2014 NFL Draft Prospect Profile: Ryan Shazier, LB, Ohio State Buckeyes

Oct 6, 2012; Columbus, OH, USA; Ohio State Buckeyes linebacker Ryan Shazier (10) celebrates in the first quarter against the Nebraska Cornhuskers at Ohio Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Andrew Weber-USA TODAY Sports

Height: 6’2″

Weight: 226 pounds

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Scouting Report/Player Notes

This is a dynamic player at the linebacker position. He is not an elite pass rusher (yet) but he has speed, instincts, range, and he can finish plays better than many other linebackers in the country. Flies around the field and I wouldn’t be surprised if he runs a sub-4.5 second 40 yard dash. Needs to add some bulk, but it definitely hasn’t slowed him down on the field. 114 tackles and 17 tackles for loss as a sophomore, Shazier showed an incredible ability to make plays all over the place, and became one of the most dominant playmakers on the defensive side of the ball in 2012.

Greatest asset is his lighting quickness. Combined with his instincts and anticipation, it’s no wonder why Shazier is considered a top five linebacker pretty much unanimously. He has become a leader of the Ohio State defense and made some big plays in their undefeated 2012 campaign. Shazier is a tackling machine and uses great form and technique. Can blow plays up in the backfield and also is pretty good in coverage. This guy is an animal and I wouldn’t be surprised if he cements himself in the first round discussion by the time the 2013 season is over. Has a chance to return in 2014 for a senior season, but his talent is evident and NFL scouts are already really excited about this kid.

Career Highlights

Ohio State Overview: Ryan is coming off a superb true freshman season in 2011 and is locked in as a starting linebacker in 2012 … he played in all 13 games last year and started the final three games … he recorded 57 tackles, the most by a true freshman in the last 15 years (Andy Katzenmoyer had 86 as a true freshman in 1996; Donnie Nickey was a red-shirt freshman when he had 73 in 1999) … played brilliantly in his starts, making 30 tackles in those three games after starting “will” linebacker Andrew Sweat was sidelined with a concussion … made his first career start – vs. Penn State – memorable with a two-year-best team high 15 tackles … he was named the Big Ten’s freshman of the week for his effort and later was awarded the team’s Agonis Club Rick Meyer award for his play against Penn State … had eight tackles the following week vs. Michigan despite being severely hampered with a bad knee … totaled 10 tackles at not-quite-100-percent vs. Florida in the Taxslayer.com Gator Bowl … had six solo tackles and seven total vs. Purdue after Sweat went out with his injury … Ryan made noise all year with big special teams hits and blocks … his block of a Wisconsin punt led to a Buckeye touchdown from the 1, a game Ohio State would eventually win, 33-29.

Stats

Ryan Shazier defensive stats via CFBStats.com

Video Highlights (via YouTube)