The Hunt Report: Five small-college players with the versatility, physicality to contain modern offenses

Today’s offensive schemes, playmakers and, for the most part, the way the rules are set up, makes it really tough to play defense nowadays. In order to be a defensive standout, you almost have to excel in multiple aspects within your game and within the scheme. 

Scouting is definitely a subjective task, and many people come at the discipline from many different perspectives and approaches. You really strive to decipher between what a player does verses what he’s asked to do, and subsequently how he projects moving forward. That’s why the more you can do and show on film, the better your chances are as a prospect of clearing up the picture and projection for pro scouts.

This week in The Hunt Report, I wanted to spend time focusing on a handful of defenders who caught my attention watching film. These guys not only are versatile in their approach, but they almost immediately leap out at you on film with how well they just play ball.

For last week’s Hunt Report, be sure to click here.

College Football

DL Brandon Omonuwa

• Year: Fifth year
• College: Wilfrid Laurier University (Waterloo, Ontario)
• Height: 6-3
• Weight: 275

For a guy who only weighs 275 pounds, Omonuwa has excellent point-of-attack strength. While he’s built like a three-technique, he’s being played as a shade technique, 5T and 1T, in Wilfrid Laurier’s defense and playing it really well. Omonuwa plays with great leverage, hands and is able to quickly disengage from a block and make a play. Next game: Oct. 6 vs. Waterloo

LB Michael Ayers

• Year: Senior
• College: Ashland University (Ashland, Ohio)
• Height: 6-1
• Weight: 210

Ayers reminds me a lot of 49ers safety George Odum, and I believe his pathway to playing safety is about the same. He’s a terrific athlete, your classic run-and-chase weakside backer who has great closing speed to the QB and ball carrier. He’s very comfortable out in space and pairs that up with above average football I.Q. in the passing game. Over the course of his career he’s been an impact player, racking up 24.5 tackles for loss, eight sacks and eight pass breakups. Next game: Oct. 8 vs. Walsh

S Eli Weber

• Year: Senior
• College: Augustana (Sioux Falls, South Dakota)
• Height: 6-0
• Weight: 205

Weber is an excellent alley defender. I really enjoy watching him play defense. When he is flying up in run support or when he’s driving on the ball or receiver, he’s taking decisive angles and his landmarks are always…