Brandon Underwood, CB

The 2008 first-team All-Big East free safety showed nice versatility playing cornerback after senior star Mike Mickens went down with a knee injury. Underwood played only sparingly in three years (including a redshirt season) at Ohio State, then had his scholarship revoked due to missed meetings and academic issues. But in his only year playing for the Bearcats, Underwood proved to be a playmaker, recording 60 tackles, including 3.5 for loss, three interceptions, six pass deflections and two forced fumbles. His brother, E.J., played briefly in the NFL after playing at Ohio State and Pikeville College.

Strengths: Tall, versatile defensive back with long arms who has played cornerback, nickel and free safety. … Has good range in coverage. … Drives on the ball and reads the quarterback's eyes to break up passes. … Has the hands to intercept tipped balls or poor throws. … Capable of a big return after an interception. … Despite his wiry frame, Underwood gets a solid jam at the line of scrimmage and is willing to sell out to prevent big plays. … Will knock the ball loose by getting his hand on the ball or lowering his shoulder. … Has the speed and aggressiveness to blitz effectively from the edge. … Good gunner on special teams, hustles and breaks down to secure open-field tackles.

Weaknesses: Thin build. … Some teams may consider him a safety-corner "tweener." … Looks like a safety -- tall and slow -- in his backpedal. … Is a grab-and-drag tackler, not overly physical. … Must prove he has the strength to bring down NFL backs and win fights with stronger receivers on the outside. … Has the length to wrap, but often chooses to use his shoulder. … Freelances, leaving open spaces in zone coverage for quarterbacks. … Teams will likely closely consider his transfer from Ohio State.

Transferred from Ohio State after losing his scholarship due to being late for meetings, academic issues.

He returned in 2006 to play a total of 13 minutes in eight games.

He played four minutes in one game in 2005, but suffered a shoulder injury that ended his season and required surgery.

Redshirted

Finished his senior year with 60 tackles … Had 50 stops, 15 passes broken up and three interceptions as a junior … Ranked as the 13th-best prospect in the state by The Ohio Football Recruiting News … Rivals.com ranked him as the 16th-best cornerback prospect in the nation and the 13th best overall prospect in Ohio … TheInsiders.com ranked him as the nation's 14th-best cornerback prospect … Also played wide receiver on offense … Ran track in high school and was one of the top sprinters in the state, qualifying for the state meet.

Is the son of Elmer and Pamela Underwood.