Micah Kiser

A three-year starter at Virginia, Kiser lined up at MIKE linebacker in the Cavaliers' 4-3 scheme in 2015 before moving to the inside MIKE position in a 3-4 base the past two seasons under the current coaching staff. His character and production are both off the charts, boasting the leadership traits welcomed in any locker room to help keep order. Kiser cleans up in the run game with his instincts, mentality and physical nature to work through blocks and blow up the ballcarrier before he can get going - averaged double-digit tacklers per game the last two seasons. He lacks ideal athleticism in space and his limitations show when asked to redirect or handle cover assignments. Overall, Kiser would be a much higher draft pick 20 years ago, but in today's NFL he projects as a two-down thumper you want moving downhill only and on special teams. BACKGROUND A three-star linebacker recruit out of high school, Micah Kiser was the 2012 All-Metro Defensive Player of the Year and attracted almost 20 collegiate offers. With his impact on the field and in the classroom, he narrowed his college choice to Stanford, Virginia and Maryland, choosing the Cavaliers. After redshirting in 2013, Kiser was mostly a special teams player in 2014, collecting 15 tackles. He became a starter as a sophomore and led the ACC with 117 tackles, adding a team-best 13.0 tackles for loss, 7.5 sacks and three forced fumbles to earn Second Team All-ACC honors. Kiser started all 12 games as a junior and again led the ACC with 134 total tackles to earn All-American and First Team All-ACC honors, also posting 10.0 tackles for loss and a career-best eight passes defended and his only career interception. He returned for his senior season and for the third straight season he led the conference in tackles (134).

strengths

Physical and fast to the hole. Downhill speed to corral ballcarriers before they reach the line of scrimmage. Quick feet and aggressive hands to work off blocks. Trusts his backfield vision with his eyes attached on the ball. Football smart and has been making defensive calls since high school. Form tackler, sticking his shoulder in the gut of the ballcarrier and wrapping his hands to finish. Outstanding timing and closing acceleration as a blitzer - finds the soft spots, gets skinny and doesn't let off-balance blocks slow him down, ranking top-10 in Virginia history in sacks. Well-rounded individual and strives to make an impact on and off the field - classroom and community are important to him. Winner of the 2017 William V. Campbell Trophy, which is also known as the "Academic Heisman" - graduated with an undergraduate degree in foreign affairs (May 2017) and currently pursuing a master's in higher education (3.42 GPA). Led the football team's response to the Charlottesville riots, including a photo of team unity with arms interlocked. Led the ACC in tackles each of the last three seasons and no active college football player has more tackles over the last three years. Proven durability, playing every game the past four seasons. - Dane Brugler 12/12/2017

weaknesses

Limitations moving laterally. Doesn't have the change of direction skills or burst to turn and cover backs or tight ends in coverage. Allows too much spacing in zone and man coverage and late to react. Ordinary range and won't narrow the gap chasing. Often plays too fast downhill, hindering his ability to calm his feet and break down vs. shifty ballcarriers. - Dane Brugler 12/12/17

A linebacker and tight end at the Gilman School for head coach Biff Poggi

was a three-year letterwinner and a three-time All-Maryland Interscholastic Athletic Association Conference honoree

two-time Maryland Consensus All-State first-team defense . Two-time All-Metro first-team

was the 2012 All-Metro Defensive Player of the Year

Baltimore Sun `s Defensive Co-Player of the Year

helped Gilman to a MIAA A Conference title defense

was a 2012 Semper Fidelis All-American

accumulated 111 tackles, two forced fumble and intercepted three passes, while returning two for touchdowns

Was a team captain in senior and helped lead Gilman to a No. 19 ranking in the USA Today Super 25 high school team rankings

was a 2011 MaxPreps Air Force Junior All-American second-team linebacker

made 91 tackles and forced three fumbles as a junior in 2011

a four-star player by 247sports and ESPN.com

a three-star player by Scout.com and Rivals.com

. also played lacrosse at Gilman in 2011 with current Cavalier Ryan Tucker

played the 2010 season of football at Gilman with former Virginia wide receiver Darius Jennings

volunteered with Ronald McDonald House Charities and the Agape House.

Son of Michael and Donna Kiser

has a younger brother, Jordan.

2017

fumbles
REC	LOST	FUM
2.0	0.0	0.0

defensive
TFL	QB HUR	TOT	TD	PD	SACKS	SOLO
9.5	2.0	143.0	0.0	4.0	5.0	50.0

2016

fumbles
REC	LOST	FUM
1.0	0.0	0.0

defensive
TFL	QB HUR	TOT	TD	PD	SACKS	SOLO
10.0	2.0	133.0	0.0	6.0	6.5	65.0

interceptions
TD	AVG	YDS	INT
0.0	7.0	7.0	1.0