Ellis Lankster, DB

A star at cornerback and on special teams at Jones County Junior College, Lankster earned second-team All-Big East honors in his first year as a starter for the Mountaineers. His 68 tackles, three interceptions and seven pass breakups showed scouts the kind of versatility they covet. One product of this Mobile product's hard work was an invitation home to play at the Senior Bowl. Depending on the defensive scheme, Lankster could find himself a home at corner or free safety in the NFL.

Positives: Typical zone corner/free safety prospect. … Plays best when off the line to close quickly on receivers' short routes. … Good in run support, forcing plays inside. … Solid open-field tackler, breaking down well to ensure he gets his hands on the ballcarrier. … Has enough speed to run with receivers down the sideline. … Aggressive enough to jam smaller receivers at the line. … High-points the ball very well, even in traffic, displaying a good vertical and timing. … Runs tough as a kickoff and punt returner.

Negatives: Some teams will view him as a corner-safety "tweener." … Doesn't have the size or strength to get off blocks of larger receivers, although he has a nice spin move to catch the ballcarrier before he can get by. … Lack of size means he must ride bigger backs to get them off their feet. … Doesn't have great recovery speed when fooled on double moves. … Only adequate hands on interceptions and punt returns. … Is not explosive as a return man. … Must be a good special teamer to stick on a roster early in his career.

JUCO All-America return man who enrolled in January … standout corner from Jones County (Miss.) Junior College where he played for Coach Eddie Pierce … NJCAA all-region … School-record 98-yard interception return for score … Blocked four field goals.

Product of Mobile's C.F. Vigor High, where he played for Coach Kerry Stevenson … also a basketball point guard.

Birthday is June 3 … Son of Sayinka and Bill Jackson … An athletic coaching education major.