Catching Up On Maryland Linebacker/Safety Kenny Tate

One prospect I have noticed that not a lot of people are talking about this year is Maryland linebacker/safety Kenny Tate. Tate is a guy who last year was considered a second round prospect as a safety at 6’4″ 220 pounds after he finished his junior season with 90 tackles, 3.5 sacks, three forced fumbles, and three interceptions–one for a touchdown.

Tate’s production earned him a lot of national recognition, and he contemplated leaving Maryland for the NFL but opted to return for his senior season.

As a senior, Tate has played well but has also had problems with injuries, and he’s missed the last two games as a result. He’s likely not going to play in Maryland’s game this weekend against Florida State, so the injury is at least somewhat serious.

So far this season, Tate has compiled 35 tackles, a forced fumble, and two interceptions. He is still making plays after transitioning to the linebacker position and is a guy that draft scouts will undoubtedly be talking about as we grow closer to the offseason.

Tate is very gifted physically and is obviously very capable in coverage. He puts up big numbers in terms of getting tackles, but thus far this season, he has been displeased with his play:

“I feel I have not played up to my potential,” Tate said. “I am definitely comfortable in the new position now. Change is not really a factor. I have not prepared well enough. I need to do better in all aspects.”

He obviously holds himself to a high standard and when he comes back from this injury, we’ll see if he can step his game up and be the prospect we all saw last season.