Alex McCalister

McCalister declared for the draft following a tumultuous redshirt junior season. It began with a suspension for the season opener due to a "violation of University Athletic Association policy," and ended with a dismissal from the program due to the ubiquitous "violation of team rules." In between, McCalister managed 6.5 sacks before suffering what proved to be a season-ending foot injury on Nov. 14. When he was dismissed, McCalister had already submitted paperwork to receive feedback from the NFL Draft advisory board, according to the Gainesville Sun. McCalister was a three-star recruit from Clemmons, N.C./West Forsyth high school who signed with Florida over programs including North Carolina, Georgia Tech, Notre Dame and others in the Class of 2012. McCalister redshirted that first season in Gainesville and spent the next two years as the backup to Dante Fowler, Jr. He only played in six games in a reserve role in 2013 and missed time due to injury. The following season McCalister played in all 12 games, recording 23 tackles, 9.0 tackles for a loss and 6.0 sacks. That was in a backup role to Fowler. In nine games played in 2015, McCalister totaled 26 tackles, 9.5 tackles for a loss, and 6.5 sacks in his first season as a starter.

whether against the run or pass, if mccalister locates the ball he gets there quickly. has also shown good ability to play in space, displaying excellent short-area quickness and good tackling skills against smaller players on the perimeter.

WEAKNESSES

has to bulk up and put on weight. he's so long and looks like a "skinny" 239 pounds. there is not much power to his game, though he does play with pretty good leverage for a taller player.

Needs to play with more technique and learn some additional moves from the defensive end position. He does a nice job of utilizing his speed off the edge and to the outside but doesn't show much the other way on the inside move. Will also have to strengthen his play against the run and at the point of attack.

strengths

Super long and rangy defensive end who has outstanding height and length. At his best as a pure edge rusher. Gets off the ball well and has outstanding speed around the corner and to the quarterback. For a taller player, he loves to get upfield and kind of duck under the offensive tackle as he turns the corner and makes his way to the passer. This shows his athleticism, quickness and pure speed.

mccalister has come a long way and still has a ways to go. he showed up in gainesville as a tall and skinny athlete who was more of a basketball than football player. a pure football project all the way. he leaves gainesville as a pure pass rusher at this point in the nfl level. mccalister has explosive speed off the edge and could make a good living as a situational, role player on sundays. he really needs to continue to develop his pass rush skills and really concentrate off the field on getting bigger and stronger if he wants to be an every down player in the pros.

--Jamie Newberg (1/12/16)

he was expected to leave early for the nfl draft, but pre-draft interviews will be key after mcalister was dismissed from the program in december for the wide-ranging "violation of team rules."

IN OUR VIEW

2015: Suffered a foot injury on Nov. 14 and did not play again that season. BACK TO TOP PROFILE GAME ANALYSIS PLAYER NEWS PLAYER STATISTICS Expanded & Classic Player Profiles Are OFFICIAL NFL RECORDS by Scout Dave Te' Thomas, NFLScouting, NFLDraftScout.com © Copyright - The Sports Xchange , My Sports Daily . All Rights Reserved Home | Contact Us | About Us | Privacy Policy