Dallas Sartz OLB 6'5 231 USC 4.57

Sartz was a backup at linebacker and safety as a freshman, but moved into the starting lineup as a sophomore when Matt Grootegoed went down with an injury. He finished the year with 60 tackles, six for loss, two sacks, and four pass breakups. Bigger things were expected as a junior, and Sartz produced, racking up 48 tackles, 3.5 for loss, 1.5 sacks, with one pick and six pass break ups. He was suppose to be a leader of the defense entering his senior season, and he was off to a quick start with eight tackles, 2.5 for loss, and two sacks before dislocating his shoulder in the second game and missing the rest of the season, taking a medical redshirt in the process. Sartz bounced back with his best season this year, finishign with a career high 66 tackles, 8.5 for loss, and six sacks.

Dallas Sartz is a very versatile linebacker. He is an excellent athlete, and spent time at safety early on in his USC career. As he has gotten bigger, he has become a linebacker, but has brought the cover skills that got him on the field as a safety. He has the athleticism and speed to cover tight ends, and has great size to be a factor with the ball in the air. He has actually spent some time at defensive end in the Fall and may get snaps as a hybrid defensive end/linebacker this season. As a senior, he showed more ability to rush off the edge and put pressure on the QB.

As expected with a former safety, Sartz is not the strongest player at the point of attack. He can be blocked easily when run at, and lacks the strength to get off the block and make the play. Sartz has a very lank frame, and will need to add weight to his frame.

Dallas Sartz is not a great prospect, but he has the tools to develop, and brings some skills to the table that should find him a role. If he can get stronger at the point of attack, he may be able to start in time. Sartz started to show a more well rounded game as a senior, so he could be player that continues to develop at the next level and surprise down the line. He probably will not go any higher than the fourth round, but he has some untapped potential that could intrigue some teams.