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Today you get two profiles for the price of one. John Timu is the subject of today's break down.
4/26: Danny Shelton, DL
4/27: Marcus Peters, DB
4/28: Hau'oli Kikaha, LB
4/29: Shaq Thompson, LB/DB
John Timu | Linebacker | 6'1" | 245 lbs
Performance Notes: Timu exits UW as one of the most productive linebackers in program history. A full-time starter since his sophomore year in 2012, Timu actually started eight games as a redshirt freshman. For his career, which mostly consisted of playing in the inside, Timu recorded 328 tackles, 13.5 TFLs, 6 interceptions and four forced fumbles. Of those turnovers, he housed two - both in his senior season. His best season was his senior year where he led the team with 108 tackles and was recognized as All Pac 12 Honorable Mention.
Strengths: The first thing that is going to pop out when you break down Timu's game is his instincts. A former high school QB, Timu has a knack for seeing how plays are developing and for getting himself in a position to make a play. He is a highly disciplined linebacker who shows good eye discipline and the ability to move laterally in pursuit of plays. Timu is also known for his leadership capabilities as he was a two-year captain for the Huskies. His size and his quickness are good enough such that he won't be a liability as a backup linebacker or as a special teamer.
Weaknesses: Timu is not a beast athlete and struggles with the power elements of his game. Though his a willing combatant, he can have trouble getting off of blocks when offensive linemen break through to the next level. As a pass-defender, his smarts and his instincts help to cover up his lack of top-end quickness and he doesn't always show good swivel technique when a receiver makes a cut on him.
Scout's Take:
Timu has enough size, athleticism and physicality to have a shot at the NFL but likely will be moved back outside, as he takes too many false steps. Timu is a three-year starter and two-time team captain.
--Rob Rang, CBS Sports
Ideal Fit: Rob Rang of CBS Sports currently ranks Timu as the #17 LB prospect in the draft. That is borderline from a draftability standpoint. For Timu to have success at the next level, he's going to have to leverage his physical versatility and make a name for himself on special teams. His smarts, his work ethic and four years of productivity on tape will all help give a boost to his stock. He'd be a best fit as an inside backer in a 3-4 scheme where he has "centerfield" types of responsibilities in a zone defense.
Prediction: Drafted, 7th Round
Draft Tape - vs Oregon 2013