Eric Kendricks

although he lacks a "wow" skill-set, kendricks is a magnet to the ball and consistently makes plays against both the pass and the run - the only fbs player with 100+ solo tackles in 2014. he lacks ideal size and power for the position and isn't as explosive as his older brother mychal, but he passes the athletic test with balance, burst and loose change of direction skills, covering the entire field with functional range. kendricks has questionable take-on skills, struggling to stack-and-shed, but he eats, drinks and breathes football, craving competition - has the leadership and effort intangibles that others gravitate towards.

He has some limitations and needs to consistently control his play speed, but his read/react quickness and athleticism project him as a three-down WILL or MIKE linebacker who should start in the NFL for a long time if he stays healthy - borderline first round grade.

weaknesses

Lacks ideal size/strength dimensions and maxed out physically...lacks overpowering strength to bully or dispose of blockers, struggling to jolt at the point of attack...will get hung up in the trash with average take-on skills...will take wild angles at times and miss tackles on the move - can be a runaway train and doesn't always properly control his nonstop motor...too hands on and grabby in coverage and will draw flags because of his hand fighting downfield...limited pass rush moves and needs work as an inexperienced blitzer.

above average spatial awareness with a great feel for his surroundings to leverage the sideline or operate in space...form tackler and loads into the contact point, attacking through his target with all his momentum...breaks down well in the open field, staying low and finishing...sniffs out screens and undercuts routes to get his hands on the ball (16 career passes defended)...knack for being around the big play with five interceptions, four forced fumbles, four fumble recoveries and three defensive touchdowns in his career...understands situations and not often fooled...two-year team captain with a coachable attitude and attractive preparation habits - film junkie...leaves ucla with the school record for tackles (481) and double-digit tackle performances in a season (11).

Football bloodlines - father (Marv) led UCLA in rushing in 1970 and 1971 and older brother (Mychal) was drafted in the second round (46th overall) of the 2012 NFL Draft by the Philadelphia Eagles.

strengths

Above average play speed with natural acceleration to cover every inch of the field...smooth footwork in his drops with the fluid lower body to stay low and unlock his hips...reads his keys with excellent reaction quickness and initial burst, staying patient, but trusting his eyes...terrific blend of competitiveness and smarts...sticks his nose in the fire with a motor that won't quit until after the whistle, no exceptions - not a spectator.

compares to

Bobby Wagner, Seattle Seahawks -- Too small for some schemes but Kendricks' instincts, physicality and improved awareness in coverage make him a true three-down defender with the potential to earn Pro Bowl recognition in the right defense.

some durability concerns due to his size and ferocious playing style - ankle surgery (dec. 2013) ended his junior season, also battled a shoulder sprain in 2013 and missed the 2015 senior bowl and was limited during pre-draft workouts due to a nagging hamstring issue.

SUMMARY

Earned three letters at Fresno, CA Herbert Hoover HS for coach Pat Plummer

Saw action at linebacker, quarterback, running back, kicker and punter

Rated No. 42 middle linebacker nationally by scout.com

Rated No. 46 outside linebacker by ESPN.com

Ranked No. 60 among outside linebackers by rivals.com

Rated No. 88 player in California by scout.com and No. 92 by rivals.com

Earned three stars from scout.com and rivals.com

PrepStar All-Region selection

GoldenStatePreps.com All-State third team and All-NorCal first team

Served as team captain his junior and senior seasons

As a senior, he registered 117 tackles and two interceptions

Scored 14 touchdowns on offense

Named first-team all-league defense by the Fresno Bee

As a junior, he was credited with 85 tackles and two sacks

Named first-team all-league defense

He scored 10 touchdowns on offense

Also earned multiple letters in basketball (team captain and first-team all-league in '09) for coach Nick French and baseball (first-team all-league in '09 and '10) for coach Sam Flores

Named 2010 male Tri-Athlete of the Year at his school.

Full Name: Eric-Nathan M. Kendricks

Born: February 29, 1992 in Clovis, CA

He is a "leap year" baby

Parents: Horace (Marv) Kendricks and Yvonne Thagon

Dad is a former Bruin football player (led UCLA in rushing in 1970 and 1971) who went on to play in the Canadian Football League

Has a brother, Mychal (a former linebacker at Cal who intercepted a pass against the Bruins in 2009 and returned it for a touchdown), and a sister, Danielle

Lists his biggest thrill in sports as going to the Division 3 Championship game with his HS basketball team as a senior

Lists former NFL standout Deion Sanders as the athlete he admires the most

Hobbies include all sports, being with friends, golf and going to the movies

Interested in a Economics major and a career in the business world

Named to the Athletics Director's Honor Roll in Fall 2011

Undeclared major.