B.W. Webb..he's from Newport News so he might have a little goon in him.
Overview
Webbs debut for the Tribe was about as successful as one could ever expect. He intercepted three passes, returning one 50 yards for a score, in a surprising 26-14 win at ACC school Virginia in the 2009 season opener. He was the first player from the Football Championship Subdivision to win the national Bronco Nagurski Defensive Player of the Week award for his play.
In that redshirt freshman season, Webb ranked second in the FCS with eight interceptions, posting three in the Tribes semi-final playoff run. He was named the Colonial Athletic Association Defensive Freshman of the Year, second-team all-conference at cornerback and third team as a punt returner (245 yards on 30 returns). Even though he had only one interception the following year, along with 42 tackles and five pass breakups, coaches voted him first-team All-CAA (second team returner with 19-187, TD). And he repeated that honor in 2011 after posting 40 tackles, three for loss, and two more picks. He once again earned first-team All-CAA honors at corner with 46 tackles and eight passes defense as well as being named the CAA co-Special Teams player of the year with 11-123 and a touchdown returning punts.
Analysis
Strengths
Wiry strong corner with a tenacious attitude. Aware zone corner, keeps his eyes in the backfield and reacts quickly to throws in his area. Athleticism jumps off the tape. Excellent ball skills. Displays the strong hands for interception. Impressive vertical jump to play the ball in the air and high-point passes. Has foot quickness to stay with his man after a cut. Explosive closing burst and click-and-close ability. Excellent recovery speed. Good length to wrap up receivers after the catch on quick screens. Willing tackler in the open field.
Weaknesses
Average height for the position, and is thin in the hips. Plays a lot of zone and off coverage, lacks experience in backpedal. Seemingly does very little pattern-reading; focuses on the backfield and gets caught ball watching. Press coverage needs a lot of work doesnt shoot his hands and gets on his heels quickly. Also must show scouts he can find the ball in man coverage. Has played most of his games against a lower level of competition. Doesnt like to fight through blocks and screens.
NFL Comparison
Adam Jones
Bottom Line
Webb has been a star since picking off Virginia three times in the Tribes 2009 opening-weekend shocker. The four-year starter has the hands and cover skills (if average size) to be one of the top small school prospects in the draft. He projects as at least a reliable nickel back on defense and a regular contributor on special teams - and possibly more (he has the athleticism and cover skills to play outside), much like recent third-round picks from smaller schools Dwight Bentley (Louisiana-Lafayette) and Lardarius Webb (Nicholls State). After showing he can hold his own at the Senior Bowl, and if he performs well at the combine, his stock could skyrocket to the third round or higher.