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 NCAA Scouting – Player Profile:
Xavier Adibi, OLB
by Paul Hopkins
24/3/2008
Xavier Adibi was considered the leader of the Virginia Tech defence, and should have a solid career in the NFL. This talented outside linebacker is currently expected to leave the board inside the second or third round, and find himself just outside Mike Mayock’s top 50 players in the draft.
Adibi started a very respectable 40 of his 47 games for the Hokies, completing the 2007 season at right inside linebacker, from which he recorded a career high 115 tackles (including three sacks and twelve stops for negative yardage). For his Hokies career, Adibi recorded 291 tackles, 133 of which were solo tackles with 11 sacks.
 Most analysts consider Adibi to be a little on the small size to repeat his college success in the pros, but with his combination of skill, speed and agility there is potential that, with work he can make a significant impact in the NFL.
Adibi also possesses the ability to get involved in and around the ball, causing fumbles and offering good enough hands to be a threat if he gets his hands on the ball. This is indicated in his five forced fumbles, one of which he returned for a touchdown. He also deflected 12 passes and recorded eight interceptions for a total return of 170 yards, and two touchdowns.
What we like about Adibi
Adibi’s best attribute is undoubtedly his agility and initial burst. He can maintain with backs in coverage, where he looks very much at ease. and is able to get the better of them in pass rushing formations. He is a great natural athlete, for whom going sideline to sideline poses no problems.
Despite his relatively small frame and muscle definition, which accentuate his nimbleness and agility, Xavier is still strong in his tackling. Whilst more bulk can be added to his frame without much drop off in his skills, he is not already lacking in this area.
 As already stated, within the right system, Adibi can slot right in and contribute straight away. Even if it takes time for him to adjust to the defensive system required, he will be able to be a strong performer on special teams from day one.
Furthermore, he has good hands and is a threat to get his hands on the ball, be that in deflecting passes or intercepting them, and returning them for touchdowns.
Question marks over Adibi
The biggest question mark over Xavier is undoubtedly his size. Ideally he needs to add some weight to his frame to be able to compete with the increased physical rigours of the NFL. Coupled with that, is the need to get stronger. Whilst he may be able to shred blockers in the NCAA, in the NFL players are much bigger and stronger and Adibi will, without additional strength struggle to compete in many circumstances.
This feeds into a weakness against the run. His lack of size prevents him being able to hold us rushers coming downfield.
Finally, Adibi seems to be a player whose options are limited. He will not fit into every defensive scheme going so therefore, for his own development it is imperative he makes it onto a roster he can contribute to.
 Highlight of his college career
Adibi became just the second linebacker in Virginia Tech school history to earn first-team All-American honours in 2007, emulating the accomplishment of Mike Widger in 1968.
Other snippets
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Majored in Apparel, housing and resource management.
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Adibi’s older brother, Nathaniel Adibi, was a standout defensive end for the Hokies
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Compares to Michael Boley of the Atlanta Falcons.
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A potential good fit for Adibi could be the Indianapolis Colts.
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