Scouting Report: Drew Singleton – LB – Paramus (NJ) Catholic

Paramus (NJ) Catholic linebacker Drew Singleton (image via Scout)

Name: Drew Singleton
Height: 6’2″
Weight: 204 lbs.
High school: Paramus (NJ) Catholic
Position: Linebacker
Class: 2017

Notes: Holds offers from Alabama, Auburn, Boston College, Clemson, Georgia, Illinois, Kentucky, LSU, Miami, Michigan, Michigan State, Notre Dame, Ohio State, Ole Miss, Penn State, Rutgers, Virginia Tech, and Wisconsin . . . ESPN 4-star, 82 grade, #9 OLB, #179 overall . . . Rivals 4-star, #3 OLB, #33 overall . . . Scout 4-star, #4 OLB, #79 overall . . . 247 Sports 4-star, 95 grade, #5 OLB, #60 overall . . . Teammate of 2016 DT Rashan Gary (Michigan); 2017 DE Corey Bolds; 2018 QB Allan Walters

Hit the jump for the rest of the scouting report.

Strengths: Takes excellent angles to the ball carrier . . . Attacks inside out and downhill . . . Appears to be an emotional leader of team . . . Good speed . . . Aggressive hitter . . . Finishes plays well . . . Stays low when tackling and wading through trash . . . Good timing on blitzes

Weaknesses: Very inconsistent with stance . . . Keeps hands inside but does not use them effectively to shed blocks . . . Good but not great athlete . . . Does not change direction particularly well . . .  Needs to improve field awareness on zone drops

Projection: Linebacker. He is listed in various places from 204 lbs. to 215 lbs., from 6’1″ to 6’3″. I think the 6’2″, 204 lb. listing looks to be the most accurate from his junior year film, although maybe he added some weight and size since then. Regardless, he looks like a WILL linebacker with pretty good speed, but maybe not a guy you want to see bulk up to 245-250 lbs. I mentioned above that he does not have great change-of-direction skills, but I think that’s more of a technique/muscle memory thing that can be corrected than an inherent physical flaw. He just needs to slow himself down and take shorter steps, rather than trying to make plays at full speed all the time. Paramus Catholic plays good competition, but I would like to see more flash plays – turnovers, big hits, etc. He is a good prospect, but I think Rivals has him overrated at #33 overall.

Reminds me of: Brandin Hawthorne. Hawthorne was not the most productive or disciplined player during his time at Michigan, but their body types and the way the two players move are similar. Hawthorne (6’0″, 220 lbs.) was a little smaller than Singleton will be, but he was a guy who had plenty of athleticism for the WILL linebacker position. If Singleton comes to Michigan, hopefully he can be a little more disciplined than Hawthorne on the field.

Likelihood of committing to Michigan: Singleton named Michigan his leader a long time ago, and until recently, the Wolverines had 100% of the picks on the Crystal Ball. Clemson has worked its way into the competition, and now the picks stand at 91% for Michigan and 9% for Clemson.

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