Avonte Maddox

in our view

Overall, Maddox has some appealing traits (athleticism, production, toughness) that will give him a chance, but he is built small and plays small, lacking the consistency desired by pro coaches

strengths

Outstanding top-end speed…flexible hips and balanced athleticism to pattern match early in the route…clean footwork and transition out of his pedal…not shy coming off his man to freelance and make a play on the ball…more passes defended (42) than starts (38) over his career…offensive playmaker in high school and it shows when he has a chance to attack the football, recording eight career interceptions (two returned for touchdowns)…low tackler with marginal play strength, but he finds ways to get his guy on the ground…finds the quarterback as a blitzer…played special teams at Pitt, blocking an extra point (Dec. 2015) and returning a kickoff for a touchdown…voted a senior captain with the football character that fits in a NFL locker room.

weaknesses

Pint-sized frame with below average length…too easily shielded from the catch point, struggling to gain body position…weak jam attempt and gives up inside position…turns his hips early in the rep, hindering his ability to get back into position…can be run off the top of routes and routinely late on comebacks…route awareness tends to run hot/cold and late to read and get his head turned…tough, reliable tackler in college, but finishing NFL ballcarriers will be a different challenge…lack of size leads to durability concerns, missing two games as a senior due to a right arm injury (Oct. 2017).

One of the top athletes in the state of Michigan

played only two years of football at Martin Luther King but was an incredibly versatile performer

played slot receiver, running back and defensive back and also returned kicks

on offense, averaged an impressive 27.3 yards per catch as a senior, totaling 35 receptions for 956 yards and 14 touchdowns

averaged 11.0 yards per rush with 717 yards and four TDs on 65 carries

a shutdown corner who helped the King Crusaders limit opponents to just 10.9 points per game

had four interceptions, including two returned for touchdowns

also had two punt return TDs

Associated Press All-State

MLive.com Metro Detroit "Dream Team"

Detroit News first team All-Metro

led team to a 10-2 record and the semifinals of the Michigan High School Athletic Association (MHSAA) state playoffs

rated the No. 6 overall prospect in Michigan by Scout, No. 15 by 247Sports and No. 22 by Rivals

played under Coach Dale Harvel

selected to play in the Ohio-Michigan High School Border Classic all-star game

also a standout in baseball and basketball.

Avonte Michael Maddox, born 3/31/96, is the son of Michael Maddox and Melanie Jackson

has two brothers and one sister

communication major.

2017

2016

2015