Keith Pough
6'2, 241 pounds
From CBS Sports
Pough finished his career as the all-time leader in tackles for losses (71) in the FCS, earning MEAC Defensive Player of the Year honors in 2012. Scouts took notice, making him the first Howard player to ever be invited to the East-West Shrine Game, where Pough consistently stood out. Pugh is definitely a defensive prospect worth watching due to his athleticism and competitive nature, and could be one of the first players selected in April who attended the Shrine Game.
From NFL Draft Scout
01/18/13 - 2013 SHRINE GAME PRACTICE RISERS: 1. OLB Keith Pough, Howard (6016, 241 -- West Team)...With his performance on the practice field this week and through talking to NFL scouts, putting Pough at No. 1 was the easiest decision on this list. He showed off his natural athleticism and coordination during drills, and while he has room to get stronger, his aggressive and violent playing style was impressive. Pough's physical attributes stand out, but so does his approach to the game. He brings a non-stop motor and competitive attitude to the defense, regardless if it's practice or a game. Although he's still a tad rough around the edges, Pough is a player on the rise and it wouldn't be a shock if he ends up as one of the first players drafted from this year's Shrine Game. - Dane Brugler, NFLDraftScout.com01/15/13 - EAST WEST SHRINE GAME - MONDAY PRACTICE: The most talkative award goes to Howard outside linebacker Keith Pough (West Team), who was barking all practice - not only at himself but also his teammates. While some view this as a negative, the coaching staff of the West squad appeared to encourage it, loving the energy he was showing while pushing those around him.Along with his gift for gab, Pough is also a very talented football player. He stood out during the linebacker drills as the best athlete of the group with excellent flexibility and agility for the position. Pough was the only linebacker during drills who didn't need reminding to "stay low" during blocking drills. He does have a few bad habits with lowering his head and keeping his eyes in the wrong place, but he is definitely a defensive prospect worth watching due to his athleticism and competitive nature. - Dane Brugler, NFLDraftScout.com
12/08/12 - Howard University's Keith Pough has been selected to play in the 88th Annual East West Shrine Bowl, scheduled for January 19, 2013 at Tropicana Field in St. Petersburg, Fl. A 6-3, 235-pound senior from Orangeburg, SC, closed out a brilliant career for the Bison this past season. Over his four-year career at Howard, Pough established himself as one of the all-time greats.He has recorded 349 tackles during his productive career, but more importantly, he set a new NCAA, FCS career record for tackles for losses with 71. For his efforts this past season in leading Howard to a 7-4 record, Pough was voted the MEAC Defensive Player of the Year and to the Black Sports Network All America team. - Howard football
11/25/12 - 2012 MEAC DEFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE YEAR: LB Keith Pough, Howard...Keith Pough recorded 72 total tackles, 44 solo, with 10.0 for a loss of 50 yards during the 2012 campaign. Pough became the FCS all-time record holder in tackles for a loss with 83 to cap his four-year collegiate career with the Bison. He ranks 13th in totl tackles as well as in tackles for a loss in the conference. He also recorded 3.5 sacks for a loss of 35 yards, two quarterback hurries, one block, one forced fumble, two fumble recoveries and earned his first-career touchdown in a come-from-behind victory over Delaware State. Pough has earned MEAC Defensive Player of the Week accolades twice this season. - Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference football11/20/12 - NOV 19 MEAC DEFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE WEEK: Howard's Keith Pough (LB, 6-3, 240, r-Sr., Orangeburg, S.C.) recorded 12 tackles, 10 solo, with 1.5 for a loss of two yards. He also recovered a fumble and returned it for a touchdown, the first of his career, to give Howard the go-ahead score in a 41-34 win over Delaware State. - MEAC football
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While the competition was weak for many games, he stood out big time against Rutgers. He will definitely be replacing my Miles Burris draft crush of last year as a mid-to-late round sleeper.
[ Edited by 49oz2superbowl on Jan 26, 2013 at 10:53 AM ]