Christian Kirksey

As perhaps the most athletic member of one of the nation's top linebacker trios (James Morris and Anthony Hitchens) in 2013, Kirksey showed significant improvement against the run over what we had seen in previous years, and demonstrated the versatility to play up on the line or in the slot with effectiveness. Fluid and explosive, Kirksey possesses the range of a safety but maintains physicality and in-the-box instincts required of a next-level linebacker. He's still a bit inconsistent as a tackler and could stand to add some bulk, particularly to his upper half, but the tools are there for Kirksey to be a versatile difference maker at the next level.

explosive first step coming downhill, and uses his length to keep him clean in pursuit. demonstrates nice physicality when playing up at the line of scrimmage, maintaining active hands and a willingness to engage bigger blockers.

Despite his thinner frame, he uses leverage well with a flexible lower half and good arm extension to hold ground against the run in the trenches. Nice agility moving laterally to either side, and takes good angles to the sidelines against the run. Can stop and start with quickness.

strengths

Boasts a lanky, lean frame with long arms and legs, and demonstrates nice fluidity and agility in space. Versatile athlete who was used a lot to cover the slot in nickel coverage, and demonstrated quick hips to turn and run with receivers and tight ends stride for stride.

weaknesses

Isn't always disciplined to maintain his gap and will over-pursue at times against the run. Drops his head too often as a tackler, particularly up near the line of scrimmage. Although improved, he can still be off-and-on in terms of run instincts as he appears to diagnose before the snap, at times, while reacting late in others.

Named Missouri all-American while earning first team all-state honors as a senior

was first team all-conference as a senior after earning honorable mention recognition as a junior

earned second team all-Metro honors in St. Louis area

Career - - two-year letterman as linebacker and fullback

collected 163 tackles as a senior, with nine tackles for loss, three QB sacks, two interceptions and one touchdown

recorded 89 tackles as a junior, with three tackles for loss, one interception and a QB sack

team captain as a senior

team won state championship in junior season and returned to playoffs the following year

also lettered in track, helping team win state championship as a junior.

Born 8/31/92

leisure studies major

member of prep Honor Roll

parents are Patrice and Elmer Kirksey

high school coach was Mike Jones.