Aldrick Fordham: 5 Things to Know About the South Carolina DE

Aldrick Fordham had a mostly quiet career for the South Carolina Gamecocks, but broke out in 2012 and has turned some heads with his production.

Fordham is a player who plays with a great deal of tenacity.

His sparks of talent will warrant a few looks in this year's NFL draft. Should he build on this, he has a chance to become an effective NFL player.

Background

Full Name: Aldrick Fordham

Hometown: Jamestown, South Carolina

High School: Timberland

Major: Hotel, restaurant, and tourism management

Year: Senior

(Information provided by gamecocksonline.com)

Fordham didn't go to far from home to attend college, but should he be drafted, it's unlikely he'll have that same opportunity. Although never a full-time starter with the Gamecocks, the experience Fordham earned playing in the SEC will be invaluable in the NFL.

Statistics

2009: 4 tackles (redshirt for most of the season)

2010: 10 tackles, zero tackles for loss, zero sacks, zero forced fumbles

2011: 9 tackles, one tackle for loss, zero sacks, zero forced fumbles

2012: 21 tackles, 5.5 tackles for loss, 4.5 sacks, two forced fumbles

Fordham’s career has largely been quiet, as he has been used largely on special teams. But in 2012, he broke out, especially as a pass-rusher. In his final season, he showed flashes of talent and it is primarily his most recent season that will spark some interest from NFL teams.

Draft Process

Measurables
 

Height: 6’4”

Weight: 273

Arm Length: 33"

Hand Size: 10"

Pro Day Results

40-yard dash: 5.00

Broad Jump: 9’1”

Vertical Jump: 33.5"

3-Cone Drill: 7.41

225 Lb Bench Reps: 24

(Statistics and information provided by NFLDraftScout.com and CBSsports.com)

As an athlete, Fordham is not elite in any category, and his 40-yard dash time is a bit on the slower side. Fordham will definitely have to look into adding some more strength and size if he wants to contend at the next level.

Interesting Facts

Fordham was a multi-position and multi-sport athlete in high school, playing at both defensive end and at tight end and helped his team reach the state AA semifinals. He also was an all-state selection in basketball.

Fordham redshirted his entire freshman year, but took the redshirt off for the game against South Carolina State, where he recorded four tackles.

He then proceeded to play six games, mostly on special teams. Fordham played mostly on special teams until his junior year.

(Information provided by Gamecocksonline.com)

Observations

While Aldrick Fordham may be lacking in many athletic categories, such as speed, he is a tenacious player who has good instincts and plays with a strong motor.

Fordham also is known for having excellent technique and South Carolina’s defensive line coach Brad Lawing stated that Fordham was one of the smartest players on the roster. Still, it is hard to see Fordham being extraordinarily productive in the NFL. But with good coaching, he could become an effective rotational player.

Fordham will need to add more strength so more time in the weight room is a must for him, but his late-career emergence, most notably as a pass-rusher, should spark some interest amongst NFL teams in the form of a late-round pick. He can add depth to a team’s roster and could potentially be a contributor on special teams.