Elijah Joseph Scouting Report

Elijah Joseph was part of the turnaround that saw Temple go from 1-11 in 2006 to 4-8 during Joseph's freshman campaign in 2007. Joseph was one of many freshmen to see playing time in 2007, but he did not make much of an impact. The following season the Owls won five games and Joseph earned nine starts at outside linebacker and totaled 54 tackles. In 2009 Temple went to a bowl game for the first time in 30 years and the young defense was growing into a very strong unit. Joseph played a big part in that success and tallied 63 tackles, two sacks and forced two fumbles.

The success in 2009 paved the way for Joseph to be named to the Butkus Award watch list in 2010. Joseph will not win the honor awarded to the nation's best linebacker, but being recognized for his consistent and impressive play is an honor.

Joseph's future is likely in the middle of the linebacker corps. He is not fast enough to play on the outside in most schemes and that will likely limit his value at the next level. However, Joseph should have little trouble adjusting to playing in the middle and he can certainly play on the outside as well; that versatility will be a big bonus when NFL teams start looking to fill their rosters with talented and versatile players late in the draft.

12/20 Update: Joseph finished off his senior season by tallying 71 tackles, ranking second on the team, and adding 5.5 tackles-for-loss and one interception. He also defended seven passes and broke up six. Unfortunately for Joseph, he suffered a knee injury late in the year and missed Temple's final game. After undergoing surgery, he hopes to be ready to show off for scouts before the draft.