Kenny Tate Scouting Report

Tate was one of a few true freshmen to see playing time with Maryland in 2008. Even just playing on special teams and in a reserve safety role, it was quite clear that Tate would soon be a force on the defensive end. And this was just months after coming to the Terrapins as a wide receiver. The conversion to the defensive side of the ball was a smooth one for the 6-4, 220-pound safety-turned-linebacker and he ended his freshman campaign with 15 tackles and an interception. By his sophomore campaign Tate was a part-time starter before severely spraining his ankle and missing the last two games of the season. With more playing time, Tate tallied an impressive 47 tackles and picked off another pass.

Tate was expected to step into the starting free safety spot in 2010 and he stayed healthy and productive. He ended the regular season ranking second on the team with 94 tackles. The Forestville, MD native added eight tackles-for-loss and 3.5 sacks. He also picked off three passes, broke up three others and forced four fumbles. Tate is a bigger hitter who can rip the ball away from even the toughest ball-carries. He moved to a outside linebacker as a senior and was extremely productive through four games before suffering a season-ending knee injury.

Tate clearly has a future in the NFL, but the question is whether it will be now or in a year. He is seeking a medical redshirt for a fifth year of eligibility. At 6-4 and 220 pounds, he has the size and athleticism to play either safety position or outside linebacker at the next level (likely to remain at OLB). Talent-wise Tate could be a third-round pick in the 2012 draft, but the injury will hurt him if he does not get his redshirt granted and has to declare.