Marc Anthony

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OVERVIEW

Anthony probably won't be a first-round pick like Nnamdi Asomugha (who played for Tedford in his first season at Cal) but could join former Bears safety Thomas DeCoud as a third-round pick -- and eventual NFL starter.

 

 

A four-star prospect and one of the top 20 cornerback recruits in the country coming out of Chandler, Ariz., Anthony took over a starting role as a redshirt sophomore in 2010 after playing eight games (no statistics) the previous season. He tied for the team lead with two interceptions that season, and broke up six passes while making 48 stops. Anthony started 11 of 13 games as a junior, missing the USC and Utah games with a dislocated left shoulder suffered against Oregon. He intercepted only one pass, but used his length to knock away 12 passes and attacked five plays behind the line of scrimmage during the season. As a senior, Anthony registered 53 tackles (7 for loss), two interceptions, and three passes defended.

ANALYSIS STRENGTHS Possesses the height and length scouts like in an outside corner to man-up against bigger receivers. Affects plays at multiple levels of zone defenses using his size and backfield awareness. Has enough foot quickness to stay with receivers down the sideline and in trail coverage over the middle. Shows closing speed to jump out routes and stuff hitches, and the hand-eye coordination to knock away passes in front of the receiver. Upper-body strength is sufficient to rip out the ball as it arrives in their hands. Likes to pound receivers going into the air to make a grab, and will throw a shoulder into ballcarriers in run support. WEAKNESSES His long-legged frame means his recovery speed, backpedal, and ability to transition are a bit slower than many of that of smaller prospects at the position. His overall bulk and strength are average, as well, meaning he must fully utilize his size and length by playing with more bend, dropping his hips to anchor against receiver blocks and be a more consistent tackler. NFL COMPARISON Bradley Fletcher BOTTOM LINE Possessing the size of a starting outside NFL cornerback, Anthony has potential to be a top-100 prospect as he built upon his senior year in proving his game speed and agility in postseason workouts.