Angelo Craig DE Cincinnati
Sobo Sez: New head coach Brian Kelly brought his winning
ways to the Bearcat program this season. After a run at a the Big
East title, Cincinnati eventually fell by the wayside, but raised eyebrows along
the way.
Another talented athlete out of the Cleveland Glenville pipeline, Craig
was arguably the Bearcats most talented player on either side of the ball.
Yes, the offensive was explosive. Yes, the undersized duo of fellow defensive
end, Anthony Hoke, and defensive tackle, Terrill Byrd, had better statistical
seasons on the defense. But it was Craig who was clearly the most
physically talented player on the field each and every week and popped off the
screen.
At 6 feet 4 inches tall and 252 pounds, Craig possesses a good initial burst
off the line and shows the ability to run the ring as a pass rusher making him a
potential candidate as a 3-4 outside linebacker. The transition should be easy
for him to make, as Craig spent the first two seasons at Cincinnati at
linebacker.
The long and lanky Bearcat does a nice job hustling and making plays
while pursuing flat down the line of scrimmage but does have troubling anchoring
and playing with leverage directly against the run. The numbers overall
did not translate for Craig this past season with only 43 total tackles, eight
for a loss, and three sacks. Furthermorem he ran a poor time at the Combine
after pulling up lame due to injury.
Craig did impress during his Hula Bowl All Star appearance racking up
two quarterback sacks and being named the game’s defensive MVP. The former
Bearcat is a talented late round prospect that brings a mixed bag of potential.
Tom Marino, NFL Scout:
First year regular. Former WR, TE and LB before finding a home at DE. Craig is a
good athlete, with foot speed and a burst. He can trim the edge and has the
physical make up (long arms) to alter the throwing lanes (flashed impressive
hand use). Up and down playing intensity. Late consideration with the hope
of developing at the LB position.