Shaydon Akuna

On the Hoof: Akuna has a good linebacker frame with long arms and a lot of room to grow. He is proportionately put together with an athletic lower body and a sturdy upper body. He will add a lot of weight in college and continue to fill out and get stronger. Looks similar in build to Oklahoma freshman Ronnell Lewis.
Needs improvement: Akuna is a good athlete that changes directions well, but if he were to play lower he could be even more explosive and sudden with his movements. Is an arm tackler and needs to get better at exploding through the ball carrier and making plays chest to chest.
Most impressive: Runs extremely well sideline to sideline. He rushes the passer off of the edge with aggression and uses his long arms to disrupt passing lanes. Akuna uses his hands well to shed blocks, particularly as a pass rusher. Once he gets a hold of a ball carrier, he rarely loses control and is able to whip them to the ground. Is willing and capable of pursuing the ball downfield with speed and effort. Closes well in the run game.
Conclusion: Akuna is a raw linebacker right now. He needs to clean up his game and get more physical but his athleticism and body are both elite. As he fills out and develops as a football player, he has the opportunity to be a major impact player in the BCS and an all-conference type player by the end of his career.