Last week, we covered a rising star in DE Tanoh Kpassagnon, out of Villanova University. Tanoh spent the week in Mobile, Alabama , impressing coaches and scouts alike. This week we decided to stay on the defensive side of the ball and talk about another small school gem who stood out during last weeks Senior Bowl.
Brendan Langley CB: Lamar University:
Simply stated, Langley is considered a big play waiting to happen. At 6’2, 210 pounds, he has the size coaches covet in the NFL and he uses every bit of his frame to terrorize opponents.
Langley was highly sought after coming out of high school, receiving letters from colleges across the country as a 4-star athlete. Originally from Marietta, GA , Langley committed to the SEC and signed to his hometown Georgia Bulldogs. Where as a freshman he started 4 games, including a 7 tackle, 1 forced fumble outing against Clemson. Langley showed early he belonged playing amongst the “Big Dogs” if you would. A day one stand-out as coach at the time Mark Richt called him, Langley was an incredible athlete, which made it hard to keep him at one position.
In his sophomore season at Georgia, he was given the opportunity to play WR to go along with his CB and Special teams roles. Although he struggled with a new position, it was more than obvious he had the goods to be a threat from the WR spot. Showing great hands, and the ability to separate from anywhere on the field.
2015 saw a change for him, as he transferred to Lamar University in Texas. It was only then, scouts would get the opportunity to see the real player he was.
In his first year at Lamar, Langley was not a starter but a key-contributor right away. Playing all four cores on special teams, where he stood out in all ways possible. He recorded a career 206 yards on 6 punt returns and 2 touchdowns against the University of Incarnate Word. It wasn’t just that game he stood out, and flashed his big play ability, the threat of him scoring on returns was a weekly thing.
As Langley slowly learned the CB position you could see someone who was no longer a project, but someone who could be considered a real NFL starter one day. Showing great hips and amazing top-end speed, he has all the tools to be a star in this league.
Although it is his speed that has been so highly touted, Langley has shown to be a proven tackler. In his senior year (Full time starter) he collected 43 tackles, 6 interceptions, 1 forced fumble and averaged 11.7 yards a return on punts. The coaches used him in many different ways, aside from Corner, as he branched out to Free-Safety and some Linebacker on defense. Also being used on offense as a wide receiver and running back, he had a rush of 55-yards and a Touchdown against Baylor University.
Possibly the most intriguing part of Langley, as a prospect, is his youth and his room for growth. At only 21, he has been used all over the field. He still has a lot of room to learn at the CB position. What makes things him so impressive is the amount he accomplished in his first full year as a starter.
Despite the few flaws he may have, the good news is they are all coachable things. Upon his arrival in the NFL, he will be able to contribute on special teams and as a return man.
Needless to say, the Eagles CB spot is in need of depth and with all the question marks, Langley would fill a role and could prove to be a real boost to their special-teams and Defense.
Mandatory Credit: Glenn Andrews-USA TODAY Sports
