A.J. Tarpley

Tarpley was a 6-1, 215-pound high school senior when he won Minnesota Gatorade Football Player of the Year as an all-state linebacker and tight end before arriving on campus in Palo Alto. He took a redshirt his first year (2010) before seeing significant playing time as a redshirt freshman in 2011, appearing in all 13 games while starting seven at inside linebacker, finishing with 57 total tackles, 28 solo, 4 TFL, 1.5 sacks, two forced fumbles and one INT. In his second and third seasons Tarpley took on more of a leadership role, starting 25 games and finishing with 159 total tackles, 90 solo, 12 TFL, 3 sacks, two forced fumbles and eight passes broken up. Entering his fifth season Tarpley was named a team captain and took over for Shayne Skov as the leader in the middle of the defense. He was on the Bednarik Award watch list before the season and wound up finishing the year earning All-Pac-12 second team honors. Tarpley finished his career with very impressive numbers in 45 starts: 300 total tackles, 159 solo, 16.5 TFL, 5 sacks, two forced fumbles, eight PBUs and three INTs. Tarpley's game reflects his extensive experience in terms of locating the ball very quickly, staying disciplined in reading his keys, and rarely being fooled. However while he plays with very good awareness, he is an average athlete without a lot of range or explosion in his hips. He shows the ability to lock out and push/pull OL to disengage himself quickly but too often absorbs the initial contact and stops his feet. He is a very solid tackler but not much of a hitter due to not showing the ability to unlock his hips on contact to deliver the big blow. Tarpley looks to be a practice squad or special teams contributor on the next level who could find a role as a quality backup in time.

strengths

Very smart, disciplined player who rarely makes the same mistake twice and reads/reacts very quickly to the ball. Does a surprisingly solid job in coverage using his play recognition skills to put himself in good positions and rarely take wasted steps. Textbook tackler who wraps up consistently. Due to his aforementioned play recognition skills he demonstrates the ability to quickly get off blocks using the push/pull technique. Team captain who shows the ability to make the calls and lead on very good defenses.

compares to

Jordan Tripp, Miami Dolphins -- Like Tarpley, Tripp was a highly productive college player albeit on a smaller stage at Montana. Tripp wound up being a fifth round pick which is likely Tarpley's ceiling come draft day. Tripp will likely be in a backup role for the Dolphins for the foreseeable future but is the classic, hard-working type of guy who can excel on special teams that every team needs. Tarpley is in a very similar mold.

weaknesses

Average athlete without much twitch in his hips. Tends to absorb blocks and stop his feet on contact rather than consistently push/pull or deliver much pop. When forced to quickly react laterally he is sluggish and will struggle outrunning angles. Looks maxed out physically.

Graduated from Wayzata (Minn.) and played for head coach Brad Anderson

Three-year varsity letterwinner

Nation’s 62nd-best outside linebacker by Scout, 68th by Rivals

Associated Press first team all-state as a senior

Pioneer Press and Minnesota Vikings all-state

Minneapolis Star Tribune Metro Player of the Year

Minnesota Gatorade Football Player of the Year

168 tackles, 36 tackles for loss, four sacks and six interceptions during career

85 tackles, 15 tackles for loss, three sacks and two forced fumbles as a senior

Interception returns of 56 and 74 yards for touchdowns

12 catches for 217 yards and six touchdowns as a tight end

72 tackles, 20 tackles for loss and four interceptions as a junior

Invited to “USA vs. the World” all-star game

Helped team to Classic Lake Conference and section 5A titles as a senior.

Born in Torrance, Calif

Full name is Aubrey Joseph Tarpley

Son of Audie and Karen Tarpley

Father played football at Georgia Tech (1976-79)

Older brother, Matt, played football at Ole Miss and Pace

Majoring in science, technology and society (information science and technology in society).