Tarell Basham

With a career high 10 sacks and 14.5 tackles for loss in 2016, Basham earned the MAC Defensive Player of the Year and led Ohio to the East division crown, the program's first since 2011. It was the logical culmination to a dazzling career for Basham, who earned Freshman All-American honors back in 2013 when he exploded onto the scene with a team-high 7.5 sacks among 33 tackles. Basham leaves Ohio as the program's all-time leader with 29 career sacks, starting all four years after spending one year after high school at Hargrave Military Academy. Capable of creating pressure off the edge with his initial burst and athletic enough to drop back into coverage, Basham offers intriguing position and schematic versatility. A strong showing at the Senior Bowl and Basham could emerge as one of the hottest edge rushers in the 2017 draft.

in our view

What Basham lacks in name recognition he more than makes up for with initial quickness, agility and motor. He may need a year or two to acclimate to the greater speed of the NFL but possesses the traits and work ethic necessary to handle the jump in competition.

strengths

Basham looks the part of an NFL edge rusher with broad shoulders and a v-shaped frame. He shows terrific initial quickness off the ball, surging out of his stance and dipping with his shoulder to get underneath the reach of tackles and immediately threaten the corner. He complements his burst with a quick counter back inside, showing the flexibility to get skinny and slip through gaps. His quick-twitch and body control are evident when rushing out of the two or three point stance, and he shows good patience and spatial awareness to loop around on stunts and avoid cut blocks. Even when initially contained, Basham doesn't stay blocked for long, extending his arms and sprawling his legs to stack and shed at the point of attack should the ball come near him. He has quick, active hands to knock away attempts by tackles to control him and he keeps his eye on the prize, immediately breaking free to pursue downfield once the ball leaves the quarterback's hands. Though at his best rushing, Basham possesses the agility and speed to occasionally drop back into coverage, as well. The coaching staff at Ohio raves about Basham's infectious personality and work ethic on and off the field. He is the first player from his family to attend college.

compares to

Cassius Marsh, Seattle Seahawks

weaknesses

Basham was a man amongst boys in the MAC but will need to gain more strength to duplicate his success in the NFL. He is overly reliant at this time on his speed and agility and must incorporate a better bull rush to his game. He spent time early in his career at defensive tackle but lacks the bulk and strength to remain here in the NFL.

Recorded 16 sacks and 82 solo tackles throughout his career

Earned All-Region honors as a senior

Four-year varsity letter winner

Helped his team to an 8-3 record as a senior

Attended Hargrove Military Academy for Prep School and was coached by Troy Davis.

Born March 18, 1994

Son of Glenda Basham

Has three siblings

Had perfect attendance throughout high school

Undecided on a major

Enjoys playing Xbox

Is the first member of his family to ever attend college.

2016

fumbles
REC	LOST	FUM
1.0	0.0	0.0

defensive
TFL	QB HUR	TOT	TD	PD	SACKS	SOLO
15.0	10.0	50.0	0.0	2.0	11.5	30.0