Kevin Minter: 5 Things You Need to Know About the Louisiana State ILB

Linebacker Kevin Minter is a rare football gem.

Minter is a brutal tackler. He has a great burst, coupled with unique lateral agility and nice timing. With tremendous vision and speed, he has the ability to diagnose and defuse offenses at a high level. He's also a team leader, which makes him the total package.

Here are five things you need to know about LSU's Kevin Minter. 

Background

Full Name: Kevin Christopher Minter

Birthday: December 3, 1990

Hometown: Suwanee, Ga.

High School: Peachtree Ridge (Gwinnett County, Ga.)

Major: Sport administration

Year: Junior

Minter's decision to leave LSU early and enter the NFL draft was primarily influenced by his desire to provide for his family. He discussed the situation on ESPN Radio 104.5 FM in Baton Rouge, saying: 

"

It was a very difficult [decision]. I love LSU. There's a reason why I came to wear the purple and gold. I love the atmosphere there. I love the coaches. It's hard leaving all that, but it's something I had to do for me and my family.

I grew up not necessarily in the best financial situation...This is what I've dreamed about. I can finally take care of my mother, my brothers and sisters. I had to do it for them.

"

Statistics

2010 (Redshirt Freshman Season): 11 games, no starts, 15 tackles

2011 (Sophomore Season): 14 games, 11 starts, 61 tackles, 3.5 tackles for loss, one sack

2012 (Junior Season): 13 games, 13 starts, 130 tackles, 15 tackles for loss, four sacks

Minter really came into his own during his junior season. He started every game at middle linebacker and led a stacked defensive squad. His 130 tackles qualified as the fourth-highest single-season total in LSU's history.

Statistics sourced at LSUSports.net

Draft Process

Measurables

Height: 6'2"

Weight: 246 pounds

Arm Length: 32"

Hand Size: 9 3/8"

Combine Results

40-Yard Dash: 4.81 seconds

Broad Jump: 9'11"

Vertical Jump: 33"

Pro Day Results

40-Yard Dash: 4.67 seconds

Broad Jump: 9'6"

Vertical Jump: 34.5"

Minter's pro day was significant because it afforded him the opportunity to smooth some wrinkles from his combine performance. He was able to clock a superior time in the 40 while also improving his vertical. In the process, he upped his already desirable stock.

Source Notes: Minter's height listed at 6'2" via LSUSports.net and ESPN, 6'0" via NFL.com 

Remaining measurables and combine results also sourced from NFL.com

Pro day results sourced from CBSSports.com

Interesting Facts

Minter racked up a number of accolades during his junior season, including first-team All-SEC honors.

He was also named his team's MVP and qualified as a finalist for the Butkus Award for linebackers. 

Check out LSUSports.net for Minter's complete resume.

Observations

Minter is a cerebral attack dog. He reads the quarterback very well. He's extremely efficient against the run. Nice mobility, swings from side to side very easily. Persistent in pursuit of the ball. Pounces with aggression, tremendous follow-through with his tackles.

Natural leadership makes him a quarterback on defense. He establishes a rhythm that other players follow. Very rugged, intelligent, aggressive style to his game, which sets a tone for the whole defense.

NFL.com describes Minter's strengths:

"

Attacks blocks with extension and hand use. Very good feel in trash, subtle moves to weave through bodies and recognize run, gets to the ball carrier before teammates despite starting from the opposite side of the formation. not afraid to make contact with lead blocker between the tackles, keeps outside arm free to scrape off to running back. Takes very good angles and lines. Stops momentum of blockers, rolls into them with an anchor to not lose ground. Finishes off tackles very well. Fights as a blitzer, good motor, attempts to run through or get around contact. Sniffs out screens. When the play is visibly in from of him, the click and close can happen very quickly. Looks very comfortable when using hands to work through blockers. Has just enough speed to undercut blocks and make tackles for loss. Remained on the field in nickel packages.

"

Kevin Minter is diamond. He's about to take the NFL by storm.