Top FCS defensive end Anthony one to watch

A FCS player to keep an eye on this season is Grambling State defensive end Christian Anthony.

A finalist in 2009 for the Buck Buchanan Award given to the division's top defensive player, Anthony has shown plenty of traits being a top NFL Draft prospect.

Last season he finished with 76 tackles, 15 tackles for a loss, eight sacks, five interceptions, five forced fumbles and three fumble recoveries.

JB Scouting rates Anthony as the third-best prospect in the FCS.

Anthony has been known for having an excellent motor and a great first step. He's excelled against lower-level football. A season-opening game against Louisiana Tech of the WAC is a decent proving ground. He could line up against junior left tackle Rob McGill, who has the makings of a future pro.

One of the bigger knocks on Anthony has been his endurance. Much like Pittsburgh defensive end Greg Romeus, Anthony had a tendency to fade late in games. That's an area he's worked on during the offseason.

"This whole spring, I've been doing a lot of cardio work," Anthony told the Sports Network. "I'm just trying to get off the ball as fast as I can. Cardio work, reaction time work, just stuff like that.

"(The goal is to keep) putting pressure on the quarterback from the beginning of the game to the end. Just the feeling of being physical and going out there and playing and representing my school the best way I can."

Listed at 275 pounds – but widely considered to be 265 right now – Anthony said he wants to trim down to 255 pounds. The senior wants to increase his quickness and also his strength.

At that weight, Anthony's future may be as a 3-4 outside linebacker. If he tackles players like he does in the clip below, he'll be just fine.