Class: 2008 Big Board
Pros: A productive and experienced linebacker, Highsmith has an uncanny ability to read plays--he’s an intelligent player with a high football I.Q. A leader on and off the field, he gives an honest day’s work every Saturday, possessing the type of intangibles teams look for in their linebackers. Highsmith has the capability to cover ground with his natural athleticism, as the LSU linebacker plays faster than his 40-time. During his career as a Tiger, Highsmith displayed a solid all-around game, whether he was stopping the run or dropping back in coverage against backs and tight ends. A very sure tackler who wraps and finishes, the Miami native utilizes his speed to chase down opponents. His all-purpose talent will allow him to provide depth at all three linebacker positions, as well as contribute on special teams. With over 50 games and 30-plus starts he is a well-polished player.
Cons: More than any other linebacker who is competing to go in the first two rounds, Highsmith needs to bulk up and get stronger if he is going to have anywhere near the impact he had in Baton Rouge at the next level. If he does not add weight to his frame, he will have some serious issues taking on NFL-caliber offensive linemen. In addition, he does not always pursue properly and at times, he can appear a step slow.
Overall: While he can play all three linebacker positions in a 4-3 defense, it is doubtful his versatility will come into play much in the NFL as his physical skills and limitations likely have him pegged at the weakside position. One has to wonder how much of his success had to do with all the phenomenal talent that Highsmith played with at LSU, in particular a defensive line than that took so much attention of the opposing linemen.
Mogollon’s View: You loved him as a college player, as he was a major contributor to one of the most successful classes in LSU history, but there are serious questions whether his skills will translate to the next level. He is extremely undersized and has not been able to add much bulk while at LSU. If he were faster, safety might be an option.
Murphy’s View: An athletic outside linebacker who has led the Tigers in tackles. Scouts wonder if he has the instincts to continue that in the pros. Highsmith seems to be more of a straight-lined athlete who struggles at times to turn-and-run in pass coverage. He will run in the 4.5s and show outstanding athleticism during the NFL Combine, but scouts are more interested to see his read/react skills during the practice week at the Senior Bowl.
Factoid: Originally a Miami signee, Highsmith held up a sign that read “I’m glad I’m not U” after the Tigers beat the Hurricanes in the 2005 Peach Bowl.
Medical Examiner: Highsmith has proven to be very durable having never missed a game due to injury. He had surgery on both ankles to remove bone spurs as a result of ankle sprains.
Highlights of Accomplishments:
• 2007 Second Team All-American
• 2007 First Team All-SEC
• 2006 Second Team All-SEC
• 2006 & 2007 Butkus Award Semifinalist
• SEC Defensive Player of the Week (10/15/05)
Personal: Ali is the cousin of former NFL player and current Green Bay scout Alonzo Highsmith.
High School: Played linebacker for Central High School in Miami, FL. Highsmith tallied 90 tackles, eight forced fumbles, seven sacks, and three fumbles returned for touchdowns during his senior campaign.
Major: Communication Studies
Quote of Note: "He's not necessarily a large linebacker, but he is certainly big enough to do the job and he's very athletic. He's got a knack for understanding.
--LSU Head Coach Les Miles on Ali Highsmith
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