University of Florida #73
Position: Defensive Tackle
Height/Weight: 6'3/297 lbs.
Age: 20
Drafted By: Minnesota Vikings
Sharrif Floyd, only 20, is another prospect to enter the 2013 NFL Draft with a touching back-story. On May 28th, 1992, Floyd was born into a life of grief and confusion in a shady neighborhood in Philadelphia. The things he saw on those streets included things that gifted kids from Punahou would never imagine of seeing such as cold-blooded murder. In his house, his father constantly abused him both physically and mentally, leaving his basement as his only escape. Later in high school, it was revealed to him that this wasn't even his real father. His biological was murdered when Floyd was barely 3 years old. His mother was a drug addict, his "father" was in and out of jail, and, to top it all off, he was bullied for his size and weight at a young age. He weighed 160 lbs. in only fifth grade and his dirty pants' buttons broke often. Because of this, his pants would fall down. Floyd's teacher even called home to report he should take a shower. Throughout all this torment, he remained tough, never made excuses, and instead used it as motivation. When sports entered his life, everything changed. Basketball started it all off and eventually led to football. The coaches accepted him and let him choose his own number, 73. Football was his anger outlet, his source of confidence, and his passion. It gave him purpose in life and his talent was evident as he dominated high school using his size and strength. Many people supported him throughout high school. When Floyd was invited to the US Army National Combine, he knew he wouldn't be able to afford the trip. The school helped him tremendously by selling brownies and made enough money to pay fo his trip. After this combine, Floyd was recognized as the number 1 defensive tackle prospect in the nation. Now, he is headed to Minnesota where he will live out his dreams. He serves as a role model to all those kids from his hometown Philadelphia who hope to one day follow the same footsteps as him. Floyd remains a humble, down to earth prospect and has earned the respect of millions around the nation.
Strengths:
This is yet another player from this season's draft is incredibly athletic and strong. The way Sharrif Floyd moves shouldn't be possible for a man his size of 6'3 and almost 300 lbs. At the NFL Combine, he ran a 4.92 40 yard dash and vertical jumped 30 inches in the air. Just to put things in perspective, OLB Jarvis Jones, who is 50 lbs. lighter than Floyd, ran the dash in the same time. Also, at University of Florida, he played in the DE spot as well as DT, which shows how the coaches see him and his athletic ability. Although he cannot beat the tackles and get to the quarterback using sheer speed, his burst off the snap is unbelievable. His biggest strength he is ability to accelerate so quickly, shed blocks, and sprint towards the quarterback. Floyd also has phenomenal strength. Even when double-teamed, he plants his feet and drives forward, pushing the offensive linemen backwards on their heels. This makes him a great player because he swallows the pocket where the quarterback is protected and eats up space for the runningback to run against. There were many plays during the season where he absolutely manhandled whoever tried to block him and was in complete control.
Weaknesses:
One knock against Sharrif Floyd is that he plays high and standing upright. When players do this, it allows opponents to get a lower center of gravity and explode up with much more power. Because of this, Floyd can often get pushed backwards against better competition despite his strength. If he were to get lower, it would give him better balance and allow for the explosiveness that he can show. Not only when engaging a blocker, but when trying to make a tackle he plays upright. This caused him to miss a few tackles against lighter, quicker players such as quarterbacks and runningbacks. Fortunately for him, play upright like this can be coached in the NFL. That and the experience of playing against stronger, faster, and bigger linemen will teach him that playing low will increase his performance during the game.
Overview:
Despite being a big and heavy man, Sharrif Floyd is able to move quickly and explosively. This athletic ability gives him a huge advantage when stepping up to the next level of football. But, athleticism is the only thing he should rely on. With hard work in the weight room and coaching up his technique, Floyd can develop into the first round grade player he was projected to be. Lucklly for him, he is able to develop under All-Pro DT Kevin Williams for a few years before he is expected to replace Williams. Floyd has overcome great ordeals that are unheard of for many. This great story has made him into the humble, hardworking man he is today. It will be fun to follow this player as he develops and serves as a role model to all those wanting to follow his example toward success.
Games Viewed:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JUGNnSr6vyk
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