2014 NFL Draft: Craig Loston, S, LSU Scouting Report Page

Dec 31, 2012; Atlanta, GA, USA; LSU Tigers safety Craig Loston (6) celebrates with safety Eric Reid (1) after a fumble recovery in the first half against the Clemson Tigers during the Chick-fil-A Bowl at the Georgia Dome. Mandatory Credit: Daniel Shirey-USA TODAY Sports

Height: 6’2″

Weight: 205 pounds

SENIOR

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Scouting Report/Player Notes

So far in my scouting, Craig Loston takes the award for the best ‘head hunter’ in the class of 2014, or anyone else who might be eligible for it. He is a strong safety prospect who has a great build at 6’2″ 205 pounds, and while he’s not as athletic as All-American teammate Eric Reid, he may turn out to be drafted similarly high. Loston is an attacker, but his overall game should improve in time. With Reid roaming the centerfield position for LSU last season, Loston was allowed to play downhill a lot more, and he excels in that area.

He has unbelievable closing speed, and his fearlessness in his hitting is remarkable. He will occasionally whiff or take a bad angle, but this guy hits like a ton of bricks and has the look of a starting NFL safety. He has a great energy on the field, and seems to really get his teammates fired up. His playmaking is infectious, and under the circumstances last year, he played some great ball. Stepping into a starting role, he finished with 55 tackles,  three for a loss, three interceptions, and a fumble recovery. He also took one of his picks to the house. This is an impressive looking safety that will be one of the top players at his position come time for the 2014 NFL Draft.

Stats

Craig Loston Stats at CFBStats.com

Video Highlights (via YouTube)

Career Highlights (via LSU athletics site)

2012 All-SEC Second Team (AP)
2012 SEC Co-Defensive Player of the Week (vs. Miss. State)

Hard-hitting safety that goes into his second season as a starter in the secondary … Will be the leader of LSU’s defensive backfield in 2013 as he’s now in his fifth year in the John Chavis system … Has tremendous knowledge of the LSU defensive scheme and many times knows where the ball is going before it gets there … Has played in 35 games during his career, starting 14 times … Registered 91 career tackles to go with 4.0 tackles for loss and six takeaways (4 interceptions, 1 forced fumble, 1 fumble recovery) … One of just three players on the LSU roster – joining punter Jamie Keehn and linebacker Tahj Jones – who were born in the 1980s.