2021 WorldWide Rams Draft Profile: Alijah Vera-Tucker | USC | OG

WORLDWIDE RAMS

Reginald Huey

Player Bio: Alijah Vera-Tucker from Oakland CA and a product of Bishop O’Dowd High School  has been a continuous riser as a prospect since his high school days where he helped lead the Bishop O’Dowd Panthers to a state championship.  Vera-Tucker was a 4 star recruit and  played in the Under Armer All American game. At 6’4.5”, 308lbs  he has the requisite size and skill to be an elite level talent  at guard or tackle in the NFL.  Vera-Tucker spent time playing soccer as a youth which is a testament to his solid foot work.  He was a  first-team all-state and San Francisco Chronicle All-Metro selection in high school. He played in all 12 games as a reserve his redshirt freshman season, all 13 games at left guard in 2019, He was  second-team All-Pac-12 and won the team's Offensive Lineman of the Year Award. Originally opting out of the 2020 season due to Covid 19, Vera Tucker decided to stay in school which is a decision that worked out well for him.  He moved from Left Guard to Left Tackle and he benefited greatly by returning to school and separated himself from the top 5 log jam of guard prospects.  His return to school showcased his versatility, team first attitude and athleticism which is often not often utilized at guard.  He is considered the most versatile lineman in this year’s draft. 

ACCOLADES
2021 NFL Combine Invite
2020 Morris Trophy Winner
2019 PFF All-American Third Team
2019 All-Pac-12 Second Team
2019 AP All-Pac-12 First Team
2019 Phil Steele All-Pac-12 Third Team

ALIJAH VERA-TUCKER
OFFENSIVE GUARD
HOMETOWN                      |           CLASS
OAKLAND, CA                    |           JUNIOR (RS) 
​ 
DRAFT YR:  2021              COMBINE INVITE: YES

​HEIGHT                    WEIGHT                    ARMS
6' 4"                308 lbs            32 ⅛"

HANDS                   PROJECTED 40-TIME            DRAFT GRADE
  9 ¾"                       5.20                       6.43

SCHOOL:  USC                                                |                    CONFERENCE: PAC-12
​        
COMBINE RESULTS
40 YD DASH     |     BENCH PRESS     |     VERTICAL JUMP     |     BROAD JUMP     |     3 CONE DRILL     |     20 YD SHUTTLE    
​       5.10         |              36                  |                  32”            |            106”           |             7.65            |              4.61                      
 
​PRO DAY RESULTS
40 YD DASH     |     BENCH PRESS     |     VERTICAL JUMP     |     BROAD JUMP     |     3 CONE DRILL     |     20 YD SHUTTLE    
​       5.10         |              36                  |                  32”            |            106”           |             7.65            |              4.61

game film
#75 Alijah Vera-Tucker VS UTAH

#75 Alijah Vera-Tucker GAME HIGHLIGHTS

Strengths

• Big-bodied and naturally strong
•  Versatility 
•  Has quick feet and great lateral movement
•  Engages quickly and stays with defenders
•  Change of direction and body control
• Possesses quick movement when pulling from the line of scrimmage
• Recognizes and reacts to blitzes well
• Great balance in run and passing plays
• Ability to get to the second level and attack linebackers

Weaknesses

• He can play too high at times
• Arm length
• Needs to improve his hand placement technique in his punches

Conclusion
Vera-Tucker is rated as a first year, day one starter by the NFL. The team that drafts Vera-Tucker will get a day one starter at guard. His versatility, athleticism and strength will allow him to strive in any offensive scheme. He will strive in zone or man blocking schemes. Vera-Tucker has been touted by some the safest pick in the first round.  I think that is a great compliment for a player of his caliber with pro bowl potential.

​Draft Projection: 1st Round 

NFL Comparison: Quenton Nelson (Indianapolis Colts)

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