Anfernee Orji is a super junior who hasn’t missed a game over the last two seasons. Was recruited as a safety but made the move to linebacker upon entering Vanderbilt and bulked up about 20 pounds. He’s a solid tackler inside who has some range and overall is a very smooth athlete. 

The upside with Orji is that he has room to grow as he better learns and understands the game of football. His athletic ability is already there and Orji just needs to hit the books and really get into the X’s and O’s of understanding opposing offenses. He’s very intelligent, so once he gets there, he can be a special contributor inside. 

Whew, #Vanderbilt LB Anfernee Orji #0 laid the boom on the QB (also, impressive hurdle over the RB block by #13).

Orji is collecting impact plays on his 2022 tape. Leads the SEC in tackles. Potential top-100 draft pick in April. pic.twitter.com/Mq5h1R2zUG

— Dane Brugler (@dpbrugler) October 24, 2022

Missed several games in 2020 to injury. Suffered a soft tissue injury before the season in 2022 that forced him to miss a week of practice. 

Anfernee Orji’s scouting report

Athletic Ability (30)

Speed/Athleticism: 20 

• Speed (6/8) – Decent speed but might be a step slow for the next level. Tested very well at the Combine. 
• Lateral Quickness (5.5/7) – Very laterally quick. Fluid athlete, moves extremely well. 
• Body Control (4/5) – Excellent body control. Just looks sluggish at times on the field. 

Strength/Power: 10

• Upper Body Strength (2/3) – Still looks like he has room to add to his frame. Can continue to add to his build. Can struggle to handle contact from the sides. 
• Lower Body Strength (2.5/3) – Lower body is very well built. Very explosive prospect. Tested extremely well. 
• Brute Power (2/4) – Not so much of a brute. 

Defending Ability (40)

Tackling/Pursuit: 15

• Tackling Ability (7/9) – Decent wrap up tackler. Shows some excellent closing speed. Vicious tackler when he wants to be. 
• Pursuit Angles (4/6) – Pursuit angles are not consistent at all. Seems to struggle with this a lot. Works well downhill but not as well boundary to boundary. 

Blitz Ability: 5

• Blitz Timing (3/5) – Decent blitz timer, knows how to get a good angle through the gap he’s trying to hit. When he does get home, he is vicious. 

Coverage Ability: 20

• Space Defending (7/10) – Smart spy player. Plays decently well in space. Closes decently well. Nothing overly special but capable. 
• Man Coverage (2.5/5) – Lacks a step to stay with running backs in man coverage. Physical enough to disrupt their routes and try to stay in the play. Doesn’t look comfortable enough in man coverage. 
• Zone Coverage (3.5/5) – Decent zone coverage player. Has smooth, seamless hips. Very fluid athlete who can shift in the zone and move with the play very well. Natural receiver. 

Intel/Instincts (25)

Football IQ: 10

• Play Recognition (3/5) – Shows some play recognition ability, but it’s spotty. 
• Understanding of Concepts (3/5) – Seems to understand concepts decently well. Not great at picking them up but made a lot of tackles and was the stalworth on the defense at Vanderbilt last year. 

Instincts: 15 

• Natural Instincts (7.5/10) – Solid awareness. Seems to feel the ball well. Moves into position well and reads offensive players well and how they’re trying to set him up. 
• Consistency (3/5) – Not consistently in position – I think he plays too focused on his assignment and doesn’t let the game naturally come to him. 

Overall: (75.5) – 3rd/4th Round