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Even after a dismal 3-9 season, UConn Football still has the kind of players that have potential for the game’s highest level. After Obi Melifonwu was selected in the 2017 NFL Draft this year, Junior Joseph is getting some buzz as a possible 2018 selection.
Joseph, a 6-foot-1 middle linebacker, finished the 2016 season third on the team in total tackles with 81 and was an All-American Athletic Conference honorable selection in 2015.
The Sinking Springs, Pennsylvania native was one of 99 incoming seniors highlighted this summer by NDT Scouting as part of their premium scouting services.
In particular, NDT’s Kyle Crabb likes Joseph’s ability to attack the pocket and help out with zone coverage, but states that his true value comes from his ability to stifle the run.
Crabb had this to say on Joseph’s talent and tape from his first three seasons at UConn:
In all, Joseph is a physical run defender with enough athleticism to warrant keeping on the field in many instances. His profile is currently under the radar but I see him as a player that has NFL value, provided he follows suit with another strong effort in 2017 for the Huskies.
With Melifonwu gone, the Huskies will look to Joseph and a solid crew of returning defenders to continue to develop on the defensive end. If Joseph puts up good numbers this upcoming season, he might be one of what could be a few Huskies picked in the 2018 NFL Draft.