2010 UDFA Profile: Terrell Whitehead, S, Norfolk State

We are currently in the midst of the 2010 mini-camp for the Jaguars and unfortunately I am unable to attend. So instead I'll defer to the judgement of those that were able to attend, namely BCC's own Alfie Crow. In his last post, reviewing day 1 of mini-camp, Alfie singled out Norfolk State safety Terrell Whitehead as one of the undrafted free agents that has a chance to make the final roster:

 A free agent rookie to keep an eye on is Norfolk State safety Terell Whitehead.  He intercepted a Luke McCown pass during what was supposed to be one-on-one drills.  Defensive coordinator Mel Tucker told him to jump the route if he could on the play, which Whitehead did, and was abruptly met with a "Hey man! Not fair!" by the intercepted quarterback.

Terrell Whitehead was the safety to backup Jaguars CB Don Carey at Norfolk State for three years and was a very successful one at that. Whitehead was injured for the first two games of his freshman season, found the field as a reserve for the next five games and started his last four games. From then on, Whitehead was nothing short of a superstar for Norfolk State. In both his sophomore and junior seasons he was named to the 1st team All-MEAC and the 3rd team FCS All-American teams. In his senior season, Whitehead earned a spot on the 1st team All-MEAC and the 1st team FCS All-American teams. He remains the only player in NSU history to earn spots on the All-MEAC and the FCS All-American teams in three years. 

At 6'1, 196 pounds, Whitehead might be a little skinny, but he has the frame to add some muscle to. While his 40 time isn't ideal for a safety at 4.51, it's not slow. He's also someone who prides himself on his ball skills and his ability to read the offense and react accordingly. So how Whitehead snuck through 255 draft picks without a team taking him is a mystery to me. It appears to me that the Jaguars may have found a second gem from Norfolk State. 

Video Killed the Scouting Report

Also check out this interview Terrell had with DraftNasty.com's Corey Chavous.

Terrell Whitehead: By the Numbers

According to the Experts:

CDS Draft

Pros

Whitehead has the size, speed and football IQ that NFL teams seek, he has was also a starting point guard in basketball at Kempsville High in Virginia Beach, Va., and hoops helped Whitehead sharpen his ability to see and analyze the entire football field defensively. 

He is a fluid athlete who stood out in early drills at the Russell Athletic Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU) Bowl. Showing in the change-of-direction drills where prospects move back and forth while moving laterally in a "W" pattern according to coaches' commands that he has the hip and foot quickness to cover.

Cons

Has not been asked to be isolated in coverage very often and will need to add about 10 pounds of muscle to his sinewy frame.