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Prospect of the day
Florida's Harvey has versatility to play either DE position
By Nolan Nawrocki
Feb. 23, 2008
DE Derrick Harvey
Florida junior
Ht: 6-4; Wt: 260; 40-time: 4.65 (all estimated)
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Derrick Harvey
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Upside: Very good athletic ability with quick feet, balance and bend to dip underneath blockers and penetrate. Outstanding take-off quickness. Can run, accelerate upfield and close to the quarterback. Shows good strength in his hands and outleverages bigger blockers. Good balance and coordination to fight through trash and stay on his feet. Can squeeze the edge and contain vs. the outside run. Has good closing burst and ability to trim the edge. Plays with intensity.
Downside: Could do a better job of keeping his shoulders square against the run. Lacks great anchor strength and can be neutralized when he is aligned head-up. Exposes his chest and struggles some to disengage. Didn’t have great sack production. Has little experience moving in reverse and will need to show he can drop into coverage in postseason workouts.
The way we see it: Strong-side pass rusher with the strength to play on the left side in a 4-3 front and the edge quickness, bend and burst to be effective as a speed rusher from the right side. Very versatile pass rusher who could warrant interest as a Willie McGinest-type left outside linebacker in a 3-4 scheme. Best football is still ahead of him. Has all the tools to become an effective pass rusher. Should be able to contribute readily in the pros.
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