In Mike Elko’s defense, the JACK position is primarily an edge rusher who can also capably drop into coverage. They found a player who can fill those roles in Monday commit Aston Whiteside.

In his film, which you can see here, Whiteside shows a few things that are appealing, especially for a JACK: an explosive first step, good speed and the ability to cover.

Whiteside clearly likes to operate coming downhill, as he picks up momentum to put a hit on a ballcarrier. His technique is good, as he wraps and goes low to get a player on the ground. That’s fundamental stuff, but we’ve all seen that too many players are looking for the highlight film shot as opposed to just getting the other guy on the turf.

As far as being an edge rusher, that seems to be where Whiteside is on his element. If he’s beyond the outside shoulder of a tackle, he’s in a position to cause trouble. He’s got more than enough speed to turn the corner and get into the backfield. That’s prototype for a JACK.

What sets him apart is his ability to cover. He was frequently used as a nickel last year, covering slot receivers or picking up running backs out of the backfield. He’s strong in that role, tracking receivers well, closing distance quickly and even jumping some routes. He knows where he needs to be, how to get there and makes plays.

At 6-foot-2 and 205 pounds, Whiteside needs to gain another 10 to 15 pounds. He’s also got to get stronger, because SEC competition is going to make it a whole lot tougher to get a back down on the turf when you dive at their ankles. He’s not doing the wrong thing, he just needs to add some pop when he hits someone.

Overall, I like what I see from Whiteside. He’s got the skill set and versatility to succeed at JACK — and that’s what the Aggies need from him.