Player Bio:
An All-District dual-threat quarterback and safety from San Antonio's Reagan High School, Summers was destined to play on the defensive side of the ball in college. He played in the opener as a true freshman but suffered a season-ending injury. The next season, he started five times in 13 games played, making 86 stops, four for loss, and an interception. Summers was named second-team All-Big 12 by league coaches as a redshirt sophomore, racking up 121 tackles (five for loss, 1.5 sacks) in 13 games (10 starts). He was an honorable mention all-conference pick after his junior year, when he started 9 of 14 games played, posting 84 tackles, eight for loss, four sacks, one interception, and five pass breakups. Summers was an honorable mention pick in 2018, despite missing time with injuries (47 tackles, 6.5 for loss, four sacks in 10 games with nine starts).
Analysis:
Draft Projection: Round 5
Overview:
Inside linebacker possessing the physical qualities of an NFL player but lacking the necessary instincts and feel to make plays on his terms. While Summers won't always play to his top speed, he could very well run a pre-draft sub 4.6 40, which could make him a late-round target for teams who view him as back-end depth and a potential core special teamer.
Strengths:
- Expected to test well, especially in the 40-yard dash
- High-motor player who makes all the calls for the defense
- Play strength is a plus
- Asked to play on the edge at times, and showed ability to hold up
- Low pad level and sturdy base to anchor in his gap against blockers
- Patient when scraping with focus on leveraging runner and preventing a backside cut
- Heavy tackler with compact strike zone
- Possesses tools to specialize on special teams
Weaknesses:
- Movement skills on tape don't match workout numbers
- Lateral agility and change of direction is just average
- Below average as open-field tackler Hangs back waiting to bang with lineman rather than attacking downhill
- Too much reading and not enough reacting
- Comes off the field on passing down
