2016 Scouting Report: William Likely, CB, Maryland

Despite a successful Junior campaign in 2015, Maryland cornerback William Likely decided to return to the Terps for his senior season and setting his focus on the 2016 season.

In 2015, Likely gained national recognition as a return specialist after leading the country with 1,197 total kick return yards, on his way to being named a first-team all-American by the Writers Association of America. He was awarded the Rodgers-Dwight Big Ten return specialist of the year award after leading the nation with a punt return average of 17.7 yards and breaking the conference record for most punt return yards in a game (233). Despite his strength as a returner, Likely was also a critical veteran cornerback who contributed 44 tackles and 11 pass breakups and even appeared on offense as a slot receiver.

While Maryland struggled mightily in 2015, finishing the season 3-9, Likely appeared to be one of the lone bright spots on the underwhelming roster. His playmaking ability in all aspects of the game has made him a dangerous and versatile weapon with intriguing athleticism that should have scouts drooling come draft time.

Measurables

• Height: 5’7″
• Weight: 175 lbs
• Year: Senior
• Position: Cornerback, Kick/Punt Returner

Strengths

• Athleticism
• Versatility
• Aggressiveness
• Coordination and Ball Skills

William Likely is one of the top athletes entering the 2017 NFL Draft. This is evident when watching any of his game film as he possesses unique athletic traits no matter where he lines up on the field. He possesses light feet and superb fluidity, displaying unique change-of-direction skills. His ability to read and react quickly is a rare trait, as he moves quickly and efficiently once the play is diagnosed. He demonstrates a unique tenacity and aggressiveness in his play. Is a willing tackler and often seeks to stick his nose in the middle of each play. He shows nice strength when meeting ball carriers, usually doing a nice job of bringing them down. Shows top-level coordination and his 11 pass breakups illustrate his quality ball skills. Follow that up with six interceptions in his sophomore season and it’s easy to see why he is one of the cornerbacks in the country. He’s also a very versatile player who is the nations top returner and has experience playing on offense at slot receiver.

William Likely didn’t have the jaw-dropping stats against the defending national champion Buckeyes in the clip below, however his athleticism and return ability is definitely on display.

Weaknesses

• Stature, Size
• Lack of Length

William Likely’s size will always be his downfall when scouts being evaluating him. At 5’7″, he lacks the desired size for NFL-level cornerbacks. While he doesn’t shy away from bigger receivers and has shown a knack for being a troublesome tackler, his size will limit his effectiveness. His lack of length hurts him and is shown when he attempts to fight off blocks or when trying to wrap up the ball carrier. Unfortunately, these are things that Likely can’t improve on, so he will need to do his best in demonstrating that his physical limitations don’t limit his effectiveness on the field.

Final Thoughts

Despite being a member of a rebuilding Terps squad, Likely figures to be one of the more electrifying and entertaining players to watch. His ability as a returner will continue to give him national recognition in 2016 and his talents in the secondary should net him another all-conference bid. While his size will effect his draft stock, Likely possesses all the athletic traits and talent to help scouts overcome their concerns and he should be a sought-after commodity come draft time.