Damontae Kazee

Though few outside of the Mountain West know him, Kazee is one of the more accomplished defenders in the 2017 NFL draft, earning conference Defensive Player of the Year honors each of the past two seasons and proving at the Senior Bowl that his success is hardly due to inferior competition. Kazee recorded 65 tackles (45 solo), seven interceptions for 156 yards, eight pass breakups, three tackles for loss in 2016, nearly duplicating the production he enjoyed a year earlier when he recorded 75 tackles (team-high 58 solo - next highest was 45), a team-best eight interceptions, 5.5 tackles for loss, seven pass breakups and two forced fumbles in 14 starts. Kazee earned Second Team all-conference honors as a sophomore, registering 58 tackles (40 solo and four for loss), with a team-high 13 pass breakups, an interception, and a fumble recovery. After redshirting in 2012, he starred as second-year freshman, recording 41 tackles (28 solo), four forced fumbles, 3.0 TFL, two pass breakups, an interception, a sack and a blocked kick. A three-time all-MW selection over his career (first team in 2015-16, second team in 2014), Kazee finished with a school-record 17 interceptions and 30 overall pass breakups, along with 240 tackles (171 solos), including 14.5 for loss. His agility and aggression stood out even against the top competition in Mobile, where he showed the form of a future starting NFL cornerback, showing the awareness and open-field tackling ability to handle both man and zone responsibilities. STRENGTHS: Sports a compact, athletic build showing the light feet, balance and loose hips to easily change direction. Confident in press man coverage, showing a low, tight backpedal and smooth turning motion. Good route anticipation and understands angles, keep his frame between the receiver and the quarterback. Peeks back toward the quarterback and isn't afraid to drop his primary coverage duties to break quickly back to the ball, showing impressive field vision. Kazee tracks the ball well, exhibiting the body control and concentration to make difficult over-the-shoulder grabs. He possesses excellent hand-eye coordination to punch at the ball (six forced fumbles over his career) and showed exciting development as an interceptor over his past two seasons, recording 15 turnovers after just two in his first two seasons. Competitive open-field tackler, who aggressively slithers his way past would-be blockers to get into the action. Kazee attacks with a downhill mentality of a safety, showing the willingness to lower his shoulder to deliver a blow and is a sure tackler who wraps his arms. WEAKNESSES: Kazee lacks ideal size, including arm length (29 7/8"). He is a classic gambler who can be fooled with double-moves and savvy quarterbacks looking the other way. Lacks the swift acceleration to recover if caught flat-footed and may struggle to keep up with NFL receivers on longer routes. Though he has some explosive hits on tape, Kazee is more pesky than powerful as a tackler. IN OUR VIEW: Kazee initially planned to leave San Diego State for the NFL after his junior season but ultimately returned, wanting to earn his degree (Criminal Justice). Kazee starred upon his return, joining former Oakland Raiders middle linebacker Kirk Morrison as the only two-time Mountain West Defensive Player of the Year in school history. Don't be surprised when he - just as Morrison did - outplays his draft position and proves a standout at the next level.

Three-time all-CIF athlete who played both sides of the ball at Cajon High in San Bernardino, Calif.

Helped the Cowboys to a 9-2 overall record as a senior in 2011, including a 6-1 mark in league play

Recorded 27 tackles, two interceptions and a forced fumble on defense during his senior year

On offense, he scored four touchdowns on the ground and caught another four touchdowns through the air

Scouts, Inc. rated him as a three-star recruit and gave him a grade of 75

In high school, he lettered in football, basketball and track.

Born June 5, 1993, in San Bernardino, Calif.

Son of Walter and Latrease Kazee

Has three brothers and two sisters

Brother, Walter, was a four-year running back for the Aztecs from 2009-12

Also considered Arizona and Washington State

Majoring in criminal justice.

2016

fumbles
REC	LOST	FUM
0.0	1.0	1.0

defensive
TFL	QB HUR	TOT	TD	PD	SACKS	SOLO
3.0	0.0	67.0	1.0	8.0	0.0	46.0

interceptions
TD	AVG	YDS	INT
1.0	22.3	156.0	7.0

2015

interceptions
TD	AVG	YDS	INT
1.0	7.3	58.0	8.0

puntReturns
AVG	NO	TD	LONG	YDS
14.0	5.0	1.0	66.0	70.0