Akeem Davis-Gaither | LB | Appalachian State
Elevator Pitch
Davis-Gaither is a small-school linebacker who always seems to be around the ball. Whether that is on defense or special teams, he seems to show up with App State needs him most. Likely will start his career as a backup and special teams contributor that could work his way into a starting role.
Vitals
Height | 6-1
Weight | 224
Class | Senior
Strengths
You see the explosiveness from Davis-Gaither almost immediately on tape. He has the quickness and quick twitch to be a blitzer and an effective one. Has good length to combat with blockers and offensive lineman when chasing after the quarterback. He is very disruptive in the backfield.
ADG has the versatility to line up at multiple spots as a linebacker. Shows good cover skills especially over the middle. Has the length to force incompletions over the middle of the field. Plenty of tape where he batted balls away from the intended receiver.
He will likely need to make a name for himself on special teams as he earns reps at linebacker in the NFL. He is very active on special teams with the speed to rush kicks off the edge. Has great speed that allows him to close on runners in chase down mode.
Weaknesses
He is a bit of a ‘tweener in terms of his size. Might play a hybrid linebacker safety role at the NFL level. At this point might not have the size of a full-time linebacker. Despite the size, doesn’t possess enough lateral agility at the position that could lead to him missing out on the play. Needs to work on his instincts on the defensive side of the ball.
His aggressiveness in the run game can cause holes to open up on cutbacks. This also shows up when he tries to avoid blockers altogether. Could be due to the fact that larger blockers can overpower him. His technique with shedding blockers will need to improve at the NFL level.
