Shadarius Toodle

Physical Profile

Possesses an elite frame for a high school linebacker, standing at a verified 6-foot-3 and weighing in the 210-235 pound range. His size is a significant asset, and he appears to have the build to add more mass without sacrificing his plus athleticism, which is evidenced by his participation in basketball and track. This physical makeup projects well to the SEC, where he will be able to match up with bigger offensive linemen and running backs.

Play Style

Toodle plays a relentless, aggressive brand of football. He is a 'see-ball, get-ball' linebacker who trusts his instincts and flows downhill to the football with urgency. He is a destructive force at the point of attack and consistently makes his presence felt with his physicality. His motor is always running, and he demonstrates a passion for the game through his effort on every snap.

Strengths

• **Elite Instincts & Play Recognition:** Consistently demonstrates a high football IQ, quickly diagnosing plays and finding the correct gaps to make tackles. He appears to see the play develop a step ahead of the offense, consistently putting himself in the right position to make a play on the ball.
• **Sideline-to-Sideline Range:** Showcases terrific speed and acceleration for his size, allowing him to pursue ball carriers across the field and make plays outside the tackle box. This athleticism makes him a valuable asset in today's game where linebackers are often forced to cover large areas of space.
• **Tackling & Productivity:** A highly productive tackler who finished his junior season with 157 total tackles (113 solo) and 13 tackles for loss. He is a physical, hard-hitting linebacker who effectively wraps up and drives through ball carriers.
• **Positional Versatility:** While his primary position is middle linebacker, he possesses the size and get-off to be used as a pass rusher on third downs, a role he is expected to explore at the college level. This versatility adds significant value to his defensive profile.

Areas to Improve

• **Pass Coverage Technique:** While athletic enough to be effective in coverage, he can continue to refine his technique in man-to-man situations against more athletic tight ends and running backs at the next level.
• **Consistency in Shedding Blocks:** Given his size, he has the potential to be even more dominant in disengaging from offensive linemen. Continuing to develop his hand usage and block-shedding technique will be crucial for his development.

College Projection

Toodle projects as a multi-year starter at a high-level Power Five program. Given his advanced physical tools and on-field production, he has the potential to contribute early in his career on special teams and in a rotational role at linebacker. His upside suggests he could develop into an all-conference caliber player and a leader of a top-tier defense by his second or third year on campus.

NFL Outlook

As a highly-rated four-star prospect with a composite score of 0.9129, Toodle possesses the requisite physical traits, athleticism, and on-field instincts to be considered a legitimate NFL prospect. His ideal frame for an inside linebacker, combined with his production against high-level competition in Alabama, gives him a significant ceiling. With continued development at the collegiate level, particularly in pass coverage, he has the potential to be a Day 2 or Day 3 NFL Draft selection.

Best Fit

Toodle is an excellent fit for a defensive scheme that allows its linebackers to play downhill and aggressively attack the line of scrimmage. His skill set would be maximized in a 4-3 defense as a MIKE linebacker or in a 3-4 scheme as one of the two inside linebackers. A program known for developing physical, athletic linebackers will be an ideal environment for him to reach his full potential.