss) against California, 4 stops (1 for a loss) and forced a fumble that USC recovered versus Notre Dame and 5 tackles (1 for a loss) at UCLA. He had a game-best 9 tackles against Michigan.

2005

Rivers started at weakside linebacker job as a sophomore in 2005 and proved effective. Overall in 2005 while starting 11 games (he missed the Stanford game with a hamstring strain suffered prior to the Washington game and then the UCLA game after re-straining his hamstring against Fresno State), he had 52 tackles, including 3 for losses of 17 yards (with an 11-yard sack), plus had a team-best 2 fumble recoveries and returned an interception 14 yards. He saw limited action at Washington because of the hamstring strain, then re-strained it early in the Fresno State contest and was sidelined. He made 2005 All-Pac-10 honorable mention. He had 3 tackles at Hawaii, 7 against Arkansas, 8 (with 2 for losses) at Oregon and 6 at Arizona State. He added a stop against Arizona, then a game-best 12 tackles (with a sack), plus an interception (to set up a USC TD) and fumble recovery, at Notre Dame. He made 1 tackle at Washington before sitting out with the sore hamstring and another tackle versus Washington State in restricted play before sitting out the Stanford contest. He returned to get 6 tackles with a fumble recovery at California, then had 2 tackles in limited action versus Fresno State. He made 5 tackles against Texas.

2004

Rivers saw significant playing time as a backup weakside linebacker behind Matt Grootegoed, as a defensive end in pass rushing situations and on special teams as a first-year freshman in 2004. Overall in 2004 while appearing in all 13 games, he had 25 tackles, including 3 for losses of 23 yards (with 2.5 sacks for 22 yards), plus had a deflection and returned an interception 22 yards. He made the 2004 The Sporting News Freshman All-Pac-10 first team. He had 5 tackles against Colorado State, 4 versus Washington (with the interception) and Oklahoma and 3 against Stanford and Arizona.

High School Career

His 2003 honors included USA Today All-USA first team, Parade All-American, Super Prep All-American, Prep Star All-American, EA Sports All-American, Insiders.com All-American, Super Prep Elite 50, Prep Star Top 100 Dream Team, Lemming Top 100, Super Prep All-Dixie, Prep Star All-Southeast, FOX Sports Net All-South, Gatorade Florida Player of the Year and Florida Class 6A Mr. Football runnerup as a senior linebacker at Lake Mary (Fla.) High. He had 111 tackles, 14 tackles for loss, 2 sacks and 2 interceptions in 2003. As a junior in 2002, he was a Student Sports Junior All-American and Florida Class 5A second team honoree as he posted 160 tackles, 11 tackles for loss, 4 sacks and 2 interceptions. He made All-State as a sophomore in 2001 when he had 100-plus tackles.

Background

He’s a public policy, management and planning major at USC. He was born in Riverside (Calif.) and lived in nearby San Bernardino for 8 years during his youth.

NFL Draft Scouting Report

Was invited to participate at the Scouting Combine … Has decent size and might be able to bulk up and play inside alongside a smaller LB in a 3-4 … Almost entered the 2005 draft … Productive tackler … Tore his ACL on the first weekend of his Senior year and missed the entire season … Great leader … Plays with energy … Has also played OLB … Recorded 109 tackles in 11 games as a Junior … Estimated speed for the forty yard dash is 4.64, but elected not to run at the Combine … Did lift the bar 25 times

College career

Senior Year

oins teammate Gaines Adams on the preseason watch list for the Bednarik Award and the Bronko Nagurski Award…preseason All-America candidate by the Football Writers Association…first-team preseason All-American according to Phil Steele…second-team preseason All-American by Sporting News…third-team preseason All-American by NationalChamps.net…#2 inside linebacker in the nation by Phil Steele…#4 linebacker in the nation by Sporting News…#7 linebacker by Lindy’s…preseason first-team All-ACC by Lindy’s, Sporting news, Phil Steele, and Street & Smith…top returning tackler in the ACC in 2006…has started each of the last 22 games…has 214 career tackles, including 179 stops in the last two seasons…has 22.5 career tackles for loss, second among active Tigers…his 375-pound hang clean in February of 2006 is tied for fifth-best on record among tight ends, fullbacks, and linebackers…his 1,550 pounds lifted ranks tied for 10th among tight ends, fullbacks, and linebackers…has a 35.5″ vertical jump, tied for ninth-best among tight ends, fullbacks, and linebackers since 1984, and ninth-best on the 2006 team…has a 405-pound bench press, tied for ninth-best on the team…has a 375-pound hang clean that is tied for seventh-best on the team.

Junior Year

Top tackler on Clemson’s 11th-ranked scoring defense…had 109 tackles in 11 games…Honorable Mention All-ACC linebacker…ranked third in the ACC in tackles per game (9.9); also ninth in tackles for loss per game (13.5)…led the ACC in first hits (74)…ranked 22nd in the nation in first hits per game…recipient of the Solid Rock Award among linebackers by the Tiger coaches…had seven pass breakups, most by a Tiger linebacker since Kenzil Jackson had seven in 1991…first-team all-state by the Orangeburg Touchdown Club…finished the year with a seven-tackle performance against Colorado; he was one of the reasons the Buffaloes had just 124 yards of total offense and only 17 yards rushing…had 4.5 tackles for loss at Maryland for the high figure by a Tiger during the season…named defensive player-of-the-game against Maryland, N.C. State, and Duke according to the Tiger coaches…given a game ball for his performance against #25 Boston College by USAToday.com…team midseason MVP by CollegeFootballNews.com…had 14 tackles in three different games to tie for the high figure by a Tiger…had 14 tackles, 4.5 tackles for loss, and half a sack at Maryland; he did that in just 50 snaps; it was a head-to-head battle with ACC Defensive Player-of-the-Year D’Qwell Jackson…had 14 tackles against both #25 Boston College and Duke…had a huge game at N.C. State with 11 tackles and four tackles for loss…big contributor to Clemson’s wins over #16 Florida State and #19 South Carolina; he had 15 tackles and two tackles for loss in those games combined…had a streak of five straight double-figure tackle games from games 2-6…had 11 tackles, including a sack, against #13 Miami (FL).

Sophmore Year

ad 70 tackles, third-most on the team…started all 11 games…totaled nine tackles for loss for 40 yards, third on the team…teamed with Leroy Hill to give Clemson solid play at linebacker…had a season-high 10 tackles against Georgia Tech…had seven tackles, including three tackles for loss, in the win over N.C. State; followed that up with great game at #10 Miami (FL) with eight tackles, three tackles for loss, and a sack…played 578 snaps, an average of 52 per game…had 34 tackles in the first five games and 36 in the last six games…had a caused fumble at Virginia.

Freshman Year

Played 172 snaps along with being a key reason special teams coverage was much improved…nine of his 35 tackles were on special teams…played 17 snaps and had two tackles against #9 Georgia…had four tackles against Furman, five against Middle Tennessee, and six at Georgia Tech…had six tackles against Duke to tie his season high…had four tackles in 20 snaps at South Carolina…had 15 of his 35 tackles in the last five games.

High school career

All-state and offensive player-of-the-year…Shrine Bowl starter; he had eight tackles in the game…led Lake View High in rushing, receiving, and tackles as a senior…rushed for 1,382 yards and 23 touchdowns…had 22 catches for 450 yards and four scores…had 145 tackles and 15 tackles for loss…played linebacker, running back, defensive end, wideout, and punter…three-star prospect by TheInsiders.com and the #79 linebacker in the nation…three-star prospect according to Rivals100.com and the #37 outside linebacker in the nation…coached by Jewell McLauren…chose Clemson over Auburn, Georgia Tech, Maryland, N.C. State, South Carolina, and Wake Forest…born Anthony D. Waters on Jul. 25, 1984…majoring in sport management.

NFL Draft Scouting Report

Good all round skills … Secure tackler … Hard hitting … Closes to the ball well … Good in pursuit … Blitzes well … Decent in coverage, although technically not perfect … Moved inside in 2007, which is a more natural position for him … 2007 preseason all-American … Covers TEs well and is good in zone coverage … PSU all time leading tackler … strong hands and when he gets a hold of the ball carrier he rarely misses a tackle. Intercepted a pass at the Senior Bowl

College career

2007

v ND: Quick reaction and explosion to ball for sure tackle in backfield on first series … Big hit on draw up middle … Good coverage and wrap up tackle on pass short of first down … Great open field tackle on 3rd and long scramble to force punt … Big time blitz up middle for sack … Flushed the QB out of pocket // v Indiana: Quick burst to hit WR on catch underneath … Read the play and shot the gap to make a stop for a loss on 2nd and 1 … Outran by QB to outside on long TD run … Stop on WR in zone as DB gambled for the ball // v Purdue: Stop at line of scrimmage on edge … Good stop on the outside … Pursuit to the outside and made hit for a loss … Broke up third down pass to TE in slot … Stop on pass underneath to force 3rd and 2 late in fourth // v Texas A&M (Alamo Bowl): Tackle on catch over the middle for short gain … Recovered lateral on last play of first half

2006

Connor started all 13 games and finished with 113 tackles, 9 tackles for a loss, 5 sacks and 2 interceptions.

2005

Connor moved into the starting lineup for their big win over Ohio State, and then continued to start the last seven games, recording 76 tackles. He also proved to be very disruptive to opposing offenses as he knifed through to record 5.5 tackles for a loss and 1.5 sacks. He was also ranked third on the team with eight pass breakups.

2004

Ranked second on the team and ninth in the Big Ten with 85 tackles (50 solo) in just four starts. He burst onto the national scene when he was named a Freshman All-American by The Sporting News, the Football Writers Association of America and Scripps. Connor proved to be very versatile by playing outside linebacker for most of the season, but because of injury he played the last three games at inside linebacker. Conner played in every game as a freshman and recorded 4.5 tackles for loss (minus-12 yards), one sack and one interception, for a defense that ranked among the top 10 in the nation in four categories and was the only team in Division I to not allow more than 21 points in a game.

High School Career

As a four-year starter, he was selected as the nation’s top prep linebacker by Parade and earned first-team All-America accolades from USA Today, SuperPrep and almost every scouting service in existence. He was also the 2003 Associated Press Big School Player-of-the-Year. Connor was also named to the first-team all-state team three times. He also lettered in basketball and track, where he participated in the high jump, javelin, discus and shot put.

NFL Draft Scouting Report

Played at the Senior Bowl, where he impressed with his pass rushing to get some good pressure on the QB … Projects to 4-3 DE or 3-4 OLB … Good size, but only average height … Excellent pass rusher with good moves … Had an impressive Senior year to elevate his draft stock … Rated as a potential first round pick by numerous sources … Fast and athletic … Good intangibles … Very strong for his size … Possesses estimated 4.6 speed … Gets into the backfield … Productive tackler against the run … Playmaker … Won Big Ten defensive player of the week honors with 10 tackle, 3 tackles for loss, 2 sacks and a force fumble against Minnesota … Had 15 tackles, 4.5 tackles for loss and 1.5 sacks against Notre Dame … Ran 4.69 and 4.71 for the forty yard dash at his Pro Day

College career

Senior Year

Junior Year

Started all 11 games … topped team and ranked tied for second in Big Ten with three forced fumbles … ranked fourth on squad with 7.5 tackles for loss and 3.0 sacks … had 23 tackles (16 solo, 7 assists) with one pass breakup and one fumble recovery … recorded sacks in first two games vs. Akron on Sept. 10 and at Arizona on Sept. 17 … also forced fumble in Akron game … came up with three tackles (1 solo, 2 assists), including 1.0 for loss, at Wisconsin on Oct. 22 … recovered fumble and had three tackles (2 solo, 1 assist) at Penn State on Oct. 29 … registered pass breakup vs. Michigan State on Nov. 5 … equaled school record with two forced fumbles to go with career-high tying five tackles (4 solo, 1 assist), including career-high tying 2.0 for loss and 1.0 sack, vs. Illinois on Nov. 12.

Sophmore Year

Named to Ted Hendricks Defensive Player of the Year Award watch list … named honorable mention All-Big Ten by coaches and media … started all 12 games … tied for Big Ten lead with three forced fumbles (also seven other players) … ranked third on team and tied for sixth in conference with 7.5 sacks … 7.5 sacks rank 15th on school season list … also third on squad with six pass breakups … tied for third with 9.5 tackles for loss … had 33 tackles (18 solo, 15 assists) … recorded career-high five tackles (2 solo, 3 assists), including career-high 2.0 for loss, sack, pass breakup and forced fumble at Illinois on Sept. 25 … had career-high 2.0 sacks, pass breakup and forced fumble at Notre Dame on Oct. 2 … forced fumble at Iowa on Nov. 6 … equaled career high of five tackles (3 solo, 2 assists), including career-high tying 2.0 for loss and 1.0 sack, vs. Ohio State on Nov. 13 … recorded career-high two pass breakups vs. Arizona State in Sun Bowl on Dec. 31.

Freshman Year

Appeared in 10 games as reserve and on special teams … had six tackles (3 solo, 3 assists) … played in just one of first four games while recovering from foot injury … credited with half a tackle for loss at Wisconsin on Oct. 18 … had season-high two tackles (1 solo, 1 assist) vs. Northwestern on Nov. 1.

High school career

Three-year starter at nose guard and fullback … two-time all-state pick and three-time all-area and all-conference selection … Indianapolis Star Defensive Lineman of the Year as senior after recording 65 tackles, including 24 for loss and seven sacks, with seven fumble recoveries and one interception … also rushed for more than 600 yards and 13 touchdowns while averaging 9.1 yards per carry … had 82 tackles, including 21 for loss and 13 sacks, his junior season … received team Mental Attitude Award as sophomore… holds school career records with 73 tackles for loss and 27 sacks … member of Class 2A state championship team his senior season … coach was Matt Lindsay … also played basketball.

Background

Given name is Anthony E. Spencer II … born Jan. 23, 1984 … African-American studies major.

Pro Career

Drafted by the Dallas Cowboys, 26th pick in the first round of the 2007 NFL draft.

• 1 Background
  • 1.1 Awards
• 2 High school career
• 3 College career
• 4 NFL Draft Scouting Report

Background

Born July 7, 1982 … son of Charles and Joyce Samalaualu Ah You … father was a three-year football letterman at BYU … after the spring game in April, OU’s team hosted a luau and the Ah You family prepared a Hawaiian barbecue … ran 4.7 in the 40 during spring practice to top the DL and OL … his 32.5-inch vertical leap tied for No. 3 among the linemen … pronunciation: I-uu … sociology major.

Awards

• 2005 Big 12 Defensive Newcomer of the Year by the Big 12 Coaches and AP
• 2005 Honorable mention All-Big 12 (Coaches and AP)
• 2005 Defensive MVP of the Pacific Life Holiday Bowl with six tackles and two sacks for -14

High school career

Attended Lone Peak HS in Highland, Utah … coached by Jeff Kilts … had 20 hurries and 12 sacks as a senior … named defensive line MVP as a senior.

College career

NFL Draft Scouting Report

• Plays as a 4-3 end, although sometimes moves to nose tackle when OU go to a 3-man front, which perhaps indicates he might be capable of adding weight to become a 3-4 end
• Was not considered athletic enough to play as a 3-4 OLB, but excellent combine numbers may have changed that opinion
• Good height
• Hardworking, battles in the trenches and works along line well
• Decent against the run
• Chased QB out of pocket to force interceptions against both Texas Tech and Iowa State
• Did not have a sack in first ten games, but then had 2 against Baylor and also deflected a pass into the air and read and stuffed a shovel pass
• Added another sack against Oklahoma State with excellent hustle and also batted down a pass and made a key stop on the edge, but was unable to make stop at the goal-line on short TD run

NFL Draft Scouting Report

Missed time his senior year with an injury, but had a good 40 time at the Combine, which will make scouts check out his pro day.

Small school prospect … Average size … Great athlete … Good hands … Runs good routes … Prone to fumbling … Caught just 40 passes in injury plagued Senior year following Junior year with 86 catches for almost 1,500yds and 12TDs … Deep threat … Not very strong or tough … Doesn’t block well or make yards after the catch … Ran a 4.38 forty at the Combine and also displayed a 39 inch vertical and 10’7″ broad jump … Also ran the short shuttle in 4.28 and the three cone drill in 6.85 and did 19 bench presses

College career

Senior Year

Junior Year

Sophmore Year

Started all 11 games … led the team in receptions, receiving yards and touchdown catches … ranked No. 4 in the league with 4.3 catches per game and ranked No. 7 in receiving yards … already ranks No. 5 in the Redbird record books with 10 career touchdown receptions … posted his first career 100-yard receiving game in the opener against Saint Xavier … had a career best nine catches at Minnesota and repeated the effort at home against Missouri State.

Freshman Year

Played in all 12 games with six starts … tied the school freshman receiving record with three touchdowns on the season … ranked second on the team in receiving with 19 catches for 260 yards … averaged 13.7 yards per catch with a long of 28 yards … scored his first collegiate touchdown against Truman State.

High school career

Member of Rockledge’s back-to-back state championship teams in 2001 and 2002 … totaled 55 receptions for 903 yards as a senior, with 11 touchdowns … all-state honorable mention, All-Space Coast First-Team pick and member of conference all-star team … both state championship teams posted 14-1 records … as a junior, recorded six catches for 70 yards and one touchdown … four-year member of the football, basketball and track teams … became a regular starter on football and basketball teams junior and senior seasons … high school teammate of Redbird defensive back Jesse Caesar … coached by Chuck Wood.

NFL Scouting Report

Played at the Senior Bowl, where he performed reasonably well, but was outshone by some of the bigger names … Also played in the East West Shrine Game, where he stood out and caught a 79yd TD pass … Decent size … Solid hands … Struggled with knee and ankle injuries in his Senior year … Caught a 98yd TD pass against Boise State in 2005 … Scored 7 TDs as a Junior, including 5 in the last 6 games … Has excellent speed … Was invited to participate at the Scouting Combine … A real big play threat … Averaged 17yds per catch as a Junior … Sometimes a bit cocky, as evidenced by his taunting penalty at the Shrine Game … Estimated 4.52 speed, but posted a forty time of 4.45 at the Combine

NFL Draft Scouting Report

Played at the Senior Bowl and received mixed reviews … One report said he was not very fast but had good hands, whereas another said he was explosive but with inconsistent hands … Average size … Has the ability to make spectacular catches downfield but arguably lacks toughness to make grabs over the middle … Runs good routes … Missed the last ten games of 2005 with a knee injury … Good deep threat, although his career average yards per catch was not high … Catches a lot of short passes in Notre Dame’s offense … Good leaper, with the ability to go up and get it … 15yd TD catch against Purdue, as he was wide open over the middle … Short TD catch on quick slant against Stanford … 25yd TD against Air Force, as he caught a pass on an out pattern at the ten and then broke a tackle to tightrope his way into the endzone … 24yd TD against Army on an identical play, as he span away from the DB at the 11 … 2 TD catches against Navy, one on a 33yd throw to the endzone where he outjumped the DB and the other as Brady Quinn rolled out and found him open in the back corner for a 6yd TD … Had four other catches, including one for 30yds on a quick slant from the slot with a broken tackle downfield and one where he picked up the first down with strength as he stiff armed the DB .. Six catches for 109yds against USC, including a 3yd TD on fourth down as he made the falling grab on a gunned quick slant to the endzone … Also had a leaping 41yd grab and showed the ability to take a hit … Got most of his catches against a prevent defense … Almost made a diving grab in the endzone … Had a bad drop on 4th and 4 … ESPN rated him as a mid-day two pick after Senior Bowl week … Scouts have expressed concern about his wrist and knee

College career

Fifth Year

Fifth-year player who ranks among the most prolific pass-catchers in Notre Dame history … approved for extra season of eligibility by Faculty Board on Athletics since his 2005 injury came within first 20 percent of season … has fully recovered from a knee injury that prematurely ended his 2005 campaign … enters his final season with the Irish among the all-time school leaders in career receptions (ninth with 103), career receiving yards (11th with 1,370) and career TD receptions (11th with seven) … led the Irish in receptions in 2003 and 2004 … has exceeded 100 yards receiving three times in his career (121 at Boston College, 2003; 113 vs. Purdue, 2004; 104 vs. Michigan State, 2003).

Senior Year

Played in the first two games (at Pittsburgh and at Michigan) at receiver before missing the remainder of the season due to an injury suffered versus Michigan … made five catches for 69 yards (13.8-yard average) and one TD … caught three passes for 51 yards versus Pittsburgh, including a season-best 27-yard catch … snared two passes for 18 yards against Michigan, including a five-yard scoring reception on Notre Dame’s first drive … logged 28:12 of playing time with one special teams appearance.

Junior Year

Quickly asserted himself as a go-to receiver in his first year as a starter … played in all 12 games, earning eight starting assignments … led the Irish with 47 catches for 600 yards (12.8 avg.) and three TDs … also was a part-time punt returner, taking back five for 71 yards (14.2 avg.) … made five catches for 33 yards and his first career TD versus Washington State, an 11-yard score … made his first start versus Michigan and had one reception for 11 yards … hauled in a career-best eight receptions for 104 yards versus Michigan State, including a 29-yard TD from Brady Quinn … made four receptions for 32 yards against Purdue … returned two punts against Pittsburgh, including a career-long return of 22 yards … made three receptions for 46 yards versus USC … set a career high for receiving yards with 121 against Boston College on four receptions (30.3 avg.), including a 38-yard catch versus the Eagles … caught three passes for 23 yards versus Florida State … led team in catches versus Navy with four for 50 yards, including a two-yard TD … was Notre Dame’s leading receiver versus Brigham Young, matching a career high with eight receptions for 98 yards … tied for the team lead in receiving against Stanford with two catches for 35 yards, also returning three punts for 42 yards … led the Irish with four receptions for 41 yards against Syracuse … played 205:05 and made 20 special teams appearances.

Sophmore Year

Made an immediate impact as a reserve wide receiver … played in 12 games and finished the season with nine receptions for 91 yards … made two catches for nine yards against Maryland in his first game action … pulled in two receptions for 37 yards versus Boston College, including a 21-yarder to convert on third down and keep the team’s only scoring drive alive … tied his season-long mark with a 21-yard reception against Rutgers … made his first punt return versus Rutgers, a nine-yard runback … had two catches for 20 yards versus Southern California … logged 75:49 and made four special teams appearances.

Freshman Year

Graduated from Kennedy High School in La Palma, Calif. … rated the top player on the Long Beach Press-Telegram Best in the West team … also rated the 28th player nationally by CNNSI.com and Student Sports magazine … listed 41st on The Sporting News Hot 101 list … named to the Las Vegas Sun Super 11 squad … caught 20 passes for 395 yards and four TDs as a senior in 2001 … rushed for 1,483 yards and 21 TDs as a senior and completed 50 percent of his passes for 451 yards and two TDs at quarterback in 2001 … caught 62 passes for 1,142 yards and 15 TDs as a junior in 2000 while leading Kennedy to the California Interscholastic Federation South Section Division VI semifinals … started at wide receiver and free safety as a junior and returned four punts for TDs in the first five games … did not play organized football until becoming a starter as a high school sophomore … full name is Rhema Lee McKnight … born on March 6, 1984 … a graduate of Notre Dame’s College of Arts and Letters with degrees in psychology and computer applications … currently enrolled in graduate studies … earned 3.417 grade-point average in `05 fall semester.

High school career

Graduated from Kennedy High School in La Palma, Calif. ... rated the top player on the Long Beach Press-Telegram Best in the West team ... also rated the 28th player nationally by CNNSI.com and Student Sports magazine ... listed 41st on The Sporting News Hot 101 list ... named to the Las Vegas Sun Super 11 squad ... caught 20 passes for 395 yards and four TDs as a senior in 2001 ... rushed for 1,483 yards and 21 TDs as a senior and completed 50 percent of his passes for 451 yards and two TDs at quarterback in 2001 ... caught 62 passes for 1,142 yards and 15 TDs as a junior in 2000 while leading Kennedy to the California Interscholastic Federation South Section Division VI semifinals ... started at wide receiver and free safety as a junior and returned four punts for TDs in the first five games ... did not play organized football until becoming a starter as a high school sophomore ... full name is Rhema Lee McKnight ... born on March 6, 1984 ... a graduate of Notre Dame's College of Arts and Letters with degrees in psychology and computer applications ... currently enrolled in graduate studies ... earned 3.417 grade-point average in `05 fall semester.

Background

He went surprisingly undrafted, but has now met with the Saints and they are working on a contract.

Pro Career

McKnight went undrafted in the 2007 NFL draft, then signed a few days later as an undrafted free agent with the New Orleans Saints.

References

Rhema McKnight Bio