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USF's McKenzie Looks To Impress At Combine

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By ANWAR RICHARDSON | The Tampa Tribune

Published: February 23, 2009

TAMPA – Tyrone McKenzie has traveled from Riverview to Michigan to Iowa and back to Florida in hopes of one day becoming an NFL player.

Now Indianapolis is the most important destination of McKenzie's football career.

McKenzie, a former Riverview High and University of South Florida standout, will work out before pro scouts today at the NFL Combine in Indianapolis. He is rated as the seventh-best college linebacker in the nation by NFL scouts and could increase his stock with a strong performance today.

"I was talking to Takeo Spikes [San Francisco 49ers linebacker] last week and he was saying to try to go out there and perform, but it's kind of nerve-racking because the combine helps your draft status," McKenzie said.

"He said if you have the opportunity to go out there, give it everything you have. If you have the opportunity to play the game that you love, then it's time to go out there and get it.

"I took that to heart. I have to go out there and get what I want."

McKenzie (6-foot-2, 244 pounds) thought he had everything he wanted as a Michigan State freshman in 2004. He played in 11 games and finished with three tackles, but transferred to Iowa State the following season.

After sitting out 2005, McKenzie finished eighth in the nation with 10.75 tackles per game in 12 Iowa State games. He had 129 total tackles, 9.5 tackles for loss with two sacks, forced four fumbles and had one interception.

However, he transferred to USF to be closer to his mother, who was experiencing health issues. It ended up not only being a good personal move, but an advantageous athletic decision.

"It was great," McKenzie said. "Getting the chance to be coached by Wally Burnham, [former defensive coordinator/linebackers coach], he helped me to understand the game and that is really going to help me through this process because I know the game like the back of my hand.

"Getting a chance to play in front of people I went to high school with in my hometown and having my family there was huge."

Last month, McKenzie improved his draft status with a good showing at the Senior Bowl in Mobile, Ala.

Today, he needs a huge performance in Indianapolis to launch his NFL career.

"I want to prove that I'm the best linebacker in the draft," McKenzie said. "When draft time comes, we'll see if I accomplish my goal to be one of the best, if not the best, linebacker in the draft."

NFL Draft Scout On McKenzie:

Positives: Some versatility to play inside and in space. ... "Sam" linebacker who lines up in the stack and nine-techniques. ... Holds his ground adequately against tackles on outside run plays, can shed to turn play inside or make the tackle. ... Breaks down in the open, and can wrap up elusive runners in space. ... Brings his hips to hit ballcarriers straight on, and will put his helmet on the ball to create a turnover. ... Gets a fair punch on tight ends to knock them off the line, and stays with them in coverage. ... Will chase and hustle downfield, giving second or third effort on inside runs plays to get to the ball.

Negatives: Could be considered a bit of an inside-outside "tweener" by NFL teams. ... Not especially fluid dropping into coverage. ... Comes out of the game in nickel situations and probably will do so in the NFL. ... Not quick enough to corral slot receivers in zones. ... Doesn't have the great strength or bulk to fight his way through trash inside.

Reporter Anwar S. Richardson can be reached at (813) 259-8425

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