Southern Utah's Miles Killebrew Ready to Be NFL's Next Hybrid Playmaker

First, it was Kam Chancellor in Seattle. Then Deone Bucannon in Arizona.

NFL teams are looking for the next versatile defender who can play in a hybrid safety/linebacker role, and Southern Utah's Miles Killebrew fits the bill.

At a rock-solid 6'2", 217 pounds, it's shocking to think Killebrew didn't darken the doorstep of a weight room until college. His frame is tailor-made for the NFL game, as is his skill set. Once you turn on his game tape, it doesn't take long to notice the physicality and versatility NFL teams are looking for in the next generation of playmakers in the back seven.

A four-year starter for the Thunderbirds, Killebrew earned all-conference honors in every season, racking up nearly 250 tackles over this final two years.

From his meetings with NFL teams leading up to the draft, it's clear many of them see Killebrew in that hybrid role, hopefully developing into the next Chancellor or Bucannon.

"Most of the teams, that's what I've heard," Killebrew says. "I've heard the term 'Nickel-Will" a lot. Coming in on third-down situations and being the fifth DB or extra linebacker, that's what I'm expecting. I know one thing I'll be doing, without a doubt, is special teams."

Gregory Payan/Associated Press

It makes sense that Killebrew would make an immediate impact on special teams at the pro level.

Coming out of high school Killebrew's recruiting experience was practically non-existent. Southern Utah came in late with Killebrew's only scholarship offer, citing the 180-pounder's playing style on special teams as the reason they saw promise.

"I had no stars," Killebrew says. "I wasn't a star recruit. Coach (Ed) Lamb said he saw my special teams film, saw my style of play, and that he liked the way I just threw my body around like a madman."

A native of Henderson, Nevada, Killebrew says he was blessed and thankful for the chance Southern Utah took on him. Still, the reality of becoming a true NFL hopeful seemed far-fetched at the beginning.

"I didn't really realize how feasible that goal was until my sophomore year," Killebrew says. "That was when we saw our quarterback at the time, Brad Sorensen, start to get interest from NFL teams, and we saw scouts coming out to practice. All the underclassmen, we thought it was crazy. I got to see that they would find us, that we weren't under a rock."

Killebrew terrorized opposing offenses for four seasons, but knew he'd face questions about his ability to succeed against top-level competition. A solid performance during Senior Bowl week helped prove to NFL teams and draft analysts that he had both the physical attributes and intangibles to make the transition to the pro game.

Don Juan Moore/Getty Images

During practices that week, Killebrew could be seen spending plenty of time between snaps with the Dallas Cowboys coaching staff, asking plenty of questions and seeking instant feedback.

"I want to know how I'm doing, if I'm doing it right," Killebrew says. "I want to maximize the time out on the grass. I don't want to wait until we get in the film room to know if I'm doing it wrong. I want to know what he's telling the other guys about what they're doing right. I just wanted to make sure I heard everything I needed to hear, and that I was on the same page."

Killebrew isn't the only Thunderbird getting attention from NFL teams leading up to this year's draft. Defensive teammates James Cowser and LeShaun Sims are likely to hear their names called at some point, and Killebrew says it's been particularly enjoyable to share this experience with them.

"We're communicating every week, at least, if not every day," Killebrew says of his teammates. "We're all we have. We all obviously have our family, other teammates and coaches, but we are the only people that we know, personally, who are going through the same exact thing."

Even with plenty of accolades at the FCS level, many will likely question Killebrew's ability to successfully make the jump to the NFL.

What does Killebrew tell those people?

"I don't tell them much, I'll tell you that," Killebrew says. "That used to be the the way things were. If you weren't on a big stage, it was very hard to get noticed. But in today's day and age, it's a lot easier to get noticed than it used to be, and it's exciting. Your film is your resume, and one thing I've learned is that no matter what level you're playing at, NFL teams know what they're looking at on film."

Killebrew says teams can even glean valuable insight about a player's intangible qualities simply by watching the tape.

"The see all they need to see about your heart, your determination, through your film," Killebrew says. "When I meet with coaches, they want to know where my support system is, how I plan to spend my money, the kind of intangible things they can't see on film. That's the stuff they ask about, because all that other stuff...the heart, the drive...they can see that on the film."

Killebrew's film doesn't leave much to the imagination when it comes to his passion for the game, and his playing style makes him the kind of player opponents will want to avoid after just one run-in. NFL.com's Lance Zierlein pointed out that Killebrew is a big hitter, but that doesn't mean he's not a consistent, technically sound tackler:

"

Tightly bundled muscle hammer with a compact frame and the thighs of a track sprinter. World-class form tackler with bad intentions behind his strikes. Patient and willing to wait until he's in proper range before exploding with everything he has into his victim. Confident around the line of scrimmage and uses aggressive hands to keep himself clean. Will not flinch in the face of contact and has the frame to be considered as a hybrid linebacker on the pro level. Relied upon to line secondary up and get defense situated.

Violent player who looks to punish and intimidate with the force of his strikes, but who won't compromise his form as a tackler just for the highlight reel hit.

"

As Jesse Granger of the Las Vegas Sun pointed out, not even UNLV had any interest in Killebrew coming out out high school. The Rebels likely regret that decision, but Killebrew will certainly have plenty of interest from 32 other teams on draft weekend.

Chancellor was a fifth-round pick in 2010. Bucannon was a first-rounder just two years ago. Killebrew doesn't know when he'll hear his name called this year, but it shouldn't take long for him to make an impact on special teams while developing into the kind of dynamic playmaker that could define this era of NFL defenses.

All quotes and observations obtained firsthand, unless otherwise noted.

Luke Easterling is a featured columnist covering the NFL Draft for Bleacher Report. He also covers the Tampa Bay Buccaneers for Scout. Follow him on Twitter @LukeEasterling.