Recruit Assessment #2: LB Commit Ben Boulware

Jan 5, 2013, 11:06 PM

Undersized is one way "experts" have chosen to describe 6 foot, 1 inch, 230 pound middle linebacker commit Ben Boulware. I've got a few more for you, starting with MONSTER!

Underrated and under scouted come to mind as well when watching Boulware's highlight film from his time at T.L. Hanna High School in Anderson, SC. Scouts have noted Boulware's aggressiveness, strength, and abilities, but have still managed to award a measly 3 stars to a recruit who displays all the talents needed to make more than a splash at the next level.

Let's go over the strengths and weaknesses of future Clemson Tiger, Ben Boulware.

Strengths:

Awareness - Boulware displays an amazing ability, no matter where he is on the playing field, to find the football. Even when deep in pass coverage, he seems to somehow root out the ball carrier and make the play, a huge asset at the FBS level.

Intelligence - Boulware's ability to get to the ball comes partly from his sixth sense about offenses. He reads offensive plays like he is reading the newspaper, and just as relaxed. Boulware has shown that he can sift through play fakes, misdirection, and blockers quickly and with deadly precision. A skill like this would come in handy for Clemson against all teams, especially the "Ramblin'" train wreck down in Atlanta.

Strength - Somewhere along the line somebody taught this kid the value of free weights! Boulware often breaks through blocks from linemen twice his size to make the tackle, and not just any tackle; he hits with power, forcing turnovers and wreaking havoc behind the line of scrimmage. No matter how many blocks are thrown at him, Boulware always seems to break free and find the ball.

Tackling - No arm tackles here! Boulware is a square 'em up and put 'em down kind of tackler. Always staying in good position, Boulware makes the tackle with exceptional form, following through until the ball carrier is either down, or the DB takes it in for six. Give this guy two thumbs up Rodger, because he does all the little things right.

Agility - At the snap Boulware is instantly beginning his reads, yet still instinctively maintains a beautiful center of balance, displaying agility that is sometimes never present in FBS mikes. Watching this kid shuffle is like watching Selma Hayak belly dance! He is always square to the line of scrimmage, keeping a low pad level and preparing to make the hit. His ability to move laterally puts him in a great position to stuff even a stud running back at the line of scrimmage!

Discipline - Many linebackers at the high school level lack the discipline to stay home and read the offense's play before breaking to the ball, but not Ben Boulware. Boulware plays wonderful read and react defense, maintaining his responsibility before breaking off to chase the ball. Rarely have big plays gotten past him. This discipline will be a huge plus in college, allowing him to work on his other skills rather than learning to stay home.

Weaknesses:

Pursuit - While he is almost always in on a tackle in some way, shape, or form, Boulware sometimes takes a shallow angle of pursuit when the ball carrier breaks the outside run, forcing him to pull up next to the runner and out run him. Coach V will be sure to correct this quickly and move on; an easy fix.

Coverage - Boulware does struggle a bit in coverage, sometimes allowing the receiver to get behind him too quickly. Jamming can alleviate the issue, but he will have to learn to turn and cover at times. Boulware also will sometimes over cover a receiver, meaning that he will leave his zone to cover a player who is obviously working toward the safeties. A little time in the film room and working at practice and this should be as forgotten as the Shamecock's '99 football team.

My Rating: 4 Stars

Ben Boulware will make a huge impact for the Clemson defense as soon as he is ready. I love his playing style and the attention to detail he displays on the field. This kid is the real deal and an absolute steal for the Tigers. Look for Mr. B to start blowing up the other guys' O-Lines in the near future. I'll say somewhere around 2015 if he redshirts. If not, give him a year under Venables and we will get to see him work his way into a spot on gameday. Here's to staying home Ben!

flag link

military_tech

thumb_down

thumb_up

Recruit Assessment #2: LB Commit Ben Boulware

Let Me Know What You Think

Re: Let Me Know What You Think

Re: Let Me Know What You Think

Re: Let Me Know What You Think

I'm loving your assessments

Re: I'm loving your assessments

I'm seeing a RS for him regardless. We're very deep there***

Re: I'm seeing a RS for him regardless. We're very deep there***

And Thank You BTW***

Don't think Ben RS's, he's a hitter!!

I guess ESPN has it right too. 4 stars #3 ILB in the country

Re: Recruit Assessment #2: LB Commit Ben Boulware

TigerBoard POTD