SI All-American Candidate Austin Dean Highlights and Evaluation

Austin Dean is a linebacker prospect from Berkeley Preparatory School in Tampa, Fla. Dean is an SI All-American candidate.

Prospect: Austin Dean                                                                                                              Status: SI All-American candidate                                                                                          Vitals: 6-foot-2, 215 pounds                                                                                        Position: Linebacker                                                                                                            School: Tampa (Fla.) Berkeley Prep                                                                            Committed to: Rutgers                                                                                                  Projected Position: Linebacker

Frame: Stockier builds across the shoulders, but he possesses a nice length. Room to add to the trunk. 

Athleticism: Relentless off the edge when attacking the passer. Gets to the outside shoulder well and is physical at the point of attack. His track and wrestling background show on tape. 

Instincts: Uses his speed and strength to leverage tackles into bad positions and then either goes around or overpowers. He displays high football IQ when attacking the passer and is not overly aggressive setting himself up for someone to get outside or underneath. 

Polish: Has to improve his overall stock of pass-rushing moves, and he can over time. As his frame develops, he should be able to add more power moves to create a balanced rush, but right now, he will require some refinement at the next level as a compact pass rusher. 

Bottom Line: Dean is a relentless pass rusher who takes pride in his craft and is physical at the point of attack. He needs to add to his frame and improve his overall move set if he wants to take it up a notch at the next level. His length and motor are very desirable for college coaches, and he is a prospect who could excel as an edge rusher or inside linebacker at a Power 5 level with a more complete frame.