Drue Tranquill, OLB, Notre Dame #23
6017, 235, 4.64
Notes: From Fort Wayne, IN. Was also an outstanding baseball player in high school. Played in 11 regular-season games and started 3 as a freshman, posted 33 tackles 1 TFL, 0.5 sacks, 1 INT, 1 PBU, 1 FR and 1 blocked kick in 2014. Suffered a torn ACL in November and missed the rest of the season. Played in each of the first 3 games with 1 start, making 9 tackles, 2.5 TFL and 2 PBU, but was lost for the season due to a torn ACL after breaking up a pass in the endzone. Came back to start all 12 games for the Irish in 2016, recording 79 tackles, 2 TFL, 1 INT and 3 PBU. Started all 13 games, converting from safety to linebacker, with 85 tackles, 10.5 TFL, 1.5 sacks, 1 INT, 4 PBU, 1 FF and 3 FR in 2017. Graduated in May 2018 with a degree in mechanical engineering. Was married in July 2018.
Positives: Smart and instinctive. Studies opponents and is extremely thorough in his preparation. Very quick to read and diagnose plays. Very decisive. Closes quickly and flies to the ball. Versatile and active, makes plays all over the field. Has a nose for the ball. Plays with consistent, high level of intensity. Good open-field tackler. Can get upfield and rush the passer. Team leader. Mature, dependable, consistent worker.
Negatives: Lacks great size and bulk to stack at the point of attack, and has some limitations in man-to-man coverage.
Summary: A bit of a position ‘tweener’ who is a hybrid linebacker-safety. Not outstanding at either spot, but an all-around good football player.
