JEFF BACKUS
By: Dave-Te' Thomas

#79-JEFF BACKUS University of Michigan Wolverines 6:05.3-308

ANALYSIS
Positives... Tough competitor who battles with aggression and power...Shows good initial quickness off the snap to gain advantage on the defender...Uses his strength to create a strong surge coming out of his stance...Works hard to sustain his blocks... Shows good foot-shuffling ability to wall off and screen in run protection...Fires out quickly, making good body adjustments when pulling upfield...Has solid recovery skills sliding back to provide a base in pass protection...Has the strength to lock on and ride the defender wide...Has the lateral agility to make blocks on the move.

Negatives... Lacks the lower leg drive to anchor forcefully in pass protection...Has problems staying with the plays on the move, lacking that sudden burst to get ahead of the ball carrier to take on the linebackers...Lunges at times coming off the snap, causing inconsistencies as he tries to position himself and sustain blocks for the outside running game...Has to work on improving his overall strength.

CAREER NOTES
Mainstay for the Wolverines at the left tackle position...Finished his career with 49 consecutive starts, one shy of the school career-record of 50 by offensive tackle Jon Jansen (1995-98)...Has earned All-Big Ten Conference honors four straight years...Teamed with guard Steve Hutchinson to man the left side of Michigan's offensive line since their freshman campaigns... Participated in 3235 plays, delivering 266 knock-downs with 28 touchdown-resulting blocks during his career.

REMIND ME OF... Tennessee's Brad Hopkins.

GAZING INTO THE CRYSTAL BALL... Some teams are looking at his trap blocking skills and projecting him as a guard. I actually think he will be more productive earlier in his career than Kenyatta Walker will be. Could be a nice fit up in Denver, who is looking for a finesse-type to replace Tony Jones on the left side.

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