Daryl Washington, OLB

The loss of four-year starting inside linebacker Jason Phillips to the NFL put Washington under the microscope. He helped TCU repeat as the FBS' top-rated defense in terms of total yardage (sixth in scoring) by leading the team with 109 tackles, 11 for loss, two sacks and three interceptions.

Washington had never started regularly before 2009. He had been a solid contributor, making a strong statement on special teams his first two seasons by blocking four kicks and leading the kick coverage units.

As he gained playing time in 2008, he showed the awareness and tackling technique to match his strong frame and athleticism. The three pass breakups and six tackles he had against Boise State in the Poinsettia Bowl, his second start of the season, helped to get scouts excited about his future.

Although Washington's frame is slight, NFL teams using 3-4 schemes have used similar players inside. He could also slide to the strong side for a 4-3 team because of his coverage skills. Either way, the speed and toughness he showed during Senior Bowl week and sub 4.6 40 at the Combine give him a shot to be drafted in the first two rounds.

Read & React: Relies on quick reactions rather than great instincts. Explodes into running lane and can smother underneath throws in zone coverage. Will get sucked in by play-action, but is fast enough to recover from a false step.

Run defense: Runs like a safety; has the straight-line speed to hustle downfield and chase to the sideline. Attacks and slides by fullbacks coming out of the hole, but will also lose the ball or overpursue the play. Knifes through holes when attacking stretch plays. Long arms help him bring down backs when he doesn't break down but lacks the strength to do the same at the next level. Runs around blocks inside and is inconsistent taking on blocks and using his length to get free.

Pass defense: Fluid in space. Can be too upright when dropping into zone coverage. Nice sideline-to-sideline range. Able to identify and stay with receivers in his zone and run with any tight end down the seam. Closes on the ball in the air. Keeps an eye on the receiver and one on the quarterback; will come off his guy to make a play. Tough for quarterbacks to throw over and Washington -- and in front of safeties. Struggles to intercept passes, even when he jumps the pattern and the ball is thrown into his hands.

Tackling: Not an explosive tackler. Drags ballcarriers to the ground using his length. Needs to sink his hips instead of tackling shoulder pads. Must improve his angles to the ball against quicker NFL ballcarriers. Tries to cut ballcarriers instead of bringing his hips. Could be a special teams coverage contributor with his speed and aggressive mentality.

Pass Rush/Blitz: Explosive as an inside blitzer, and will reach the quarterback from a stack formation. Uses his speed and/or hands to get past running backs, guard cut blocks and through traffic inside. Has the change-of-direction ability to corral quarterbacks coming off the edge.

Intangibles: His growth as a player throughout out his career in Fort Worth speaks to his upside as a linebacker. Willing and capable special teams force. Solid character and work ethic.

NFL Comparison: D'Qwell Jackson, Cleveland Browns

Washington led TCU with 109 tackles, the most stops by a Horned Frog since 2004 (Martin Patterson, 131). Washington was a Dick Butkus Award semifinalist. His 11 tackles for loss, including 3 1/2 in the Tostitos Fiesta Bowl, placed second on TCU behind only Hughes.

TCU's fourth-leading tackler with 63 stops … made just his second career start in the 17-16 Poinsettia Bowl victory over Boise State … totaled six tackles, including one for loss, while breaking up three passes against the Broncos … Mountain West Conference Defensive Player of the Week in a 13-7 win at Colorado State … had two tackles for loss, including a sack, to go with a fumble recovery and key fourth-quarter interception against the Rams … had a season-best seven tackles on three occasions, including back-to-back games versus Utah and Air Force … made his first career start in the 67-7 victory over Stephen F. Austin … it was the only game four-time All-MWC selection Jason Phillips (injury) did not start in his four-year career … totaled four solo tackles against the Lumberjacks … opened the season with seven stops, including 1.5 for loss with a sack, in a 26-3 win at New Mexico … also forced a fumble versus the Lobos … recorded a sack for a 13-yard loss as part of six stops at Oklahoma … had a pass breakup and five solo tackles in the 32-7 win over BYU … had at least four tackles in 11 of the Frogs' 13 games.

Special teams standout who tied for the national lead with three punt blocks … shared the nation's top mark with Ohio's Joshua Abrams … also played very well in a reserve role at linebacker … 25 of his 32 tackles were solo stops … blocked punts versus Air Force, Wyoming and Utah … the block against the Utes saw him display his athleticism as he leaped high in the air over the upbacks … the ball was returned by Stephen Hodge for a TCU touchdown … also totaled four tackles against Utah … had a career-best seven stops, including 1.5 for a loss, in the win at Stanford … also broke up a pass against the Cardinal … matched his career-high with seven solo stops at BYU … combined on a sack in the 27-0 win over Baylor … posted a tackle for a loss in the 24-12 decision versus Colorado State … totaled five tackles in the 37-0 victory against New Mexico.

One of four true freshmen to see action … contributed at linebacker and on special teams … 14 of his 16 tackles were solo stops … blocked a punt, forced a fumble and totaled three solo tackles in the 52-0 win over San Diego State … recorded an 8-yard tackle for a loss among a season-best four stops in the 46-13 victory versus UC Davis … made his collegiate debut in the season-opening 17-7 win at Baylor and posted a solo tackle … had two stops against both BYU and Wyoming.

First-team All-City and the Most Valuable Player of that squad … second-team All-Area … selected to play in the Texas-Oklahoma Oil Bowl All-Star Game … totaled 168 tackles with four sacks as a senior … played for Coach Jim Bennett at Irving … named Most Improved on Offense … a two-year letterman in football … also lettered three times in basketball and once in track & field.

Parents are Lewis and Barbara Washington … an arts and pre-sciences major.