Florida State signee analysis: Scouting Jordan Eubanks

Texas linebacker Jordan Eubanks signed with FSU today after committing in early June.

Here’s how we described him in our linebacker recruiting piece in early May:

A 6’2, 205 pound 3-star from Guyer High School (Denton, TX), Eubanks has not visited Florida State yet, as he just received an offer from the Seminoles in April. Another player who splits time at safety and linebacker, Eubanks shows above-average coverage skills and excels at reading an offense. He has top-end closing speed, allowing him to stop plays before they start:

Easy enough to describe, but when you take a look at the film, what exactly can the Guyer product bring to Adam Fuller’s defense? Let’s take a look:

Versatility

This is the easy part of scouting football players. When you turn on a player’s highlight tape, and he plays three different positions, you know he brings hidden value. Eubanks played safety, linebacker, and “Star,” while demonizing opponents on special teams. That kind of responsibility requires athleticism, intelligence, and selflessness. Those sound like traits Mike Norvell has spoken about since arriving at FSU. The consensus at Tomahawk Nation is that Eubanks will play the “Stud,” a hybrid LB/S role at Florida State. See the following clips of him in the box and apexed. Both plays require different skills from Eubanks, but he excels on each. See for yourself:

Blitzing

Remember when former defensive coordinator Jeremy Pruitt blitzed slot defenders repeatedly? Expect some of that blitzing again from Adam Fuller. The new DC is very aggressive blitzing any of his back five, and you need players who possess that innate ability. Eubanks fits the bill, as he was the nickel rusher for his team. It’s important to understand that there’s more to rushing the passer than just see ball, hit ball. Eubanks has a solid first step off the edge, good speed, and he takes good angles, not allowing the QB to boot outside of him if he felt the pressure. The best part is the finish through the QB’s rib cage. It’s vital that the “Stud” be able to play multiple roles. So far, we’ve seen Eubanks cover in space, fill on the run, and rush the passer. See the clip below:

Fit

How often do we see a big play given up on defense, and the camera pans to players standing around waving their arms at one another? Sadly, it’s been all too common at FSU recently. That’s why this trait may be the most important. Eubanks has the intelligence and discipline to understand where he fits within a system or a play. We mentioned previously the number of positions he played, and the skill-set that required. On top of playing numerous positions, being able to fit in the right place at the right time is paramount. Eubanks is seemingly in the right place and fitting in the right spot all the time. This is “discipline” that coaches talk about constantly. This is much more difficult because Eubanks is in a position that he has to fit in the box as a run defender, or cover a player in the slot. Check it out:

Conclusion

Defensive coordinators are always looking for an edge against modern day spread offenses. Getting players that can play big and small man roles is vital. Finding a long athlete who possesses the intelligence and ability to defend the run and pass is not easy. Eubanks probably isn’t an impact player immediately, as he needs to develop his body, but he appears willing to sacrifice and work. He’s a lanky, long defender who should have an opportunity to develop at the “Stud” position. This is a crucial role in the defense, and Eubanks is a player who has upside at that spot.