Coby Fleener

Fleener is another former star high school basketball player who has the leaping ability and soft, sure hands that are mandatory in that sport and a big asset in football. Fleener lined up at almost every eligible receiver position at Stanford and was a huge target for quarterback Andrew Luck. He showed a good feel for finding soft spots in zones and had the speed and guts to run across the middle to catch passes in stride without blinking. He is not built for, nor does he seem to relish those tough, in-line blocking assignments, although he was impressive on the bench press at the Scouting Combine, hoisting 225 pounds 27 times. He was most productive as a senior with 34 catches, 667 yards and 10 touchdowns, boosting his four-year totals to career totals in included 96 catches, 667 yards and ten touchdowns, 96 catches, 667 yards (16.1-yard average)and 10 scores. He is generally considered the best of a below average group of tight ends, but helped himself with a good workout at his pro day, where Luck even threw some bad passes so Fleener had the chance to look good catching them.

after the catch

Above average acceleration for a big man and possesses impressive leaping ability (Virginia Tech) to avoid defenders trying to tackle him low. Only average lateral agility to elude and may not be fast enough to be a consistent threat down the seam against NFL competition. Willing to lower his shoulder and fight for additional yardage, but isn't going to strike fear into the hearts of defenders with his physicality.

route running

Among his better attributes. Gains a quick, clean release and has enough speed to challenge down the seam. Varies the speed of his route, using a variety of pauses and shoulder fakes to get the defender guessing. Quick feet and good balance to create some separation on the stick and post routes despite lacking elite speed.

intangibles

Played tight end, wide receiver and safety in high school. An "outstanding" high school basketball player who earned all-area honors as a junior. Caught a career high six passes for 173 yards and three touchdowns in the Orange Bowl in 2011 -- his three scores went for 41, 58 and 38 yards, respectively -- but just two catches in the overtime loss to Oklahoma State in the 2012 Fiesta Bowl.

hands

Soft, reliable hands. Presents a big target to the quarterback and knows when to allow the ball into his pads to protect it when about to absorb a big hit over the middle. Good body control to reach back for the pass behind him. Also shows the ability to high-point passes (Notre Dame), showing a good vertical, timing and hand-eye coordination in jump-ball situations. Catches the ball cleanly outside of his frame and secures it quickly.

release

Lines up from a variety of positions for Stanford, including as an inline tight next to both tackles, as an H-back, as well as in the slot and even wide. Shows good burst off the snap, quick hands and good balance to gain a clean release. Has enough speed to challenge the seam but does not possess elite top-end speed for the position.

blocking

While far from an intimidator, Fleener does a nice job of helping to seal the edge when operating as an in-line blocker, showing enough strength, leverage and a solid base considering he's a former wideout. Looks to get involved downfield and will block multiple defenders on a single play when he can. Understands his role as a blocker and doesn't shirk from it.

Coby has the size to play tight end and the speed to play wide receiver

He caught 34 balls for 706 yards (20.4 average) and eight touchdowns as a senior while earning a reputation as one of the state's top prospects

Scout.com ranked him as the No. 17 recruit in Illinois and No. 1 tight end, as well as No. 39 among tight ends nationally

Rivals.com ranked him No. 15 in the state and the No. 40 tight end prospect in the country

PrepStar named him to its All-Midwest Team while Tom Lemming named him to the All-State team

Following his senior season, he earned All-Conference, All-Area, All-State and Academic All-State honors

Played safety, tight end and wide receiver as a junior

Also a standout basketball player

All-Area selection as a junior in basketball.

Born September 20, 1988

Undeclared major

Member of the National Honor Society, Mu Alpha Theta and an Illinois State Scholar.