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03/26/2011 - New Mexico State Pro day: Eight teams were on hand at New Mexico State's pro day, with CB Davon House being the main attraction. Nine players worked out Friday on FieldTurf, with House turning in a 4.35 40-yard dash after being measured at 6-foot 1/2, 195 pounds. He also had a 9-1 broad jump, but stood on his other combine numbers. Bears defensive backs coach Gill Byrd put House through a good workout. The strength of House's game is his speed covering receivers downfield. House picked off 11 balls in college, but his agent, Kenny Zuckerman, said his production dropped last season (two interceptions) because he battled an ankle sprain. At this point, House is a third- or fourth-round prospect. - Gil Brandt, NFL.com
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Full Davon House News Wire
Overview
The WAC has produced a cornerback in the top 100 picks in four of the past five drafts, including Kyle Wilson, the Boise State product picked in the first round of the 2010 draft by the Jets. Wilson's fellow cornerback on the all-conference first-team last season was House, a three-year starter from California who has scouts flocking to Las Cruces this fall.
House stepped in as a true freshman to play in all 12 games, starting several when injuries hurt the secondary, quickly letting WAC quarterbacks know it wasn't wise to throw to his side; he had 37 tackles, two for loss, intercepted four passes and eight breakups on the season. He put up similar numbers in 2008 despite being avoided regularly (40 tackles, two interceptions, six pass breakups), then really broke out with the all-conference performance, leading the WAC in interceptions (three) and breakups (13) while making 68 stops. House returned one of his picks for a touchdown and returned a fumble 38 yards for a score. Comparisons between House and Wilson will play out throughout the draft process, but they are different players. House projects as a man press corner on the outside (though he could play zone) because of his height and speed. Wilson also stepped up at Senior Bowl practices, cementing his status as a top-40 prospect. If House runs as expected and performs well at an all-star game, teams will project him as a starter capable of shutting down NFL receivers.
Analysis
Read & React: Has adequate reaction time and instincts on the outside. Explodes into ballcarriers on outside runs but can also be a step late supporting against the run or stopping his pedal to get to receivers on stop routes. Maintains contact with his man on misdirection plays; can recover from double moves quickly. Very good hand-eye reaction time to pick off bobbled passes and knock away passes at the last second.
Man Coverage: His best asset, as he uses his size, speed and length to adeptly handle outside responsibilities in man coverage. Good backpedal and quick feet to wait until his man makes a move inside or outside. Runs with any receiver down the sideline and maintains contact to prevent separation. Tight coverage forces quarterbacks to often go in another direction or take a sack. Good ball skills; times his jumps well if quarterbacks test him deep and looks to return the ball as far as possible after making a pick.
Zone Coverage: Plays a lot of man coverage but shows promise as a productive NFL zone corner. Solid tackler who can plant and drive to stop receivers after the catch and support the run when playing off the line. Stays cognizant of the quarterback in the end zone, will come off his man to make a play on the ball. Must prove he has the discipline to come off receivers leaving his area so quarterbacks don't throw behind him into the vacated area.
Closing/Recovery: Closes on the ball very well whether it is in the air or he's bringing down receivers to prevent yards after catch. Is sometimes turned around by double moves or outside-in head fakes, but recovers quickly to get back into the play. Time his jumps well when going up for the ball. Needs to tighten up his steps when transitioning forward from his pedal.
Run Support: Looks the part of a physical corner who will get the job done in run support. Flashes the ability to stay low and square to wrap up elusive ballcarriers in the flat. Gets outside angle on receiver to force plays inside, and can rip off blocks with his long arms, but must have more consistent urgency to get to the ball. Will stand around piles instead of inserting himself. Tackling: Effective as a wrap and cut tackler against receivers and running backs. Generally gets the thighs of ballcarriers on cut tackles to bring him them down. Willing to lower a shoulder to hit a back, even if it's a bit late. Impressive chasing to the opposite side of the field, using his speed and the angle to track them down before they reach the end zone. Also capable of chasing down running backs from behind if they get outside him to the sideline. Intangibles: Coaches have no issues with his work ethic. Has gained bulk in the weight room during his time at NMSU. Did not play football until his junior year of high school, focused on baseball before that. Hasn't missed a game in his Aggies career.