Deandre' Eiland NFL Bio

Official NFL profile of Vikings sixth-round safety Deandre' Eiland.

Deandre’ Eiland
Position: Free Safety/Cornerback
College: South Carolina
Height: 5-11
Weight: 202
Hometown: Tupelo, Miss.


OVERVIEW
Versatile defender with experience at every secondary position … The Mississippi state 110-meter hurdles champion and national record holder in the 55-meter dash (7.70) during his prep days, he came to the Gamecocks as a cornerback and receiver, but quickly made a name for himself as a free safety, earning Southeastern Conference All-Freshman Team honors … He also continued doing "double duty" while starring on the Gamecocks' track team … He shifted to cornerback late in his junior year then saw action as a free safety, nickelback and cornerback in his final season … Started 28 of 45 games, recording 211 tackles (147 solos) with three stops behind the line of scrimmage, three quarterback pressures, three fumble recoveries for 47 yards in returns, a forced fumble, nine interceptions for 131 yards in returns, including a touchdown and 19 pass break-ups.

ANALYSIS
Positives: Has adequate muscle definition with good lower-body thickness in his thighs, quads and bubble … Shows enough foot speed and strength to jam and control receivers, using his quickness to ride the routes … Fluid in his backpedal, showing balance and explosive plant-and-drive agility while coming out of his breaks … Has the burst and acceleration to close on the ball in the open field … Can make plays on the ball in the air once he locates it … Shows no hesitation to come up and support the run, working through blocks and accelerating to the ball … Strikes and sheds blocks with good quickness … Has the long speed to cover the field from the right end position on the punt return unit and his special-teams play could allow him to contribute immediately at the next level … Hard worker in the weight room with good practice habits … Tough competitor on the field who gives solid effort throughout his play.

Negatives: Frame needs further muscle development, but has little room for further growth … Late to recognize the play develop and fails to locate the ball consistently … Is fluid in his movements, but gets too high in his backpedal stance … Will leave his feet to make the tackle, but is more of a grab-and-drag down type than one who would stalk, wrap and secure … Made the calls on defense, but has only marginal read-and-react skills … Is better suited for safety, as he is more comfortable making plays on the ball than handling man-coverage responsibilities.

AGILITY TESTS
Timed at 4.49 in the 40-yard dash, 2.61 in the 20-yard dash and 1.55 in the 10-yard dash … 4.28 20-yard shuttle … Bench pressed 225 pounds 20 times … 34-inch vertical jump … 31-inch arm length … 91/4-inch hands … Right-handed.

HIGH SCHOOL
Attended Tupelo (Miss.) High, playing football for coach Johnny Hill … Played cornerback and wide receiver … Had 55 tackles and five interceptions as a senior … National high school record holder in the 55-yard dash with a time of 7.70 … State champion in the 110-meter hurdles with a time of 13.48.

PERSONAL
Retailing major … Born June 4, 1982 … Resides in Tupelo, Miss.