K.J. Kirkland

A longer defensive back that can run. Measured in at 6-foot-1.5, 187 pounds summer before senior season. Competitive at the catch point and at the line of scrimmage as he spent much of junior season working in press-man coverage out on the perimeter. Spider-Man-like arms result in plenty of pass break ups (had 12 in 10 games as an 11th grader). Understands how to turn and put his hip on a receiver while tracking them down the field. Can quickly make up for most of his missteps with his long speed, which has been developed on the track (captured bronze at states in the 400-meter dash in spring of 2022). Ability to come up and meet a college-sized ball carrier in the hole a bit of a question mark given what he has put on film thus far. However, he has shown here and there that he’s not afraid to lower his helmet or shoulder pads. Likely to undergo a physical transformation once lifting in a college weight room and additional mass should – in theory – allow him to play with even more confidence in the box. Hails from Jacksonville Raines, which has a rich history of churning out NFL Draft picks like Lito Sheppard and Brian Dawkins. Will need to keep progressing once he arrives at the school of his choice, but has Power Five starter upside given reach (owns a near 77-inch wingspan), top gear and coverage skills. Could be deployed at a variety of different spots in the secondary depending on scheme or what’s needed.