Jowell Combay

Physical Profile

Combay possesses a well-proportioned, athletic frame, listed between 6-foot-1 and 6-foot-2, and weighing in the 190-195 pound range. While his frame and athleticism have not been verified in a formal combine setting, his on-field movement is fluid and explosive. His multi-sport background, highlighted by a 42-foot-4-inch triple jump, is a strong indicator of the baseline explosiveness required for the safety position. He has the requisite height and length to match up with tight ends and larger receivers and appears to have room to add quality mass without sacrificing agility once in a college strength and conditioning program.

Play Style

On film, Combay operates with a 'see ball, get ball' mentality. He is most effective as a centerfielding safety where he can use his eyes and instincts to read the quarterback and break on the throw. He is not just a coverage specialist; he shows a willingness to rally to the football in the run game and is a reliable open-field tackler. His two-way snaps demonstrate his overall football acumen and comfort with the ball in the air, making him a threat to create turnovers whenever the ball is thrown in his vicinity.

Strengths

• High-level instincts and route recognition. He consistently baits quarterbacks into throws when operating in zone coverage, showing an advanced understanding of passing lanes and concepts.
• Excellent ball skills, likely honed from playing wide receiver. He is a natural playmaker at the catch point, capable of high-pointing the football and winning contested-catch situations, effectively turning 50/50 balls into turnovers.
• Fluidity and range in space. His film shows a smooth backpedal and the ability to flip his hips and explode in any direction, allowing him to cover ground effectively in single-high looks and close quickly on ball carriers.

Areas to Improve

• Lack of verified testing data. Without verified combine numbers for speed, agility, and vertical leap, his raw athletic ceiling remains a projection based on film and track results. This makes it difficult to definitively stack him up against more vetted prospects.
• Run support consistency. While he displays promise and takes proper angles in run support, he can continue to improve his physicality and tackling technique when playing downhill and taking on blockers at the point of attack.

College Projection

Combay projects as a multi-year contributor and potential starter at the Power Four level. Given Tennessee's depth chart, he will likely contribute on special teams early in his career while he develops physically. With his advanced instincts and versatile skill set, he could compete for a significant role in the defensive backfield by his second or third year, capable of playing either free or strong safety depending on the scheme and defensive package.

Best Fit

Combay's skill set is maximized in a defensive scheme that allows its safeties to be versatile and read the field. He would thrive in a system that utilizes a mix of single-high and two-deep safety shells, giving him opportunities to use his range and instincts to create turnovers. His ability to play in space makes him a strong fit for defenses that frequently ask their safeties to cover slot receivers or tight ends.