Scouting Report: Vincent Croce, DT – Olney, MD
Our Lady of Good Consel defensive tackle Vincent CroceWeight: 260 lbs.
Class: 2011
Position: Defensive tackle
School: Our Lady of Good Counsel in Olney, MD
40 Yard Dash: 5.17 (reported)
Vertical: 23″
Bench: 330 lbs.
Squat: 465 lbs.
Notes: Holds offers from Cincinnati, Duke, Louisville, Maryland, Michigan, Michigan State, North Carolina, Notre Dame, Pittsburgh, Rutgers, West Virginia, and Wisconsin, among others . . . Attends Our Lady of Good Counsel, alma mater of 2009 Michigan target Jelani Jenkins . . . As a junior, had 30 tackles, 5 sacks, and 2 fumble recoveries . . . Also caught 4 passes for 55 yards at tight end . . . Played defensive tackle and tight end as a sophomore . . . Played defensive tackle, middle linebacker, and tight end as a junior . . . Tore meniscus prior to junior season . . . Gained approximately 30 lbs. between sophomore and junior year . . . Wore #89 as a sophomore and #80 as a junior
Strengths: Listed at 5.17 but seemingly plays faster . . . Ability to chase some players from sideline to sideline . . . Relentless pass rusher . . . Very aggressive tackler . . . Strong upper body . . . Uses hands well to deliver good initial shock and shed blockers . . . Good initial surge off the line . . . Relatively lean frame
Weaknesses: Not a natural knee bender . . . Stands too high . . . May get overpowered by strong run-blocking guards . . . Played significant time at linebacker, which may stunt growth as defensive lineman . . .
Projection: Could be a solid rotation player as early as second year in program
Reminds me of: Ryan Van Bergen
The following video is from Croce’s sophomore year, when he was significantly lighter and a bit quicker:
