Kearney measures in at 5’9 160-pounds. He first landed on my radar due to one of our PRZ showcases! The DB/KR had 39 total tackles (29 solo, 10 assisted), 3 TFL, 1 QB pressure, 4 INT, 6 PD, 2 FR, 6 kick returns for 121 yards, 7 punt returns for 196 yards. Very good athletic ability due to very good acceleration, speed, jumping, and good change of direction. Kearney has a smooth and controlled back pedal. Quick feet and fluid hips to match the WR. Very good at re-routing and jamming at the line of scrimmage. Very good man and zone coverage. Sticks to the receiver like glue. Very good timing on pass breakups and closing quickness. Good tackling. He brings this same electric ability as a kick returner. He weaves through the defense and shows off his wheels. A rising DB to know.

Kearney measures in at 5’9 160-pounds, playing DB and returner for Mesa Ridge. The junior has 317 return yards, with 33 total tackles (23 solo, 10 assisted), 2 TFL, 1 QB pressure, 3 INT, 6 PD, and 2 FR. Kearney has very good athletic ability due to very good acceleration, speed, jumping, and good change of direction. He’s an explosive returner and uses his very good vision to weave through the special team’s defense. Kearney is good at jamming the WR at the LOS of scrimmage. Smooth and controlled back pedal. In man coverage, he’s stride for stride with the wide receiver. Very good closing quickness. Very good at timing pass break ups. He has good ball tracking skills and good anticipation. Kearney is physical during the route, rerouting the WR. Good in the run game too. Very good tackling and good block shedding. Kearney is the real deal.

Kearney had snaps at wide receiver and at defensive back throughout the camp. He has very good athletic ability due to very good jumping, acceleration, good speed, and change of direction. Kearney’s physicality was evident throughout the event. As a wide receiver, he’d use his physicality to win the battle. As a DB, he’d do the same. Kearney has long range due to his very good jumping. This kid can JUMP! He created multiple pass deflections during the 7 v 7 event, and really shined as a DB. Another young buck you need to know moving forward.

Combine Stats: HT: 5’8 WT: 148 Wingspan: 5’9 Hand Size: 8 ¼” 40 YD: 4.72 Shuttle: 4.68 Broad Jump: 8’7 L-Drill: 7.22

Kearney, initially getting reps at receiver, impressed after he made the decision to step over and get some reps at defensive back. His physicality at the line of scrimmage stood out during 3v2 and 7 on 7 periods, using his hands effectively to disrupt routes. In one on ones, he was able to stay hip to hip with some of the top receivers, showing natural coverage instincts. He’s a rising name that coaches will want to track closely.