T.j.
Brunson.
T.j.
Brunson.
South Carolina
This linebacker is ideally suited for a 4-3 Cover-2 defense with strong box safeties, allowing him to play downhill and fill gaps without extensive coverage responsibilities.
Brunson can immediately contribute as a core special teamer, with the potential to develop into a two-down, strong-side linebacker in a traditional 4-3 system, specializing in run support.
A modern split-field coverage or Cover-3 match scheme that frequently asks linebackers to cover extensive ground in pass defense would significantly diminish his impact.
Brunson's athletic limitations in space and his strength against the run make him a specific fit for more traditional, run-first defensive schemes where he can play to his strengths between the tackles.
| Yr | Team | G | Tkl | Sk | Int | PD | FF |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2016 | South Carolina | 6 | 12 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| 2017 | South Carolina | 13 | 88 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| 2018 | South Carolina | 12 | 91 | 2.5 | 0 | 1 | 0 |
| 2019 | South Carolina | 11 | 77 | 0 | 1 | 5 | 0 |
| Career | — | 42 | 268 | 4.5 | 1 | 6 | 0 |
A dash means the figure is not published by a source we trust — never a zero we invented.