Ivan Pace Jr. (LB) – Cincinnati / Senior
5’10-1/2”, 231 Lbs. (Official)
2022 Stats: 13 Games, 55 Solo tackles, 81 Assists, 136 Total tackles, 20.5 Tackles for loss, 9 Sacks, 4 Passes defended, 2 Forced fumbles
{Reference: https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/players/ivan-pace-jr-1.html}
Awards: 2022 Consensus All-American & AAC Defensive Player of the Year, 2022 #1 American Conference Assisted Tackles (81), Total Tackles (136) & Tackle For Loss (21)
Measurables: Arm – 30-1/4″, Hand – 9-1/2″, Vertical – 35”, Broad – 908, 40-yard – 4.62, 3-Cone – 7.18, Bench – 22 reps at 225 Lbs., RAS: 5.63
Games Watched: 2022 Vs. Arkansas, 2022 Vs. Miami (OH)
PRO’S
Jim Nagy said it himself, “Pace Jr. is both quick AND fast.”, while pointing out that Pace was the 9th fastest player at the 2023 Senior Bowl. Explosive and evasive are two other words I would use to describe Pace. Pace is nearly unblockable when shooting gaps, his ability to bend/evade and not lose speed is impressive. Pace’s power is also impressive, 2022 Vs. Miami (OH), 1st QTR 12:12:, Pace shoots the gap and collides head on with a pulling tight-end, Pace knocks the tight-end off of his feet and 2-yards into the backfield. When Pace is not getting to the ball carrier 1st, he does a great job of rallying to the football and cleaning up/finishing a tackle for a teammate that arrived first.
CON’S
Pace lacks ideal size and is at a major disadvantage when the offense runs the ball directly at him. Pace’s burst and ability to get into the backfield hurts him at times, he’ll overrun the play due to his inability to get in the backfield and set an anchor. Pace is better north-south than east-west. Will be a coverage mismatch due to his lack of height when forced to face tight-ends/bigger wide receivers at the next level.
OVERALL
In 2022, Ivan Pace Jr. had the tremendous production (Leading the AAC in Tackles, Assists & Tackles for loss in 2022) as well as the accolades (2022 Consensus All-American & AAC Defensive Player of the Year) but is being overlooked due to his size (5’10”, 231 Lbs.). Pace practically lives in the opponent’s backfield, exploding through open windows or contorting his body to evade blocks at full speed. I believe Pace is a defensive weapon and should warrant plenty of playing time wherever he lands. I expect Pace to be moved around the defense and blitzed often.
Completed by: @coachschepps, 04/07/23
Reviewed & edited: J. Clark, 04/08/23
