2007 NFL Draft: Arron Sears Plays the Everyman

By Jeremy White, NFLHS.com

Arron Sears has shown what a lot of hard work and the ability to play multiple positions can do for a player.

Sears is 6-foot-3 and 319 pounds. He's one of the most decorated linemen in the history of the University of Tennessee. He's won All-American honors as well as the Jacob's Award, which goes to the best lineman in the vaunted Southeastern Conference (SEC). He can play anywhere on the line except for center; he could probably play there, too, if coaches wanted him to. In short, he's a complete package.

"I've had to change over to different positions real quick a few times throughout my career due to injuries to other guys on the team," he says. "It's important to learn all the spots and be versatile. It's really important to be able to play both guard and tackle."

When given the choice, Sears prefers his most natural position -- tackle. It allows him to better showcase his plethora of skills, he insists.

"I'd rather be outside on the edge," says Sears. "I can move around out there, and with the defensive ends you go up against, that's a big plus. But when I move down to the inside I'm more mobile than the defensive tackles are used to seeing, so that's a plus, too."

Regardless of where you line up, Sears says making the adjustment successfully to each new level is less about learning new techniques and more about knowing exactly who you are supposed to pummel.

"It's mostly about knowing your assignments," he says. "When you're prepared, you have a leg up."

When asked for advice for high school football linemen, Sears had plenty to say.

"You have to be ready for your chance," he says. "Be ready for the unexpected, and be patient. Your chance will come and you'll have to make the most of it when it does finally come."

While waiting for that chance, Sears says prep players can make a name for themselves on the practice field.

"Be an overachiever," he says. "Be the guy who will stay after practice and learn the plays. Be willing to work hard and make yourself the best player for your team that you can be."

Despite his girth, Sears is two to three inches shorter than the ideal height for a tackle. Lots of high school players find themselves in the "too short" category as well, but Sears advises them to look past that.

"When you have a short, stocky build that gives you a lot of leverage," he says. "That can help you out as a lineman. Just work hard and try to be a great leader for your team."

Story courtesy Red Line Editorial, Inc.