Draft Scout Snapshot:DS Rating on 8/24/08: #4 OLB, #42/750 Overall, Projected Rnd: 2 2007: 13 GP; 12 GS; 63 Sol-114 TT, 9 TFL, 0.5 SK, 4 PBU, 3 QBH, 2 FR, 2 FF, 1 BLK; Did not have to sit out transfer year due to NCAA hardship waiver, needed to be closer to assist his mother through health troubles. The Bulls' leading tackler was named to the All-BIG EAST Second Team … Transitioned from Big 12 to BIG EAST and continued to play at all-conference level … Compiled a USF single-season record 121 tackles at strong side linebacker … His total is remarkable because he split time with fellow LB Brouce Mompremier on passing downs and in nickel formation … Collected 250 tackles, including 129 at Iowa State in 2006, during his last two seasons of football … Tied a USF single-game record with 18 tackles in the season finale at Pitt … Seven games with 10 tackles or more … 78 of his tackles have been solo … Also compiled 7.5 tackles for loss, 1.5 sacks, two forced fumbles and two fumble recoveries … Also blocked a kick against Rutgers...2006: 12 GP; 12 GS; 58 Sol-129 TT, 9.5 TFL, 2 SK, 1 INT, 3 PBU, 1 QBH, 4 FF, 1 SFTY; IOWA STATE- 2006: Finished eight in the nation with 10.75 tackles per game in 12 appearances…Had 129 total tackles…9.5 tackles for loss with two sacks…Also forced four fumbles and had one interception with a 17-yard return…Started all 12 games at middle linebacker…2005: Defensive Scout Team Player of the Year while he sat out his NCAA transfer season from Michigan State...2004: 11 GP; 0 GS; 2 Sol-3 TT; MICHIGAN STATE - 2004: Played in 11 games as a true freshman and was credited with three tackles.
Post-Draft Outlook: A closer look at the Patriots' picks: 3/97 -- Tyrone McKenzie, OLB, 6-0, 243, South Florida...McKenzie had a rough go in college after transferring several times, but he finally found a home as a strong-side linebacker with South Florida -- a role the Patriots need to fill with Mike Vrabel now in Kansas City. Early in his career, McKenzie was a tackling machine at middle linebacker. His versatility is most likely what made him such an attractive commodity to Bill Belichick. There's no telling what McKenzie's role might be, which is what makes him such an interesting prospect to pay attention to during camp. - by The Sports Xchange
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Draft Scout Tyrone McKenzie News
05/20/10 - ILB Tyrone McKenzie missed his entire rookie season thanks to a torn ACL suffered in rookie mini-camp a year ago. Now fully healthy, the former third-round pick is ready to strut his stuff when the time comes on the practice field as part of New England's burgeoning young corps of linebackers.
Based on his descriptions of his own skills, the cocksure McKenzie is raring to go.
"I'm very strong, I'm very fast. I have a lot of assets that are part of my game," said McKenzie, who emphasized that he has no lingering restrictions after suffering a torn ACL during last year's rookie mini-camp and won't wear a brace. "You guys (the media) can fill in the blanks. I'll give you plenty to write about. I just have to get on the field first."
That doesn't sound like a guy still waiting to take his first NFL snap. McKenzie, who added eight pounds to his sturdy 6-2 frame, wasn't done.
"I'm more of a hybrid linebacker, to where I have the size, I have the height, I have the weight, but I have the speed too," he said. "I now have more power to bring the heat."
McKenzie manned the middle of South Florida's 4-3 defense during his senior year but possesses a lot of Ted Johnson-like qualities that should allow him to succeed inside in the Patriots 3-4. The added size will help, and his propensity for taking on guards and enjoying the physicality of the game are absolute musts for the position.
Given his attitude, it wasn't surprising to hear his reaction to questions regarding one of this year's second-round picks, inside linebacker Brandon Spikes. Spikes has a similar resume and figures to compete for playing time immediately, possibly at the expense of McKenzie depending on how the competition works itself out.
Just don't expect McKenzie to shy away from the challenge as the competition heats up for the starting job next to Jerod Mayo.
"I'm very excited. Right now, we have so many linebackers, inside and outside. We have a lot of good guys and a lot of guys that are going to c
01/14/10 - ILB Tyrone McKenzie was opening eyes when he went down with a torn ACL in rookie camp, and he could compete for reps inside moving forward.
08/31/09 - LB Tyrone McKenzie (knee) was placed on injured reserve. New England's third-round choice out of South Florida, McKenzie tore the ACL in his right knee during rookie minicamp action May 2 and will miss the season. McKenzie had a unique college career, playing at both Michigan State and Iowa State before attending USF.
08/26/09 - LB Tyrone McKenzie has finally signed his rookie contract, according to ProFootballTalk.com. New England's third-round choice out of South Florida, McKenzie tore the ACL in his right knee during rookie minicamp action May 2 and will miss the season. McKenzie had a unique college career, playing at both Michigan State and Iowa State before attending USF.
05/07/09 - LB Tyrone McKenzie, New England's third-round choice out of South Florida, injured his right knee during rookie minicamp action May 2. According to the Boston Globe, citing a source close to the rookie, the injury is a torn ACL that will sideline him for his rookie season. McKenzie had a unique college career, playing at both Michigan State and Iowa State before attending USF.
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