Brandon Facyson

Facyson burst onto the scene as a true freshman in 2013, posting 13 passes defended and five interceptions. However, he peaked early with his gaudy freshman production, setting unrealistic expectations for his career trajectory that never materialized. Facyson recorded five interceptions in his first 11 games in college and zero interceptions in his last 44 games. Starting with a lost season in 2014, injuries have taken their toll on Facyson over the years, leading to long-term durability concerns at the next level. Although his test numbers are average, he is sharp above the neck with the mature make-up and intelligence mandatory for the next level. BACKGROUND Facyson made an immediate impact as a true freshman (nine starts) and earned Freshman All-American honors with 13 passes defended and five interceptions. He started the first three games of 2014 before a leg injury ended his season, taking a medical redshirt. Facyson returned as a sophomore and started 10 games in 2015, recording 31 tackles and 10 passes defended. He started all 14 games as a junior and posted 48 tackles, 11 passes defended and two forced fumbles. Facyson returned for his senior season (11 starts) and recorded 19 tackles and five passes defended in 2017.

in our view

Facyson has the size, length and toughness that press-heavy teams prefer at the position, but he is more smooth than sudden and his struggles to find consistency could keep him from carving out a long-term NFL career.

strengths

Physical measurements immediately stand out with an impressive blend of height and length. Clearly a former wide receiver with his aggressive ball skills at the catch point. Passed Brandon Flowers and Antone Exum for the school-record with 44 career passes defended. Uses his long arms to engage and tie up receivers, keeping them uncomfortable mid-route. Footwork and technique have steadily improved since he arrived in Blacksburg. Upper and lower body movements stay balanced and on the same page. Long-striding acceleration to match receivers in a straight line. Physical striker in run support. Veteran experience with 55 games played on his collegiate resume. Maturity expected of a fifth-year senior and had a disciplined upbringing. Intelligent individual and plans to attend medical school and become a cardiologist after football – graduated with a degree in pre-med Biology (Dec. 2016) and earned Academic All-ACC honors three times. – Dane Brugler 2/7/2018

weaknesses

Leggy transition, lacking the short-area quicks to survive vs. agile, savvy receivers. Too much guesswork as he attempts to break down releases and routes. Late to find the football and panics. Allows too many completions in front of him. Too much contact with receivers downfield, arriving early and drawing flags. Doesn’t have the deep speed to make up ground once beat. Career-low five passes defended as a senior. Will make business decisions in the run game. Laundry list of injuries over his career, including a forgettable 2014 that started with a stress reaction in his left tibia (April 2014), requiring a bone-graft procedure (May 2014), then reaggravating the injury (Sept. 2014) and breaking his leg (Dec. 2014) once he returned, requiring surgery – also battled injuries with his hip (Nov. 2015), knee (Feb. 2016) and wrist (Aug. 2017). – Dane Brugler 2/7/2018

Named 2012 All-Region 4B-AAAAA first team at cornerback

Named to the 2012 Newnan Times-Herald All-County Team as a receiver

Led Northgate High as a senior with 31 receptions for 439 yards and four touchdowns

Finished with 27 tackles

Added six pass break-ups and caused a fumble

Played both ways as a junior, earning all-county honors at receiver (18 catches, 294 yards, 4 TDs) and all-region honors at defensive back (47 tackles, 3 interceptions)

Listed as the No. 54 cornerback in the country and the No. 55 prospect in Georgia by Rivals

Ranked as the No. 39 cornerback in the country and the No. 40 player in his state by 247Sports

Listed as the No. 99 safety in the country by Scout

Ranked as the No. 26 cornerback in the country, the No. 183 player in his region and the No. 39 player in the state by ESPN Recruiting Nation

A member of the National Honor Society and Beta Club.

Brandon Lamar Facyson

Born September 8, 1994 in Jacksonville, Fla.

Son of Karen Riggins-Taylor and Frederick Facyson

Father, Frederick, is a retired Navy pilot

His mother and stepfather were principals in Dubai

Cousin is former North Carolina quarterback Oscar Davenport

Majoring in biological sciences with a goal of becoming a heart surgeon.

2017

defensive
TFL	QB HUR	TOT	TD	PD	SACKS	SOLO
2.0	0.0	19.0	0.0	5.0	0.0	14.0

2016

defensive
TFL	QB HUR	TOT	TD	PD	SACKS	SOLO
4.0	0.0	48.0	0.0	11.0	0.0	32.0