Tolson published his senior film on HUDL. Many of the highlights are on offense. Suffice to say, Tolson will not be playing running back at Illinois. He's stiff in the hips and doesn't look like a natural athlete carrying the football. He makes some big plays against defenses that didn't look very big or fast.
As a linebacker, there's a little more to like. Tolson chases the ball from sideline to sideline and isn't afraid to hit guys. He's definitely an outside linebacker and would be more fitted for a hybrid role than a LB in the Illinois 4-3 scheme. I don't see him shedding blocks, closing gaps, or making quick bursts to the football in traffic. I want to see more tenacity and better vision from this kid. He needs coaching. Bottom line on Tolson, IMO, is he won't play much as a freshmen except on special teams. Which makes it that much more important the Illinois land a guy like Merlin Robertson. I would look for a fifth-year guy too.
As a linebacker, there's a little more to like. Tolson chases the ball from sideline to sideline and isn't afraid to hit guys. He's definitely an outside linebacker and would be more fitted for a hybrid role than a LB in the Illinois 4-3 scheme. I don't see him shedding blocks, closing gaps, or making quick bursts to the football in traffic. I want to see more tenacity and better vision from this kid. He needs coaching. Bottom line on Tolson, IMO, is he won't play much as a freshmen except on special teams. Which makes it that much more important the Illinois land a guy like Merlin Robertson. I would look for a fifth-year guy too.
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