12/19/2011 - 2011 ALL-BIG EAST CONFERENCE SECOND TEAM (COACHES): LB Max Gruder, Pittsburgh, Sr., has been selected All-BIG EAST Conference Second Team for the 2011 college football season as chosen by the league's eight head coaches. After leading Pitt in tackles the entire season, Gruder (Charlotte, N.C./Charlotte Country Day School) was named to the All-Big East second team. The senior linebacker tallied 107 tackles on the season, including 7.5 tackles for loss and a sack assist. His 8.9 tackles per game rank second in the Big East. Additionally, Gruder has recorded four quarterback hurries and three pass break-ups on the year. - Pittsburgh football
Positives: Played in all 52 games of his career, earning starts in every game after his redshirt freshman season. Good key and diagnosis skills. Quickly locates the ball and shows no wasted motion in getting there. At least adequate lateral agility to avoid blockers and shows good vision and anticipation. A bit stiff but but makes the clean open field tackle. Good effort in pursuit. Showed better burst and aggression as a senior attacking the line of scrimmage. Cognizant in coverage. Team captain
Negatives: Doesn't have enough speed, power or bulk to fit any LB position perfectly in the NFL. Aware in coverage but limited athletically with zero career interceptions. Generally makes the reliable open-field tackle but stiffness and short arms (30 3/8 inches) limit his ability to recover. Lacks upside.
