Kevin Reddick Thrived in the 4-2-5 This Year, and is Now Looking Forward to the NFL Draft
As part of our 2012 season review, we’re counting down the top 25 players in the ACC this season, from no. 25 to no. 1. Obviously these lists are always completely subjective — and thus completely bulletproof, obviously — so feel free to weigh in with your own thoughts in the comments, too.
No. 17, Kevin Reddick, LB/North Carolina(Preseason Rank: 11)
Upon head coach Larry Fedora’s arrival, Reddick was unsure of what his role would look like in the North Carolina defense. With a new 4-2-5 set, there was uncertainty around how it would impact Reddick’s production and ultimately, what would happen to his draft status. As it ends up, the senior did just fine in the new scheme; and in some ways showed off some skills evaluators hadn’t previously accounted for. Operating with just two linebackers, the middle of the field belongs to Reddick almost exclusively, and it also gives ample opportunity to get involved in stopping both the run and pass. If it wasn’t impressive enough to rack up 85 tackles over a 12-game stretch, where Reddick really sets himself apart is an ability to get into the backfield. He led the conference with 18.5 tackles for loss, 6.5 of which were quarterback sacks. En route to rushing the passer, he also managed six pass deflections. While he’s got some speed (runs a 4.75-second 40-yard dash), there’s certainly room for improvement; which would be lethal when paired with his 6’3″, 240-pound frame. He’s currently projected to go in the third or fourth round of the NFL Draft this spring, though if there’s a run on defenders, there’s certainly a possibility he could move up.
Previously:
#19, Jack Tyler, LB/Virginia Tech
#20, Dalton Freeman, C/Clemson
#21, Ray Graham, RB/Pittsburgh
#22, Oday Aboushi, OT/Virginia
#23, Andre Ellington, RB/Clemson
#24, Nick Clancy, LB/Boston College
#25, Aaron Donald, DT/Pittsburgh
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