Albert Rosette

Chris Ault's Nevada Wolf Pack is perhaps best known for his development of Pistol offense and star quarterback Colin Kaepernick but his staff has churned out several intriguing defenders over the past few seasons, as well, including three drafted a year ago (linebackers James Michael-Johnson and Brandon Marshall and defensive back Isaiah Frey). It wasn't this year's most highly regarded defender, safety Duke Williams, nor All-American junior running back Stefphon Jefferson (also a 2013 prospect) who earned MVP honors for Ault's squad in 2012, however. That honor was given to Rosette, who led the team with 135 tackles, including four tackles for loss a season after starting 12 games at defensive end. Rosette signed with Nevada as a linebacker and spent his first two seasons as a backup and special teams standout. With a talented linebacking corps already in place, the team elected to move Rosette to defensive end in 2011. While certainly undersized in this role, Rosette registered 33 stops, including 4.5 tackles for loss and two sacks. With Nevada losing Michael-Johnson and Marshall to the NFL, however, he was given the opportunity to move back to his more natural position as a senior and flourished. Physical and instinctive, Rosette has a chance to make a roster if he can prove to teams that he has the athleticism to handle NFL speed.

strengths

An instinctive, physical player with the build and temperment required at the position. Good key and diagnosis skills, especially considering his limited time at the position. Fills lanes quickly and provides a pop on contact. Good short area burst and very good hustle in lateral pursuit. Takes on blocks aggressively and has an arm-over swim move to slip past. Experienced, high effort special teams performer. Enjoyed a solid week of practice at the East-West Shrine Game and intercepted a pass in the game, itself. Hard worker.

compares to

D.J. Holt, ILB, Washington Redskins

weaknesses

A try-hard defender who may simply lack the speed and agility necessary at the next level. Relies on his instincts to beat backs to the edge and isn't capable of doing it when he takes a false-step. Struggles in pass coverage. Often takes a false-step toward the line of scrimmage and has just average fluidity and recovery speed.

A graduate of De La Salle High School in Concord, Calif.

Was a three-year letterwinner for coach Bob Ladoceur

Helped team to a North Coast Section title in 2004, 2005 and 2006

As a senior in 2006, was named team's Most Valuable Player and earned first-team All-Metro, All-League and All-North Coast honors

Was named the section's Defensive Player of the Year by Cal-Hi Sports

Earned third-team All-State honors.

Born Albert Allen Rosette Jr. on March 14, 1989 in Antioch, Calif.

Son of Albert and Teri Rosette

Has two younger sisters, Hilary and Mary, and a younger brother, Frank

Majoring in criminal justice

Father played football at Nevada for Coach Chris Ault, lettering in 1982 and 1983

Uncle John Rosette played football at Oregon

Chose Nevada over UNLV, Idaho State and Sacramento State because he liked the coaching staff and the location

Enjoys playing dominos with friends in his free time.