Nyzier Fourqurean, CB, Wisconsin
Size:
Height: 6’1” | Weight: 190 lbs
Accomplishments:
DII Associated Press First-Team All-American (2022) • Don Hansen DII Football First-Team All-America (2022) • First-Team CCA Super Region 3 (2022)
“Nyzier Fourqurean is a physical press-man corner who is a willing run defender and tackler with boundary and slot experience.”
Strengths:
Physicality
Tackling
Assignment sound
Concept recognition
Concerns:
Speed
First step
Zone comfort
Top-of-route comfort
Film Analysis:
Nyzier Fourqurean transferred to Wisconsin after a successful and impressive Grand Valley State University (GVSU) campaign. Coming off a season where he led the GLIAC with 14 pass breakups, set a GVSU single-game playoff record, and tied the GVSU single-game record with three interceptions versus Northwest Missouri State, Fourqurean earned a three-star as a transfer to Wisconsin. The jump in competition is never easy, but he fought his way into the lineup and started five of the last six games for Wisconsin, setting up a senior season where he should be the starter once again.
Listed at 6-foot-1 and 190 pounds, Fourqurean has good NFL size/frame with decent arm length that he uses to press/jam receivers off the line when given the chance. He throws off timing in quick game but should use his physicality more to disrupt release packages. A smart football player, he sees route combinations unfold and keeps the quarterback in eyesight. His backpedal is inconsistent but shows enough good reps with square shoulders and hip sink to suggest it’s an area he can improve. He does a good job of reacting to receivers in the stem and staying in the hip pocket as a man coverage defender and responds quickly to throws to close for the tackle. He is a conscious tackler and partaker in the run game; he will not shy away from physicality. He showcased ball skills in DII with his 14 pass breakups with four interceptions in 2022. He flashed these traits in his first year with Wisconsin but will need to bring them to the table in 2024.
Fourqurean’s first step downhill is slow, which impacts his click-and-close quickness when asked to blitz or close on a play behind the line of scrimmage. He tends to false step forward toward the receiver in routes when he isn’t pressing, allowing the receiver to stack him quickly. He needs to improve at the top of routes; whether it’s being grabby or guessing too much, receivers have the advantage and can break free of him. Zone and bail techniques make him look uncomfortable in space, not getting the proper depth or trying to jump routes that aren’t there. Deep speed showed up multiple times against LSU in their bowl game, where he was beaten for a touchdown and/or forced into a penalty.
Overall, Fourqurean has many skills to play in a press-man defense where he can be more physical and tackle, but he needs to trust his talent. Another year in the system should help him settle in.
Prospect Projection: Day 3 — Developmental Traits
Written By: Daniel Harms
Exposures: LSU (2024), Minnesota (2023), Nebraska (2023), Buffalo (2023)