Scouting Report
Approved · Aug 10, 2026Jesse Hernandez
Overall grade
- 0-49Undetermined
- 50-59D-III / Developmental
- 60-69D-II / NAIA
- 70-74FCS
- 75-84Group of 5
- 85-89Power 4 Prospect
- 90-94Blue Chip
- 95-100Elite / Top 100
Explosive, high-motor linebacker whose speed and athleticism stand out at this stage. Measured at 6-foot, 203 pounds with a 74-inch wingspan and 9.25-inch hands at the Navy National Combine the January after his junior season. Looks to have good muscle on his frame and is fairly physically developed given his experience in the weight room, though he is not overly long for the position and the frame may have limited room for added weight. Posted very strong testing, including a 4.78-second 40, a 4.28 short shuttle, a 34.5-inch vertical, and a 9-foot-6 broad jump. Also runs track with a personal…
Top Attributes
- Top-end and pursuit speed - Explosiveness and short-area burst - Motor and effort - Physicality as a pass rusher off the edge
Areas to Develop
- Diagnostic skills as a true off-ball linebacker - Smoothing out movement in space - Coverage reps carrying routes downfield
Film Review Notes
Speed is the first thing that jumps out here, and it shows up everywhere on film. Lines up on the outside as a hang defender and rushes off the edge, where the burst off the ball gives offensive linemen trouble as a pass rusher. Tracks down ball carriers from behind and closes on the football in a flash once he diagnoses it, doing his best work with a clear runway downhill. Complements the straight-line juice with good short-area quickness and the ability to change direction in a hurry. Brings physicality at the point of attack and does not shy from contact, flashing sound form when he wraps and drives, though it can get more consistent. Comfortable dropping into zone and sitting in the flats, with movement in space that can still smooth out. Works mostly as a see-ball, get-ball defender given the outside alignment, with limited exposure as a true stacked linebacker.
Graded Skills
0–10 Scale
- 7.5Size
- 6.9Frame/length
- 7.2Instincts
- 8.8Top-end speed
- 8.2Agility
- 8Tackling/striking
- 7.5Cover ability
- 8.2Range
- 7.7Ball skills
- 8.4Physicality/effort
