Alijah Huzzie CB North Carolina | NFL Draft Profile & Scouting Report
Alijah Huzzie CB North Carolina
NFL Draft Profile & Scouting Report
| ROLE: Dual-Role Man/Press CB | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Last Updated: 02/14/2025 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Draft Year: 2025 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 40 time: 4.55 seconds (29%*) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| ROLE: Dual-Role Man/Press CB | |
| Last Updated: 02/14/2025 | |
| Draft Year: 2025 | |
| 40 time: 4.55 seconds (29%*) | |
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SHARE THIS PROFILE:
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| Overall Rating: | 82.2 / 100 | |
|---|---|---|
| Average rating of opposition Offense player has faced | ||
| Offense Rating: |
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79% |
| Click the links below to view how player ranks vs other prospects. | ||
| QB Rating When targeted: | 63.0 | |
| Tackling: |
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68% |
| Run Defense: |
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77% |
| Coverage: |
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81% |
| Zone: |
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78% |
| Man/Press: |
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79% |
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DRAFT PROJECTION:
6th
Overall Rank:
#202
Position rank:
#35
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| College Games: 55 College Snaps: 3681 | ||
Draft Profile: Bio
Alijah Huzzie's path to the NFL draft exemplifies the modern transfer portal success story. After establishing himself as one of the most productive defenders in FCS football at East Tennessee State, where he racked up 12 interceptions and 30 pass breakups across three seasons, Huzzie made the leap to the ACC. At North Carolina, he quickly proved his playmaking ability could translate to Power 5 competition, earning Honorable Mention All-ACC honors in 2023 while showcasing his versatility both as a cornerback and return specialist.The former Heard County High School two-sport standout brought his basketball background to the gridiron, displaying the fluid athleticism and spatial awareness that helped him accumulate 16 career interceptions across six collegiate seasons. His journey from FCS All-American to ACC impact player included over 3,600 defensive snaps, demonstrating both durability and consistency at multiple levels of competition.
His final season at North Carolina showcased his growth, allowing just 22 catches on 48 targets while adding an element of backfield disruption with 5.5 tackles for loss and 2 sacks. Beyond his coverage skills, Huzzie's punt return abilities - including two career return touchdowns - speak to his natural playmaking instincts in space.
Scouting Report: Strengths
- Exceptional route recognition skills honed through 3,600+ collegiate snaps - consistently beats receivers to their spots and jumps underneath routes with veteran savvy
- Natural ball skills shine in zone coverage, showing basketball-like timing when high-pointing passes and closing rapidly on underneath throws
- Elite change of direction ability allows him to mirror slot receivers effectively - shows outstanding patience and balance through stems
- Versatile defensive weapon who's equally comfortable playing outside corner, nickel, or returning punts with game-breaking potential
- Advanced pre-snap communicator who consistently gets his teammates aligned correctly and anticipates offensive concepts
- Exceptional production across all levels of competition with 16 career interceptions and 39 pass breakups
- Shows plus competitive toughness at the catch point despite size limitations - willing to challenge bigger receivers in contested situations
- Special teams value as a proven punt returner with two career touchdowns adds immediate roster flexibility
Scouting Report: Weaknesses
- Below-average size at 5'10" and 195 pounds can lead to issues when larger receivers box him out at the catch point
- Average long speed could limit his ability to recover against vertical threats at the next level
- Can get overeager jumping routes in zone coverage, making him susceptible to double moves and play-action
- Needs technical refinement in run support - takes inconsistent angles and can get engulfed by bigger blocking receivers
- Hand usage in press coverage needs polish - when initial jam misses, he can lose leverage early in the route
Scouting Report: Summary
Film study reveals a natural slot defender with clear NFL-ready traits alongside notable physical limitations. Huzzie's exceptional change-of-direction skills and veteran-level route recognition make him a nightmare for receivers working underneath, but his average long speed could create challenges against vertical threats. When watching his ACC tape, you see a corner who consistently processes route combinations at an advanced level, though bigger receivers can give him trouble at the catch point.In the right system - particularly one heavy on match-zone concepts - Huzzie projects as an early contributor in the slot. His pre-snap communication and ability to diagnose plays stands out, especially against high-level ACC competition. The Miami game highlighted both his strengths and limitations - while he consistently denied underneath throwing windows, there were moments where his eagerness to jump routes left him vulnerable to double moves. His punt return ability adds legitimate value, though he'll need to prove he can handle NFL-caliber gunners.
Zone-heavy teams utilizing pattern-match concepts would maximize Huzzie's instincts while helping minimize his physical limitations. The film shows a player whose football intelligence and natural playmaking ability will translate to NFL game speed, particularly when working in confined spaces. However, defensive coordinators will need to be selective about his matchups and help protect him against bigger receivers who can box him out. Teams looking for slot corner depth in the middle rounds will find a pro-ready contributor with clear strengths and definable limitations.
How other scouting services rate Alijah Huzzie (Overall Rank)
All Scouts AverageOverall Rank
200.0
All Scouts AveragePosition Rank
54.0
*Percentile Ranking in Player's Position Group (NFL Combine Historical Data): This percentile reflects how a player's specific statistics rank
in comparison to historical performances at the NFL Combine, specifically within their position group. A higher percentile indicates a better performance.
For instance, being in the 90th percentile for a particular stat means the player outperformed 90% of their peers in that category.
*Similarity Percentage: This percentage is calculated based on a comprehensive analysis of various factors, including height, weight, 40-yard dash times, on-field performance statistics, and overall player rating. The analysis is conducted against our database of draft prospects from 2021 to 2023. This similarity score helps in evaluating how closely a current prospect aligns with past prospects. It is important to note, however, that this score reflects similarities based on college production and attributes, and does not account for eventual success or performance in the NFL.
*Similarity Percentage: This percentage is calculated based on a comprehensive analysis of various factors, including height, weight, 40-yard dash times, on-field performance statistics, and overall player rating. The analysis is conducted against our database of draft prospects from 2021 to 2023. This similarity score helps in evaluating how closely a current prospect aligns with past prospects. It is important to note, however, that this score reflects similarities based on college production and attributes, and does not account for eventual success or performance in the NFL.