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 NCAA Scouting – Player Profile:
Paul Kruger, DE, Utah
by Gary Davidson
24/2/2009
Paul Kruger signed to Utah in 2004, although playing QB at his high school he made the switch to RE to make better use of his natural physical ability, after red shirting his freshman year he took a break to serve as a missionary for the Latter Day Saints church in Kansas and Missouri. After finishing his work as a missionary he started his red shirt freshman year, at the age of 21, three full years after last playing competitively for his high school, Timpanogos. He took the field in all 13 games whilst earning the starting role in his third game which he would maintain for the rest of the season. His total of 63 tackles was the most among all freshman defensive lineman and was second among all defensive positions. He also had 7.5 tackles for a loss, three sacks, five pass break-ups, three fumble recoveries, 1 forced fumble and an interception. Those impressive stats led to him earning freshman second All-American honours from Scout.com and Sporting News.
 However Kruger was involved in a stabbing in the college offseason which almost cost him his playing career, on January 19th 2008 he went to see a screening of the Felix Trinidad vs. Roy Jones fight at a friend’s house just off campus, as he, his sister Jessica, his brother Dave and team-mate Greg Newman went outside they were approached by a gang who were looking for a fight, after spitting at Paul’s brother Dave the incident escalated into a fight in which Paul sustained a life threatening stab wound which put his football career in doubt.
Although he was unable to lift weights or participate in contact drills until August he managed to stay in shape and keep his starting job coming into his sophomore season he posted another impressive season at RE for the undefeated and #2 ranked Utah Ute’s. He finished with 61 tackles of which 16.5 were for a loss, ranking him second in the conference in that category. His 75 yards on tackles for loss ranked 9th all time in Utah history. He was also third in the conference in sacks with 7.5. Although Kruger may not be the flash speed rushing DE he may well be the best pure 4-3 DE coming off the board in April.
What we like about Kruger
He has a big frame which lends himself to playing LE or RE in the NFL. He is a high character guy who is willing to learn and has a good motor. He has good football intelligence and awareness allowing himself to be in position to make plays and is quick to see misdirection and screens. He is very stout against the run and uses his hands to stay unengaged and in the play.
Question marks about kruger
He is prone to play with inconsistent leverage not getting his 6’5” frame low enough and allowing blockers to get underneath him, doesn’t have many pass rushing moves and relies on his bull rush too much. Has only got 1 kidney from a car accident in his youth which may scare teams off and is 23 yet only has 2 years of college experience.
Highlight of his college career
His consistent pressure led to John Parker Wilson being sacked 8 times in Utah’s blow out Sugar Bowl victory.
Other snippets
Is 6’5 265lbs
Does a lot of missionary and community work
Brother Dave is know also a defensive lineman at Utah
Will likely go in the early second late first range in April.
Is suited to 4-3 teams with a need at DE, such as Atlanta and Houston.
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