Alijah Huzzie, CB, North Carolina
Size:
Height: 5096
Weight: 193
Arm: 29 ⅝”
Hand: 8 ⅝”
Accomplishments:
All-ACC Honorable Mention (2024) • First-Team FCS All-American (East Tennessee State, 2022)
“Alijah Huzzie is a fluid nickel corner with the man coverage ability and footwork to provide depth within a secondary.”
Strengths:
Footwork
Man coverage
Special teams value (kick-off return)
Ball skills
Concerns:
Hand usage
Pursuit angles
Strength
Film Analysis:
While Alijah Huzzie won’t be the biggest, longest, or fastest DB on the field, he’s a highly intriguing prospect whose experience on the outside could serve him well as a projected nickel at the next level. He’s consistently in the right places, has electric footwork, and is a playmaker on the backend. A former FCS All-American, Huzzie is the type of player teams add in the middle to late rounds that boosts a roster in multiple ways.
In man coverage, Huzzie showcases good technique and patience to mirror opponents. Plays at his tempo in a low backpedal with rapid change of direction ability. Utilizes the contact window well and isn’t shy in getting his hands on opponents early in the rep to disrupt timing. Not afraid to challenge larger, less twitchy wideouts off the line, as well. However, if his punches don’t land to disrupt timing inside the contact window, Huzzie can lose a rep and will find himself chasing. Does well to stay on top of receivers and is rarely off balance as WRs break off routes. Flashes excellent technique to remain head up on pass-catchers at a variety of depths, leaving minimal throwing lanes. Has instances of running routes for his opponents (double move vs. Florida State). Ball production is highly evident and Huzzie has a knack for making plays on the football (16 career INTs).
In zone, Huzzie is a nightmare to work against due to his acceleration and eyes for the football. He does a nice job in passing routes off and is an evident pre-snap communicator. Will enter the draft with more than 3,600 career defensive snaps, showcasing his experience and understanding of offensive concepts. Keeps everything in front of him. With the ball in the air, Huzzie is competitive but can be overpowered at the catch point. Huzzie’s eyes can get big at times when IDing a chance to make a play, leaving him susceptible to double moves.
As a run defender, Huzzie has room to improve. Added strength will assist in taking on blocks, and technique as a tackler will boost his profile as a fringe defender aligned in the slot. In the passing game, his feet can be a tick too patient at times, as Huzzie will allow WRs to close depth quickly, leading to a lost rep (2023 vs Miami).
Overall, Huzzie is a playmaker at the nickel spot whose comfortability in man coverage and special teams versatility showcase a well-rounded prospect. While undersized, Huzzie is a high-level football player who can impact the game in a variety of ways—he has experience as a return man, a trait that will elevate his profile as a multi-phase contributor.
Prospect Projection: Day 3 — Developmental Traits
Written by: Ryan Fowler
Exposures: Florida State (2024), Wake Forest (2024), Duke (2024), South Carolina (2023), Miami (2023), Duke (2023)