Jasper Brinkley SELECTED BY: Vikings Round 5 (14)

SI Grade 3.67 GRADING SYSTEM

BIOGRAPHY: Junior-college transfer who made an immediate impact upon arriving at South Carolina. All-Conference selection as a senior when he totaled 65/5/2.5. Broke into the starting lineup his first year with the Gamecocks in 2006 and posted 107/14.5/5 when he initially won all-Conference honors. Receive a medical redshirt in 2007 after playing four games then injuring his knee.

POSITIVES: Tough, run defending inside linebacker who projects as a two down defender. Plays disciplined football, stacks well against the run and wraps up tackling. Stout at the point, holds his ground against blocks and effectively uses his hands to protect himself. Forceful up the field and plays with authority.

NEGATIVES: Marginal skills in coverage and does more chasing opponents down the field rather than defending the pass. Lacks the quick change direction and plays with just average speed.

ANALYSIS: Brinkley looked like a star in the making after his junior season in 2006 but was set back by the knee injury the following season. He's best playing downhill and could effectively fill the inside linebacker position of a 3-4 alignment.

PROJECTION: Fourth/Fifth Round