Pro Football Draft Network | 2012 Pro Football Draft Analysis

Bobby Wagner is one of the 2012 NFL Draft’s better linebackers.  He has been playing at Utah State for the past four years and many football fans have not seen him play much at all.  Wagner will be playing in the Senior Bowl and it would not be surprising to see him rising on draft boards of NFL teams in the coming months.

I recently interviewed Utah State’s linebackers’ coach, Kevin Clune, regarding Bobby Wagner’s collegiate career. 

Denis Krusos: What were Bobby’s main responsibilities in your defense?

Coach Clune: It changed weekly, but generally on 1^st and 2^nd down we tried to funnel the action toward him.  Bobby was our best tackler.  We tried to free him to go run down the ball carrier.  What he did on 3^rd down depended on the opponent.  Sometimes we asked him to be primarily a pass rusher and other times to drop into coverage.  Bobby is a versatile linebacker.

Denis Krusos: What did you primarily work with him on from a technique standpoint?

Coach Clune: Bobby is more polished now.  He has a better idea how to attack and defeat blockers.  I helped him take advantage of his long arms to press a guy and then escape.

Denis Krusos: How has Bobby improved over the years?

Coach Clune: The mental side of the game is where he has improved the most.  I have coached Bobby for three years.  The first year he knew what he had to do.  The second year he understood better the big picture or how the defense is supposed to work, overall.  The 3^rd year he was able to tell teammates where to line up and adjust the defense.

Denis Krusos: What does Bobby need to work on to be successful in the NFL?

Coach Clune: He is going to have to read plays quicker.  Bobby will have to learn the new defensive system well.  I do not expect him to make a big impact in his first year.  There will be an adjustment period and then he will develop as he gains experience.

Denis Krusos: What type of person is Bobby?

Coach Clune: Bobby is a top-notch person.  He did not cause any problems and helped with charity work and with kids.  He is competitive with everything he does, but is also humble.  He really was a showcase for the Utah State program.

Denis Krusos: How much special teams experience does he have?

Coach Clune: We held him off special teams later in his career because he played so many downs on defense.  However, earlier he was used on punt and kickoff coverage.  He is athletic and he will be able to contribute on special teams at the next level.

Denis Krusos: What do you consider to be his strengths?

Coach Clune: Bobby is physically strong, quick and has long arms.  He also is fundamentally sound and plays with excellent technique.

Denis Krusos: Can you give me an example of his leadership skills?

Coach Clune: We were down by 21 points to Hawaii at halftime this year.  He just took over the locker room and fed our team’s attitude that we were going to win the game.  Utah State prevailed 35-31.

Denis Krusos: Bobby is a bit undersized for an NFL linebacker at about 6’ and 235 pounds.  How is he going to overcome this?

Coach Clune: His size is a bit deceiving because he has the arm length of a 7-footer.  In addition, Bobby is very lean (5% body fat) at 235 pounds.  He could reach 245 pounds with his frame and not lose quickness.