Kiko Alonso

Former Oregon head coach Chip Kelly and a parade of explosive playmakers may have earned all of the attention for the Ducks, but an equally talented defensive unit in Eugene may have been the most underrated element of the Pac-12 power's success in recent years. Much of that credit, at least over the past two seasons, should go to Alonso, whose ability to play his best when the lights shone brightest could make him an intriguing evaluation for NFL scouts. Alonso had to overcome his share of troubles to become a difference-maker for the Ducks. He redshirted in 2008, spent 2009 as a reserve (16 tackles in 12 games) and suffered a knee injury in the spring which forced him to the sideline yet again. Alonso returned to action in 2011 but had to work his way into the rotation. As the year went on he became increasingly involved and forecasted his ability to perform well in big games by posting a season-high nine tackles in the win over Arizona, six stops against USC, his first career interception against rival Oregon State, five tackles (including two for loss) against UCLA in the first ever Pac-12 Championship game and culminating with five tackles, 2.5 tackles for loss, 1.5 sacks and an interception of Wisconsin quarterback Russell Wilson to win MVP honors of the Rose Bowl. Starting each game for the first time in his career, Alonso emerged as one of the country's better, if somewhat anonymous defenders. He started 12 games for Oregon, registering career-highs across the board with 81 tackles, including a team-leading 14 tackles for loss despite posting just one sack. He showed off his penchant for creating turnovers, as well, recording four interceptions and both forcing and recovering two fumbles. As he had previously shown, Alonso proved to be a playmaker in big games, enjoying especially standout performances against Oregon State (seven tackles, TFL, interception), Stanford (nine tackles, TFL, forced fumble), USC (10 tackles, two for loss, fumble recovery, interception) and six tackles, including two for loss in Oregon's Fiesta Bowl victory over Kansas State. Having struggled a bit with off-field issues and injury, Alonso carries with him some baggage. In a draft class filled with more questions than answers at inside linebacker, however, he might prove to be the most dynamic of the bunch.

strengths

Possesses a developed, athletic frame with good muscle definition throughout. Rare athleticism for the position, which may result in a move to outside linebacker in the NFL. Highly instinctive defender despite his relative inexperience. Gets a jump on the ball and shows terrific straight-line speed, agility and a burst to close. Possesses long, strong arms to make the wrap-up tackle and flashes explosive hitting ability. Good flexibility and balance when dropping back into coverage and has the athleticism to handle responsibilities in man coverage. Good awareness in zone and possesses good hand-eye coordination and ball skills, overall. Surprisingly stout at the line of scrimmage, using his arm length and flexibility to get under the pads of blockers and create a pile for teammates to close on the football. High effort in lateral and downfield pursuit. Versatile defender who could prove to be a moveable "chess piece" for a creative defensive coordinator. Just starting to scratch the surface of his potential...

compares to

Daryl Washington, ILB, Arizona Cardinals -- Like his predecessor with the Cardinals, Karlos Dansby, Washington's blend of instincts, athleticism and physicality has quickly turned him into a Pro Bowler. The frenetic Alonso has a similar upside but must show the same level of commitment on and off the field that Dansby and Washington have undertaken to enjoy this kind of success.

weaknesses

Only emerged as a full-time starter as a senior... Was not often asked to take on and shed blockers at the point of attack in this scheme, though when he did, Alonso's aggression and arm length were usually effective. Is a bit of an agitator on the field. Is very willing to play to and through the whistle when he can. Plays with reckless abandon, showing no hesitancy in leaving his feet or crashing into the pile, concerns only because of the fact that he's struggled a bit with injuries over his career, including missing the entire 2010 season with a torn ACL. Had agreed to play at the Senior Bowl but elected not to participate and instead allow his left wrist to heal after sustaining an injury to it earlier in the season. Has had multiple run-ins with police, though (to his credit) none over the past two years. Was charged with a DUI February, 2010, ironically just hours after Kelly had announced that Oregon would be ramping up penalties to players who ran afoul of the law. Alonso was also arrested on charges of burglary, criminal mischief and criminal trespass on May 1, 2011. He ultimately pleaded guilty to misdemeanor charges to avoid jail time.

Led the De Anza League and Central Coast Section in tackles his senior year with 150 stops (81 unassisted), ranking 32nd in the state with a 12.5 avg.

Tallied double figures in tackles in 10 of 12 games, including single-game best 17 vs. Palma

Also finished third on the team in quarterback sacks (27) in addition to leading the Wildcats in receiving (35 catches, 559 yards) and ranking as school’s third-leading scorer (42 points)

Attracting a ranking of 38th in the country at linebacker by SuperPrep.com, the PrepStar all-West Region choice also was named to Scout.com’s California Top 100 (83rd)

Also named to the all-Northern California first-team defense by GoldenStatePreps.com

The third-team all-state defender (calhisports.com) helped lead Central Coast’s sixth-ranked team to the league title (10-1-1) in 2007, with its lone loss his final year coming against Gilroy (40-34) in the sectional semifinals.

Born Kristian Alonso in Newton, Mass. Parents: Carlos and Monica Alonso. Family: Two brothers. High School (Coach): Los Gatos (Butch Cattolico) 2008. Major: Undeclared.