Calen Bullock Scouting Report

By: Michael Higgins

(Image courtesy of Ryan Kang/Getty Images)

School: USC

Class: Junior

Position: SAF

HT: 6’3

WT: 190 lbs

Sideline Prospect Ranking: #18

Background: Calen Bullock was one of the top players in California and the highest ranked safety in the state of California out of high school. Bullock was a 4-star safety and a consensus top-200 player in the country. Originally from Pasadena, California, Bullock is a hometown hero in the Los Angeles area. Bullock attended John Muir High School, which is where he built his reputation as one of the most dynamic safeties in his class. Out of John Muir High School, Bullock had offers, but it was clear to see that he would become a Trojan. He committed to USC over Texas and Texas A&M.

College: As a first-year freshman, Bullock made an immediate impact on the Trojans’ defense. He had a wide range of assignments that included free safety, nickelback, and cornerback. He received All-Freshman outlets from a few outlets and solidified himself as a playmaker at the top of the USC defense. In his second season with USC, Bullock led the team in interceptions with 5 and was ranked 1th in the nation. Not only was he named to the All Pac-12 First Team, but Pro Football Focus named him a First Team All-American.

Strengths: Calen Bullock is a physical playmaker at the back end of the defense. Bullock gets to the football at a faster rate than anyone in the country. He takes great angles to the football and is rarely beaten to the outside. His pursuit is unmatched, and he makes guys feel his presence with every snap, laying vicious hits every game. His length allows for him to wrap up and bring the ball carrier down on a consistent basis. These measurements and his natural athleticism allow for him to play nickel corner as well as his normal safety role. Bullock has arm length to play boundary corner, it may be too much for a slot receiver to deal with. Bullock has played a free safety role at the back of the defense, but he has also had a lot of experience playing within the box in sub packages. When Bullock is targeted, he has a knack for the ball. The interception numbers haven’t been there, but he makes sure to get his fingers on the football and prevent any big gain from the offense. Bullock’s lack of production and participation in a lackluster defense cannot be held against him.

Weaknesses: The talent on the USC defense was undeniable, but it seems as if everyone was consistently in the wrong spot at the wrong time. Bullock was no different. There were consistent laps in coverage where receivers found soft spots in zone coverage to sit and wait for the ball to be delivered.

Conclusion: Bullock is going to have to prove that his team’s struggles were not his own wrongdoings at the next level. If he was put in better spots to succeed, he would be talked about as the best safety in college football.

Scheme Fit: Zone Coverage Sub Packages

Ideal Role: SAF, Nickel

Best Team Fits: PIT, MIN, ATL

Player Comparison: Brian Branch

Player Grade: 89.1