SNS 2025 College Football Defensive Tough Guys
(Power Echols / LB / North Carolina)
In compiling the various lists, notes, and observations that get listed here on a weekly basis, certain college prospects catch the eye of SNS for various reasons – size, speed, athleticism, leaping ability, and explosiveness are the attributes that mostly stick out. But the players who display grit, toughness, and a never say die attitude really pique interest. Some of these prospects will never play a down of pro football due to skill limitations but they all show NFL levels of toughness.
J-Rock Swain / EDGE / Jacksonville State
Swain is in his fourth year at Jax State and has become a solid fixture at DE for the Gamecocks. Even with his steady production and durability, Swain is unlikely to ever play in the NFL. Swain measures in at only 5’11” tall and does not fit the profile of an NFL EDGE defender lacking the height, length, and wingspan desired. But to focus on his height is to lose sight of the quality and consistency of his play in the Conference USA. Swain is squarely built with a low center of gravity and is difficult to move off the ball. He sets a strong edge and has a non-stop motor to chase plays from the backside. Swain has trouble shedding blocks and is not overly nimble or agile but his love of the game shows on every snap. Swain is a fun player to watch.
Aaron Lewis / EDGE / Rutgers
Lewis was a highly recruited New Jersey high school defender who initially spurned the Scarlet Knights and committed to Michigan but decided to transfer back to his home state when Greg Schiano decided to lead Rutgers. Lewis has battled injuries and inconsistencies early in his career at Rutgers but has put on healthy muscle mass and has improved his playing strength and durability. Lewis is a very good run stuffer who sets a strong edge and crashes down the LOS to support when the play goes the other way. He needs to add some pass rush moves but has improved immensely in his ability to get after the passer as he has improved his hand use and ability to disengage from the pass blocker. Lewis looks like a future NFL starter and could go off the board as early as day two of the draft next April.
Nash Hutmacher / IDL / Nebraska
Hutmacher looks the part of an NFL DT – big frame, broad shoulders, and the size to lineup inside or as a 5T in an odd man front. He is an old-school, bring your lunch pail to work kinda guy who eats glass and plays with a serious mean streak. Hutmacher regularly requires double teams and his motor makes him a difficult one on one match-up for most guards and centers to handle. Even though he does not have great quickness or agility, Hutmacher’s strength and hand fighting skill are NFL-ready and his aggressive playing style will endear him to defensive line coaches at the next level. Hutmacher should go off the board on day three next spring.
Jay Toia / IDL / UCLA
The Bruins are not very good this year but the play of Toia is, as usual, solid. Not only is he a large man with a huge frame, wide base, and excellent girth, but he flashes an excellent first step that make his size even more intimidating. Toia plays with natural strength and leverage and packs a powerful bull rush, although he lacks much quickness or closing burst. But what Toia excels at is anchoring against the run and shutting down inside run lanes. The postseason evaluation period will be instrumental in Toia’s eventual draft status, but he looks like an NFL contributor early in his career.
Power Echols / LB / North Carolina
Echols has been a starter for 2+ years in Chapel Hill and has become a fixture near the ball defensively for the Tar Heels. He only has average measureables but his instincts are excellent and he hustles sideline to sideline with a fierce determination that few can match. Echols needs to prove that he can handle coverage duties at the NFL level but his instincts, speed, and tackling ability are impressive against the run. He has the perfect approach and physical attributes to be a special teams stalwart. Echols looks like a day three draft pick or priority UDFA next spring
Xander Mueller / LB / Northwestern
Mueller has been a starter since early in his career and his durability, toughness, and instincts are clearly NFL-caliber. Mueller would have likely been a high draft pick 40 years ago when the NFL was a more ground-oriented league, before passing rules were liberalized to promote the modern-era NFL of today. Mueller is most effective in the box where his ability to stack and shed and close down inside run lanes has been excellent for seasons. His range in coverage is limited, although his instincts make him effective in short zone coverage. How he works out this winter (postseason All-Star games, NFL Scouting Combine, and pro days) will have a huge impact on his NFL future because he appears to be just too slow to be a starter.
John Bullock / LB / Nebraska
Nebraska football has been adrift for years but seems to be on the precipice of a renaissance. And freshman sensation Dylan Raiola is certainly a major reason why. But the defense has been a major reason why the Cornhuskers are potential contenders again. Bullock is a disruptive force in the middle of Nebraska’s D. He has very good range and is a very good athlete with outstanding hops who flies all over the field. Bullock is a very good blitzer and a quality open field tackler who breaks down well and secures tackles in space. Bullock has a great profile for special teams play and looks like a solid late round when selection next spring.
Clarence Lewis / CB / Syracuse
The transfer from Notre Dame has patiently waited his opportunity for meaningful playing time and has finally found it after joining the Orange. Lewis has NFL measureables and the traits that are needed on an island. His technique still needs development – he tends to face guard and needs to play the ball in the air better. But he has the fluidity and quickness to match up with speed in space and the leaping ability to compete with size at the catch point. Lewis could work his way into draft consideration with a strong end to the season and a productive postseason. Regardless, he should be in an NFL training camp next summer.
Jahdae Barron / CB / Texas
Texas is the lone undefeated SEC team despite missing Heisman contender, QB Quinn Ewers, for several weeks. The Longhorns are a well-balanced team with a great offensive line, a deep group of WRs, and a talented, if unheralded, defense. Barron plays mostly slot for Texas and plays best in zone coverage where he can use his eyes and instincts to jump routes and make life miserable for WRs – just ask Michigan. Barron may project best to safety in the NFL due to his willingness and aptitude in run support. He looks to be a quality special teams player and should compete for a job next summer.
Akili Arnold / S / USC
Arnold is the type of player that coaches and fan love because his passion for playing the game of football is on display every moment he is on the field. He flies around the field and can crash down and support against the run or play as a free safety and cover half the deep secondary. The Oregon State transfer brings the hammer and is just as apt to take himself out as the offensive player because of his hair on fire playing style. Arnold is a natural leader whose teammates respond well to and he commands respect from the coaches. He looks like a mid-round draft pick next April.
Stack ‘N Shed – YOUR Source for Everything NFL Draft!!
Comments