ESPN Analyst
Updated 11/27/2012
Childs is a tall and athletic cornerback who may be falling under the radar with the skills he displays on film. He has the height, length and range coveted out on the perimeter at the next level and the ball skills to make plays. He plays a lot faster than his testing times would indicate and his lack of great paper speed may be leading to his sleeper status. This is a defender who shows good versatility in terms of alignment and coverage scheme. Will utilize his arm length to press effectively, mirror receivers tightly in off-man and play ball to man productively in zone schemes. Freelance some in man-to-man and needs to polish footwork and technique but he transitions naturally and looks fluid opening his hips to turn and run. Very good deep ball player; shows range, high-point and ball skills to make a lot of plays around the ball. Reads the quarterback accurately and turns into a receiver when the ball is in the air. He is active in underneath run and pass support as well. Comes up quickly to limit big play RAC on the perimeter and will get off the stalk block to set the edge on run support. Can be soft though and lets up leaky yardage. Would like to see more strike as a tackler and run through ability. Does not always play up to his size measurables and would benefit from improved strength as a run supporter and when pressing or playing tight coverages. Still we feel that Childs brings a lot of athleticism and natural instincts and skill-set to the position that college coaches will be able to develop into a BCS caliber contributor at safety or corner depending on his continued physical development and enhanced speed.
Notes
Decommitted from N.C. State November 2012 following the departure of former head coach Tom O'Brien... Committed to N.C. State June 2012...
