Jump to content

  • Welcome!

    Register and log in easily with Twitter or Google accounts!

    Or simply create a new Huddle account. 

    Members receive fewer ads , access our dark theme, and the ability to join the discussion!

     

Carolina Panthers select LB AJ Klein.

ncguy2184

By ncguy2184,
in Carolina Panthers

Recommended Posts

ncguy2184 Enthusiast

ncguy2184

Posted
Posted

Paired with outside linebacker Jake Knott, Klein made up half of arguably the top linebacker tandem in the nation over the past couple of seasons. Klein's terrific play didn't end in Ames, however. A solid performance at the East-West Shrine Game might have teams wondering if the highly instinctive playmaker can enjoy similar production in the NFL.

Klein was a three-star recruit out of Wisconsin, but didn't receive an offer from the Badgers and accepted a scholarship from the Cyclones.

After limited playing time as a freshman in 2009, he became a starter in 2010 and was quickly a standout, registering 111 tackles, 8.0 tackles for loss and three interceptions (two returned for touchdowns), earning All-Big 12 Honorable Mention honors. He followed that up two more remarkably statistically-similar campaigns, averaging 116.5 tackles, 5.5 tackles for loss, 1.5 sacks and another interception, each of which he returned for a score. Characterized by many throughout his career as lacking athleticism, Klein leaves Iowa State having tied the FBS record with four touchdowns scored off of interception returns.

Named a consensus All-Big 12 player in 2012 and the co-Defensive Player of the Year out of the conference (along with Oklahoma defensive end Frank Alexander) in 2011, Klein has proved himself to be among the more consistent and dependable linebackers in the country. While he may not possess the ideal timed speed or change of direction of his peers, he's fast on the field due to terrific instincts and effort.

As such, don't be among those "surprised" when his success continues in the NFL, even if he winds up being drafted later than his production would seem to warrant.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Archived

This topic is now archived and is closed to further replies.

Go to topic listing

  • PMH4OWPW7JD2TDGWZKTOYL2T3E.jpg

  • Topics

  • Posts

    • NAS
      Panthers vs Bucs matchup

      By NAS · Posted

      What are the matchups, stats and superlatives?   I think this will be a hard game. Bucs are a very balanced team on offense:  7th  in total yards per game, 7th in passing, 10th in rushing. Baker is having another career year even better than last year but despite missing his Godwin and Evans. Bucs defense is poor (29th) particularly passing defense, but we’re also depleted in our receiving with Coker and Sanders likely out. Running Chuba is key but their defense is better against the run. (16th) I think this is likely going to require us to score a lot of points to keep up and hopefully the home field advantage tips the scale in our favor. My other concern is our run defense and being able to stop their rookie study Bucky Irving who the Bucs have shifted more carries to recently and he’s averaging 5.4 ypc and knows how to get into the endzone with 5 TDs so far.         
    • frankw
      Chris Long: Bryce Young Went Toe To Toe With Patrick Mahomes

      By frankw · Posted

      This is nonsense and you know it. People will be happy when we are consistently and convincingly winning games against good teams. There are people in here talking down to others after losses and barely beating the terrible NY Giants. If you want to strut around here like only you are a real Panthers fan and rage pooing posts because your jimmies are rustled then hey good luck with all that. I hope you have a lovely Thanksgiving.
    • cardiackat88.
      Thanksgiving last year?

      By cardiackat88. · Posted

      Who had the massive meltdown last year? Hope they feel better this year.
×
×
  • Create New...