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 NCAA Scouting – Player Profile:
Jermichael Finley, TE
by Paul Hopkins
28/2/2008
Blink and you might have missed him, but Jermichael Finley is heading to the NFL. After only two playing seasons at the University of Texas, this assured tight end is moving on, and is possibly one of the more intriguing ‘dark horses’ in this draft.
Finley may only be leaving after starting only 16 of his 26 games in Austin after his redshirt sophomore year but there is unquestionably talent there. It is highly unlikely that we will see Jermichael go early in the draft as he did not disclose his grade upon declaring for the draft. Rumours persist that it was the 4th round but recent draft history dictates that it is entirely feasible he will be a second day selection.
 Despite that, there appears to have been a lot of interest in Finley, and having watched him at the University of Texas, I would say that I can see what they are intrigued by. Perhaps an extra year in Texas would have benefited him, as another season like the last two could have cemented his place as one of the premier tight ends in the country, and possibly pushed up his status.
Alas, however, it was not to be, and Jermichael is chancing his arm in the NFL Draft. So, will this physically gifted player prove to be a steal for someone or will he fade away as quickly as his college career lasted?
After spending the 2005 season redshirting, in 2007, Finley started all 13 games and caught 45 passes (No. 2 on the UT single-season list) for 575 yards (No. 3 on the UT single-season list) and two TDs. A 2006 Honourable Mention Freshman All-American, Finley set UT freshman records with 31 receptions for 372 yards and three TDs that year. For his career, he ranks third on the UT all-time tight end list in receptions (76) and sixth in receiving yards (947). He also caught five TD passes.
Coach Mack Brown speaks very highly of Finley and it is clear he is an intelligent young man, so will this gamble to leave Texas earlier than many expected pay off or backfire?
What we like about Finley
Finley looks like a hybrid receiver-tight end. He has a strong build, with big, soft hands, and rangy strides. He makes excellent catches, very often difficult ones over the middle whilst under pressure, whilst retaining body control to gain valuable yards after the catch. He has an excellent leap and strong acceleration to pull away from defenders.
For tight ends he is quite speedy though he needs to add some muscle mass to achieve more at the pro level, but his frame can hold this extra weight without it likely affecting his quickness and agility.
A sure-handed pass catcher with the body control and competitiveness to make the tough catch and the athleticism to make defenders miss, Finley is an improving blocker with the physicality and determination to eventually stand out in this area. Finley’s upside is as high as any tight end in the 2008 draft. The biggest positive Finley has is that he is still developing. A further year in college could really have benefited him, and it has to be hoped it does not stifle his development. He has all the tools to go to the very top.
Question marks over Finley
 He physically needs to bulk up, to assist in his blocking, which he did improve upon in 2007 from 2006. If he does that, then all the attributes will be in place.
With only 16 career starts in his two years of playing, there will be questions over whether he will be able to continue to develop whilst playing in the NFL. Spending time on the sidelines may hurt his potential.
In college, if Finley didn’t make receptions he tended to be relatively anonymous on the field. The big questions are whether teams will have seen enough of him, and have enough confidence in his ability.
Highlight of his college career
Redshirted throughout the national championship season, Finley’s best game came against Oklahoma in October 2007. He caught four passes for 149 yards against the Sooners with catches of 58 and 55 yards in the second quarter.
Other snippets of info
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Of current players in the NFL, Finley could emerge into being similar to Kellen Winslow.
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In high school, Finley played not just tight end but also defensive end, wide receiver, safety, punter and kicker!
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