Jaquez Wilkes

Physical Profile

Possesses an elite, projectable frame at a listed 6-foot-4 and weighing between 220 and 245 pounds. Wilkes has the length and room to add significant mass, making a transition to a full-time edge rusher a strong possibility. He is a multi-sport athlete who also plays basketball and competes in track and field, which speaks to his overall coordination and athleticism. While his athletic testing numbers are not widely available, his on-field performance in multiple phases of the game demonstrates functional strength and explosiveness.

Play Style

Wilkes is a classic 'small-town superman' who impacts the game in all three phases. Defensively, he is an aggressive, see-ball-get-ball player who thrives moving forward. He is comfortable dropping into space and uses his length to his advantage in pursuit. His background as a workhorse running back is evident in his physicality and tackling ability.

Strengths

• Versatile playmaking ability, having dominated at the 1A level as both a running back and a linebacker, accumulating over 5,000 rushing yards and 300 tackles in his career before his senior season.
• Excellent downhill aggressor who shoots gaps with conviction and consistently makes plays in the backfield, evidenced by his 42 tackles for loss prior to his senior year.
• Possesses a high-motor and plays with a physical presence, showing good contact explosion that has improved over his high school career.
• Projectable frame with significant growth potential, offering the flexibility to be developed as an inside linebacker or, more likely, a disruptive edge rusher at the next level.

Areas to Improve

• Needs to improve his flexibility and play with a lower center of gravity, as he tends to play upright naturally.
• Must develop his hand usage and cultivate a set of go-to pass-rush moves to consistently defeat collegiate offensive linemen.
• Will face a substantial leap in the level of competition, coming from Alabama's 1A classification, which will require a period of adjustment.

College Projection

Expected to begin his career as a key special teams contributor while he physically develops and adapts to the speed of the SEC. While recruited by some as a middle linebacker, his frame and skill set strongly suggest a future as an impact edge rusher. He has the potential to become a multi-year starter for Auburn by his second or third year, with the upside to be a cornerstone of their defense.

NFL Outlook

As a highly-rated 4-star prospect with a composite score of 0.9557 and a projectable NFL frame, Wilkes has significant long-term potential. His development in technique, particularly in pass-rushing moves and playing with better leverage, will be critical. If he maximizes his physical tools and adjusts to the higher level of competition, he projects as a potential Day 2 NFL Draft selection (Rounds 2-3).

Best Fit

A defensive scheme that allows him to play aggressively and attack the line of scrimmage would be ideal. An even-front defense where he can put his hand in the dirt as a defensive end or be utilized as a stand-up outside linebacker who is frequently sent on blitzes would maximize his downhill, disruptive skill set.