FanPost

Get to know Caleb "Dirty" McSurdy

via bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com

Today, Jim Thomas broke the news today that the St. Louis Rams had signed Caleb McSurdy. Very few of you will know who this kid is, but you will not be shocked by the connection between himself and this team.

Caleb McSurdy is a graduate of the University of Montana. He was part of Bobby Hauck's dream class that also included Trumaine Johnson. In Missoula, Caleb was tagged with one of the coolest nicknames in football: "Dirty" McSurdy.

As a freshman he was such a hammer for the vaunted Grizzly defense that everyone on and off the field could see why the name fit.

McSurdy (MLB) was drafted in 2012 by the Dallas Cowboys in the 7th round (pick 222). After a stellar summer camp, Caleb tore his achilles in the latter half of the preseason. He was later released by the Cowboys.

Scouting Report: Strengths

McSurdy is a very sound tackler, he takes great angles and rarely was out of position. Has a great first step and beats his opponents with intelligence and brute strength. Possesses decent ball skills and relative lateral movement for his size (6-1, 255). Has enough strength to shed and find the ball. Team player, will do anything to contribute.

Weaknesses

Was never asked to cover down field, would struggle with athletic TE in coverage. Straight line speed is not his forte. Competition level will be questioned as he played in the FCS. Against Sam Houston State in the semi finals of the FCS, struggled in the open field with Flanders, who is a very elusive runner.

Career Highlights:

293 Career tackles at University of Montana, 15.5 tackles for loss

2011 Big Sky Conference Defensive Player of the Year

AP and AFCA First Team All-American

Played in 37 games over his 4 year career at UM

Overall Evaluation:

McSurdy has the lunch pail, hard hat mentality just like his former/new teammate Chase Reynolds. He will work his butt off and do whatever he can to help his team win. His fit on this team will be Special Teams. I have not heard how the Achilles injury effected his explosiveness but, I can assure you, the kid worked hard to get back into shape.