Alfonzo Dennard 2012 NFL Draft prospect notes

by Dan Kadar on Jul 6, 2011 6:00 PM EDT in 2012 NFL Draft

Alfonzo Dennard
5'10, 205 pounds | Cornerback | Nebraska

First word: There were several occasions in the 2010 season that Nebraska's Alfonzo Dennard outplayed highly touted teammate Prince Amukamara. That's not to downgrade the Giants' first-round pick this year. Instead, it should affirm Dennard's rating as one of the best cornerbacks in the 2012 NFL Draft.

Dennard has been a starter since midway through the 2009 season but really came on as a junior. He finished last season with four interceptions and seven pass breakups while starting 13 games. Dennard is an all-around cornerback who plays the run well, when asked. Dennard strongly considered going pro following his junior season, but his mother urged him to return to school. That will allow Dennard to get his sociology degree.

His game compares favorably to Leon Hall of the Cincinnati Bengals.

Games viewed: Washington (2010, twice), Texas ('10), Missouri ('10), Texas A&M ('10), Oklahoma ('10)

Bold statement: Dennard may not be a top 15 pick in the NFL Draft, but he'll be a good pro for a long time.

Alfonzo Dennard
5'10, 205 pounds | Cornerback | Nebraska

Notes:

• Gives too big of a cushion at times and will be beaten when wide receivers work back to the inside. The Oklahoma game exposed this flaw the most, though it is partially a scheme issue.

• Is at his best when he can be physical with a wide receiver to break up a play.

• Uses good hand placement to make a play on the ball but not get hit with pass interference calls.

• Plays with a lot of sudden movement and looks to have good quickness to break on the ball.

• At a listed 5'10, Dennard may have slightly short arms, but he knows how to use them jamming at the line.

• As a high school wide receiver, Dennard has natural hands which he gets to use when he's playing in front of the receiver. Finished 2010 with seven pass breakups and four interceptions.

• On run plays, Dennard can struggle getting off blocks, which is surprising considering his bulk.

• Injuries of note include shoulder injury as a sophomore and a concussion as a junior.

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Comments

The coaches have said Dennard could be better than Prince, FWIW. He’ll be starting alongside a talented yet inexperience sophomore in Ciante Evans, so we’ll have to see how much Dennard is tested.

It’s pronounced Din-erd BTW, in case you weren’t aware. What the guys say on TV isn’t always the best way to learn a guy’s name. Ask Roy Hell-yu or Dejon Go-mez.

Go Suns, Packers, Jays, and Huskers!

Green Bay Packers: Super Bowl XLV Champions!!!!

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by Omaha Sun on Jul 6, 2011 6:11 PM EDT reply actions

I’d expect the coaches to say that.

What are Husker fans thinking of new recruit Greg McMullen, by the way? He’s from around my area here in Ohio. Good kid, that’s for sure.

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by Dan Kadar on Jul 6, 2011 9:01 PM EDT up reply actions

Most who care about recruiting think pretty highly of him

We’re getting an Ohio kid who we know is gonna bust his tail. It also helps hearing that he wants to stick it to OSU while with Neb. Tape on him shows a good motor, and like I said, we assume is work ethic will never be in question.

by NotYourNormalHuskerfan on Jul 7, 2011 12:34 PM EDT up reply actions

Haha I don't follow recruiting really closely, and I didn't see anything about him until you mentioned him.

I found something on omaha.com though and I liked what I read. When did he commit?

Go Suns, Packers, Jays, and Huskers!

Green Bay Packers: Super Bowl XLV Champions!!!!

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by Omaha Sun on Jul 7, 2011 12:38 PM EDT up reply actions

Greg McMullen should have gone to ND but Nebraska isn't so bad.

What will fail them this season is they are too young and inexperienced at WR. They better hope Jamal Turner turns out to be good right off the bat or there isn’t even a chance at the Big 10 title game. I’m not sure if Alfonzo will be a 1st rounder, there are some good under classmen that may come out but he should be a really solid player who may even outperform those drafted ahead of him.

by Robin's-meats-and-vegetables on Jul 7, 2011 7:34 PM EDT up reply actions

Turner was the MVP of the Spring game. Dude is crazy explosive. I agree the WR situation is a bit scary, but we still have Kinnie, Kyler Reed the TD machine, and hopefully Turner can impress right away. Plus we have Martinez and Burkhead on the ground.

I think Dennard is a first rounder, but I’m obviously biased.

Go Suns, Packers, Jays, and Huskers!

Green Bay Packers: Super Bowl XLV Champions!!!!

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by Omaha Sun on Jul 8, 2011 1:41 AM EDT up reply actions