UH’s Roberts eager to make his case at Collegiate Bowl
Instinctively anticipating the snap, Elandon Roberts bolted through the line of scrimmage and stopped a running back in his tracks for no gain this week during a televised NFLPA Collegiate Bowl practice.
It was the kind of aggressive tackle Roberts routinely made for a resurgent University of Houston team as a dominant linebacker. Roberts’ display of quickness and toughness was met with the nodding approval of former NFL coach Mike Holmgren, Roberts’ coach for this allstar game
Roberts will start at middle linebacker for the American squad against the National team in the 5 p.m. Saturday all-star game on ESPN2 at Carson, Calif.
“It’s going really good,” Roberts said. “I’ve been doing great as an all-around linebacker. I had some real good shots on the fullback and running backs. I really shut it down quick. It’s been a really good experience.
“I’m talking to a lot of scouts and they’re really liking me. I was talking to my UH defensive coordinator, Todd Orlando, and that didn’t surprise him at all because he knows I can go.”
“I’m trying to solidify my (NFL) draft stock. I know whichever team gets me is going to be happy. I’m going to make the teams that pass me up regret it.” UH linebacker Elandon Roberts
‘A production machine’
Roberts has had a circuitous journey. An all-district linebacker growing up in Texas, Roberts was an instant hit as a Morgan State freshman and a relatively obscure reserve for the Cougars until his senior year. He emerged as the defensive leader for a Peach Bowl-winning team during a 13-1 season in which he established himself as an ultra-productive, late-round NFL draft prospect.
The Port Arthur native led the Cougars with 142 tackles and ranked first in the nation with 88 solo tackles to go with six sacks, 19 tackles for losses, one interception and two forced fumbles. During a career-high 18-tackle game, Roberts blasted Memphis quarterback and first-round draft prospect Paxton Lynch on a sideline hit and intercepted him once to spark a comeback victory.
After starring at Morgan State as a freshman with 107 tackles, Roberts was granted a waiver by the NCAA to be immediately eligible upon enrolling at UH. Playing behind future NFL linebacker Derrick Matthews, Roberts had a combined 33 tackles as a sophomore and junior. Once Roberts got his opportunity, he excelled and led the American Athletic Conference in tackles despite being ejected for nearly an entire game against Connecticut for targeting when he hit a sliding quarterback.
“That guy is a production machine,” Houston coach Tom Herman said. “He’s not going to wow you with any measurables, but he has very, very good instincts. No one is able to measure his leadership qualities and heart. We’re going to miss him, not just his production and play but as the vocal leader of our team.”
Roberts has been popular this week in Southern California. Among the NFL teams Roberts says he has spoken with and have shown interest in him: the Arizona Cardinals, San Diego Chargers, Green Bay Packers, Los Angeles Rams, Oakland Raiders, Buffalo Bills, Baltimore Ravens and New York Jets.
“I bring a lot to the table as a hard worker who’s aggressive running to the ball and has great instincts,” Roberts said. “I can get back in pass coverage. I’m very versatile, stopping the run, blitzing powerfully, using my hands and staying square on my feet.
“The linebacker coaches here have praised me a lot. I’m a great athlete who has great drops. They like how I practice full speed. I’m always going to run to the ball.”
Listed at 6-0 and 235 pounds, Roberts lacks ideal size. He was measured at 5-11 this week. It’s shorter than the prototype for an inside linebacker, but several stocky linebackers have thrived in the NFL, including retired Pro Bowl linebacker London Fletcher (5-9, 240).
“They kind of push your head down when they measure you and I was right under 6 foot,” Robert said. “I know I’m 6-feet tall, but it doesn’t really matter. I can play. I know I will fit great in a 3-4 or a 4-3 defense.”
Wants to go to combine
Since the season ended, Roberts has been training in Dallas under the direction of former Olympic gold- medalist sprinter Michael Johnson. Roberts said he has run the 40yard dash in 4.6 seconds and has bench-pressed 225 pounds 31 times.
“Michael Johnson, he gets you right,” Roberts said. “It’s all about running like a track star right now.”
Three credit hours shy of a sociology degree, Roberts is intent on proving he belongs in the NFL. He has yet to get an invitation to the NFL scouting combine, but he’s holding out hope for a late invite.
“I’m trying to solidify my draft stock,” said Roberts, whose father, brother and cousin are traveling from Texas to attend Saturday’s game. “I know whichever team gets me is going to be happy. I’m going to make the teams that pass me up regret it.”