Jimmie Ward

A Jim Thorpe Award semifinalist as a senior, Ward was all over the field in 2013, leading the team in tackles with 92, including a whopping 62 solo stops. He was also one of the nation's best ball-hawking safeties with seven interceptions and 10 pass break-ups. What separates Ward from other undersized prospects is his versatile skill set and training to play any position in the defensive backfield. His versatility should be highly appealing to NFL teams and may even draw higher grades for Ward than expected.

strengths

Compact frame. Remarkably fluid athlete with quick feet, smooth change-of-direction agility and easy acceleration. Dropped down to cover slot receivers with solid man-to-man skills to handle a similar role in the NFL.

good balance and lateral agility, including the ability to sprawl to avoid cut-blocks. physical, competitive defender who doesn't back down from the challenges of bigger opponents. very good diagnosis skills and closes quickly and forcefully. takes proper angles in pursuit, limiting breakaway opportunities for opponents. eased concerns that his stellar play was due in part to questionable competition at the senior bowl.

Weaknesses

shorter than scouts prefer, a fact that could lead to some projecting him at cornerback. good but less-than-ideal speed to recover if beaten initially. gets too grabby once he's turned around. leaves his feet to tackle, creating some impressive collisions but occasionally failing to wrap up securely. misses tackles against the bigger, stronger athletes.

Compares To

Honorable mention 6A All-State defensive back by the Alabama Sportswriters Association as a senior. Mobile Press Register named him to its All-Region 4A-6A team following his junior and senior years. Three-year starter for Davidson served as team captain in 2009. Earned team Defensive MVP honors. Led the Warriors in tackles as a senior with 101 tackles, 73 solo, as Davidson went 10-3 and advanced to the state quarterfinals. Also recorded eight pass break-ups, an interception, forced two fumbles and recovered three. Added three blocked kicks and three quarterback sacks. Named the city's Defensive Back of the Week by the Crichton Optimist Club on Sept. 24. As a junior, made 93 tackles with 55 solo, broke up seven passes and intercepted five. Also caused a pair of fumbles and blocked two kicks. Three-year totals included 253 tackles, 164 solo, with 16 pass break-ups, six interceptions, five blocked kicks, four fumbles forced and four recovered. Also had four quarterback sacks. Defensive standout with seven tackles, a pair of blocked punts and two pass break ups while holding Williamson HS to 131 total yards in a 24-0 victory in 2009. Picked off two passes to help lead the Warriors to an upset win over No. 6 McGill-Toolen in 2008. Prep team compiled a 27-10 record in his three seasons, including an 11-3 mark in 2008 when the Warriors advanced to the state semifinals.

Born July 18, 1991. Son of Torcivia and Derrick Daniels. Working toward a degree in general studies.