Film Review: Ben Councell

On his way to a state championship, three-star outside linebacker commit Ben Councell dominated the largest classification in North Carolina in his junior film, courtesy of Athlete Vault. Although he is not the most graceful runner, Councell is an impressive combination of speed and size with the range to play sideline to sideline. His ability to defend the flats in pass coverage is remarkable for a 6-5, 225 prospect. In one instance Councell caught a running back from behind and he typically goes for the big hit. Opponents used power offenses and the spread, and he defended both well.

Councell played with a hand down only sparingly in high school, but his weak first step won’t be a huge problem in the OLB spot at ND. Unlike earlier verbal Clay Burton, sacking the QB is not Councell’s bread and butter. No current ND defender or committed recruit has Councell’s particular skill set, except the new-and-improved Manti Te’o we saw in the Blue-Gold Game. Right now Councell defends the pass better than the run, but he is perfect for Bob Diaco’s defense because the highlights show he already understands a no-crease defense. Councell’s ability to meet the diverse demands of a 3-4 OLB will give a great chance to start after the strong linebacker classes of ’07 and ’08 graduate.