Jump to content

  • Welcome!

    Register and log in easily with Twitter or Google accounts!

    Or simply create a new Huddle account. 

    Members receive fewer ads , access our dark theme, and the ability to join the discussion!

     

Carolina Panthers select LB AJ Klein.

ncguy2184

By ncguy2184,
in Carolina Panthers

Recommended Posts

ncguy2184 Enthusiast

ncguy2184

Posted
Posted

Paired with outside linebacker Jake Knott, Klein made up half of arguably the top linebacker tandem in the nation over the past couple of seasons. Klein's terrific play didn't end in Ames, however. A solid performance at the East-West Shrine Game might have teams wondering if the highly instinctive playmaker can enjoy similar production in the NFL.

Klein was a three-star recruit out of Wisconsin, but didn't receive an offer from the Badgers and accepted a scholarship from the Cyclones.

After limited playing time as a freshman in 2009, he became a starter in 2010 and was quickly a standout, registering 111 tackles, 8.0 tackles for loss and three interceptions (two returned for touchdowns), earning All-Big 12 Honorable Mention honors. He followed that up two more remarkably statistically-similar campaigns, averaging 116.5 tackles, 5.5 tackles for loss, 1.5 sacks and another interception, each of which he returned for a score. Characterized by many throughout his career as lacking athleticism, Klein leaves Iowa State having tied the FBS record with four touchdowns scored off of interception returns.

Named a consensus All-Big 12 player in 2012 and the co-Defensive Player of the Year out of the conference (along with Oklahoma defensive end Frank Alexander) in 2011, Klein has proved himself to be among the more consistent and dependable linebackers in the country. While he may not possess the ideal timed speed or change of direction of his peers, he's fast on the field due to terrific instincts and effort.

As such, don't be among those "surprised" when his success continues in the NFL, even if he winds up being drafted later than his production would seem to warrant.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Archived

This topic is now archived and is closed to further replies.

Go to topic listing

  • PMH4OWPW7JD2TDGWZKTOYL2T3E.jpg

  • Topics

  • Posts

    • strato
      BREAKING: Panthers sign QB Kenny Pickett

      By strato · Posted

      I agree.  I don’t think I have ever been accused of being a Howell fan. No more than fan of some other random QB.   But I watched and I saw. He has some talent. Maybe I didn’t watch close enough to see his weaknesses. 
    • strato
      We signed Lloyd

      By strato · Posted

      He is a pit bull when it comes to that.  And after he missed out last year on Williams, it seems he is trying a different approach, looks like. Don’t hold back. No half measures, because someone will come and full measure your ass. Close the deal. He left a little opening for The Patriots last year.  He closed so far this year. Of what we know about.   
    • strato
      Steelers sign RB Rico Dowdle

      By strato · Posted

      They have been doing the mercenary one year RB now for a little while. Foreman..  It works pretty well. You can find ball carriers. The passing game trips a lot of those guys up. Pass blocking, route running, they have a lot to know.    Rico wasn’t a great pass blocker but he got in the way most of the time. He is a really good pass catcher.     He’s tough. Needs to find out why he was cramping late in the games. If he can fix that maybe can step up even more. Wish him luck. I think he’ll do well.    If Brooks can be something, what a bonus that would be at this point.  I really believe they went for him because of his extra layer with being a good receiver. And we need more of that with what we are working with trying to move the ball. 
×
×
  • Create New...