Like a lot of defenders coming out of high school, it takes Hale some time to get rolling, but once he decides where he is going, he is a missile. Work on those diagnostic skills will begin immediately and should turn this kid into a tackling machine. This acceleration and burst allow Hale to perform very well in a blitzing role. He explodes into his assigned gap, tearing down anything in his path.

His aforementioned reaction speed is the critical issue. He takes two, sometimes three, steps before he goes. He will also need address small deficiencies in hand technique and pursuit angles, but for the moment, his astonishing closing speed will give Pitt an early contributor.

Many linebackers with Hale’s size turn out to be defensive ends. See Brendan Beal. Hale has more speed and athleticism than a guy like Beal, so it would be nice to see him at inside linebacker, or at least at the hybrid DE/LB ‘jack back’ that is used so heavily in a 3-4 scheme.

Who’s Got It Right: Scout