Mariano Sori-Marin:
Strengths:
· Technically sound in his assignments. Providence used him in a few different ways, lining him up as a Will LB and as an edge defender (like Gophers do with Kamal Martin). As a weakside LB he appropriately stays backside of the running back and plays cutback lane very well. As an edge defender, he doesn’t give up ground at the point of attack and sets the edge, not allowing RB’s to bounce outside of him
· Good athlete. Played safety last year for Providence, and played WR for them this year
· Former safety. Understands coverages and plays his zone well, looking up threats
Weaknesses:
· Tends to leave his feet at times when he tackles. That will need to be corrected at the next level
· Straight line speed. While he put on weight from last year, he also seems to have a lost a step. His speed doesn’t pop off on film like it does for Braelen Oliver or Rush.
Sori-Marin, I believe, projects as more of a SAM LB for the Gophers, since he doesn’t give up ground at the point of attack and takes on blocks well. That will allow Oliver/other LB’s to run freely as Mike or Will LB’s. I don’t expect to see any of the linebacker commits playing next year barring injury, but Sori-Marin probably has the best chance since he’s technically sound and physically is the most ready. Should be a solid player for Minnesota down the road.
Strengths:
· Technically sound in his assignments. Providence used him in a few different ways, lining him up as a Will LB and as an edge defender (like Gophers do with Kamal Martin). As a weakside LB he appropriately stays backside of the running back and plays cutback lane very well. As an edge defender, he doesn’t give up ground at the point of attack and sets the edge, not allowing RB’s to bounce outside of him
· Good athlete. Played safety last year for Providence, and played WR for them this year
· Former safety. Understands coverages and plays his zone well, looking up threats
Weaknesses:
· Tends to leave his feet at times when he tackles. That will need to be corrected at the next level
· Straight line speed. While he put on weight from last year, he also seems to have a lost a step. His speed doesn’t pop off on film like it does for Braelen Oliver or Rush.
Sori-Marin, I believe, projects as more of a SAM LB for the Gophers, since he doesn’t give up ground at the point of attack and takes on blocks well. That will allow Oliver/other LB’s to run freely as Mike or Will LB’s. I don’t expect to see any of the linebacker commits playing next year barring injury, but Sori-Marin probably has the best chance since he’s technically sound and physically is the most ready. Should be a solid player for Minnesota down the road.
