Quan Sturdivant Scouting Report

Do-it-all linebacker Quan Sturdivant did not spend any time learning on the sidelines at North Carolina. As a true freshman he played in all 12 games and earned five starts, tallying 47 tackles, 1.5 tackles-for-loss, one sack, one interception and even blocked a punt. That set the stage for his breakout sophomore campaign. In 2008 Sturdivant started every game and led the team with an incredible 122 tackles, including an NCAA FBS high 87 unassisted tackles.

For the 2009 season Sturdivant moved to the middle of the linebacker corps and his leadership has led to a stifling Tar Heel defense. He was not asked to do as much as far as tackling is concerned from his new position thanks to an improving defense around him, but he still led the team with 75 tackles during the regular season and did a great job getting into the backfield, totaling 12.0 tackles-for-loss, one sack and six quarterback hurries. Sturdivant has turned into a leader during the 2010 campaign after many of the other stars on defense have been suspended. However, a hamstring injury has limited him to just three games so far this year.

What makes Sturdivant so valuable is his versatility. He can play any linebacker position, and once he is there he can do everything one would want a linebacker to do. He can obviously use his 6-2, 235 pound frame to fight his way into the backfield, but he is also more than capable of dropping back into coverage.

2/8 Update: Sturdivant came back strong at the end of his senior season. Despite missing time with the hamstring injury, the linebacker finished third on the team in tackles. He even wrapped up his collegiate career by picking off a pass on his last play on the field. The result was a 30-27 double overtime victory for the Tar Heels over Tennessee in the Music City Bowl. Sturdivant can still improve his stock, but he is a solid second or third round selection right now.

4/4 Update: A solid showing at the NFL combine has moved Sturdivant up most draft boards. With inside linebackers like Greg Jones, Casey Matthews and Martez Wilson in the mix, Sturdivant still has some tough competition. He may not be the first inside linebacker taken (that honor will likely go to Wilson), but Sturdivant should be next in line and hear his name called in the second round.