Maurkice Pouncey Position: C School: Florida Height: 6’4 1/8" Weight: 304 lbs Class: Junior 40 time: 5.15 Overall Grade: 7.21 Draft Projection: First round

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Non-position specific categories

Offensive Lineman Specific Categories

Strengths

Smart and instinctive blocker. Identifies blitzers well and does a nice job making the calls for the offensive line. Has experience playing both right guard and center but could play any of the three interior offensive line positions at the next level. Gets the snap off quickly and doesn’t lose a step between snapping and getting off the ball. Quick footwork and does a nice job bending at the knees. Plays with a wide base. Looks smooth and athletic in pulls/traps. Does a nice job getting to the next level on linebackers. Seal and angle blocks are superb. Very good at using his hands. Aggressive blocker who goes to the whistle.

Weaknesses

Will struggle against strong nose tackles, especially those that have a quick first step. Will sometimes reach after A-gap blitzers and get out of position. While he’s aggressive, he doesn’t have much of a mean streak that you’d like to see in your interior blockers.

Analysis

Overall, Pouncey is the most solid interior prospect in the draft. His ability to play guard or center could help him be selected in the first round of the draft. A technician that has a high football IQ, good work ethic and the physical skill set needed to play at the next level. Should not have any off-field issues for an NFL team to deal with.

Experience

Pouncey is a three year starter at Florida. He has started the last two seasons at Center but saw 11 starts at right guard during his freshman season.

Awards and Honors

2009: Rimington Trophy Winner (best center). 1st team All-American and 1st team All-SEC by several outlets.
2008: n/a
2007: 1st team freshman All-SEC. Freshman All-American first team by several outlets.

Academics

Social and behavioral sciences major at Florida.

Bloodlines

Maurkice’s twin brother, Mike, also plays on the offensive line for the Gators.

Injuries

Had surgery to repair a torn labrum in the spring of 2009, but did not miss a game due to injury.

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