(STATS) – All the NFL Draft assessments of James Madison cornerback Jimmy Moreland will keep going back to his size – or lack of it.
That’s why the consensus FCS All-American plans to keep coming up big with his play on the field.
The 5-foot-11, 175-pound Moreland was one of only a few players to appear in both of college football’s biggest all-star games over the last two weekends. He had one tackle, a pass breakup and a 61-yard return off a missed field goal attempt at the East-West Shrine Game on Jan. 19, then earned a late invitation to the Reese’s Senior Bowl and contributed three tackles this past Saturday.
The accolades he drew built off a career in which Moreland set JMU school records with 18 interceptions and six interception returns for touchdowns.
“As a defensive player, getting the ball back to the offense is a major key,” Moreland told Football Gameplan at the Shrine Game. “We try to look for three-and-outs – long drives wear us down. I’m looking to get the ball out any possible chance, help my defense get off the field.”
Moreland’s smaller size may be suited for a nickel role at the next level. He gets to the ball because of his excellent speed and change of direction.
A USA Today practice assessment at the Shrine Game said, “The small-school cornerback didn’t necessarily have the size (5-foot-11 and 175 pounds) compared to his peers, but he played a lot more competitive and feisty.”
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