By: Jeremy T Ballreich
Trevor Nowaske OLB from Saginaw Valley State University, was the GLIAC’s Defensive Player Of The Year in 2022. He had a stellar season with the 6’4″ 237 pound Linebacker.
He posted some impressive combine numbers this year:
A 4.5 second 40 time, 34.5″ vertical. 8.8′ Broad Jump, 2.85 20 yard split, 1.59 10 yard split, and a 4.2 shuttle time. Which was good enough to rank him 97th of all 796 Linebackers to have a Relative Athletic Score of 9.85 out of 10. Look up Ken Platte for a deeper explanation of how that translates to the NFL. But athletically as gifted as Hutchinson measured in 2022 combine.
He led his team in tackles and well as had 5 interceptions, is a true sideline to sideline defender. And is a gym and game film rat to hone in on his craft. We saw him take the field in the last 2 preseason games. He contributed so well on Special Teams in game 2, that he was on the field on defense in game 3. And did not disappoint. Had 2 PBUs near the EZ on Panthers TE Trembley. Also had key fumble forced that gave the Lions the ball late in the game.
Trevor is also a native of the Greater Detroit area where he graduated from West Canton HS. Where he was 1st team All State his senior year. And 2nd team All State his junior year.
He was called up after the Lions cut Devine Ozigba RB. Which tells me that David Montgomery should be healthy. Because no way the Lions will go into any game with only 2 active RBs.
Nowaske was being looked at by other teams. With moving Malcolm Rodriguez to FB due to FB Jason Cabinda on the IR. It made sense to let him focus on the transition and bring up a guy to contribute on Special Teams. And he’s also decent in coverage (Hence the 5 Interceptions his last year in college!)
After I have seen this kid play in person. I predicted he’d make the roster around the bye week. I have a little knack for these things. The proof is in my draft/UDFA review podcast.
Hopefully he can Crack the line up in passing situations on defense. Because TEs coverage is something the Lions have struggled with.
Thanks For Reading!!!
https://youtube.com/@kneecapbitingwithsmokinjer2611?si=0HlVNxdOucg6WWzs
