When you watch Linebacker Tevin Floyd of The Citadel, on tape, you see a prospect who is constantly flying around the ball with a high motor and the skill set to stand out. The film shows a player with the speed and strength to be a real difference maker. A player who studies film and always seems to know what the offense is attempting to do.
For this Small School Sleeper Profile, we dive into his thought process. To get a better understanding of the linebacker was named defensive MVP of the Bulldogs as a Junior in 2015. With 91 tackles, 8.5 for a loss, 2 sacks and 3 picks..Floyd showed signs of being a complete linebacker. But who is Tevin outside of football?
“I am the funny guy, I am the guy who will try to keep the team loose. This is a serious game and if we’re sat there serious all day, all game, and just let our nerves get to us, we would all fall apart.
Outside of that, I am really just trying to love life. I love music, I love hanging out with my friends, laughing, watching funny movies, and just keeping our mind off of the game and all its stresses. I spend time watching game film and being prepared for games, I feel like every game is huge, so when I have some time to myself, I want to smile, and be happy. People look at me and see this big guy, but I don’t take myself too seriously. I am disciplined and you have to be playing at the Citadel. My mother really raised me to be prepared, but when I shed my uniform and get to be me…I am always looking for a healthy way to have fun.”
A big guy is one way of putting it. The 6’1, 238 lbs, linebacker certainly has the right frame for the position. One thing in the NFL that is lacking, is discipline. Off the field issues are more damaging and even worse, more common. Players become locker room poisons and really hurt the flow of a team, and its comradery.
“I will always thrive to be a strong person and a better teammate everyday. As a Football player, we are put on a stage where everyone is always looking. You never really know who is paying attention, you never really know who you are affecting, with your words, and your actions.
A locker room distraction can really hurt the team, it doesn’t matter how small, if you are a problem, you will hurt the team. In the locker room, I am always trying to have fun. I mean, when it is time to be serious and get prepared I am ready, but I will never be an issue and a distraction.
As players, we need to be beacons of light, we need to be a positive role model for these kids and really fight against the stigma of what a football player has been thought of. I want to be someone these kids can look up too and I want my team to know they will always have me to go to. They can always count on me.”
Off the field, Tevin, is a true leader. On the field, he is a monster who is always around the ball. With the thick base and strong arms to help fight off offensive linemen and the speed to go sideline to sideline and chase down ball carriers, it’s clear how dominant he can become.
He has the size to play all three LB, spots on the field. With soft hands and quick feet, he also has value in coverage and could become a three down prospect.
With the Eagles, in need of depth at the linebacker position, Floyd, could serve as an upgrade. He also adds value at all cores of special teams, and with the emphasis the Birds’ put on that, would become a day one contributor.
Mandatory photo credit: AP Photo/Gerry Broome
