LOCALS IN THE NFL
Former NFL Player Breaks Down Draft Prospect TJ Pledger
SALT LAKE CITY – Former NFL linebacker Stevenson Sylvester broke down the professional potential of former Utah Utes running back TJ Pledger.
Sylvester, who played in the league from 2010-14, discussed Pledger’s potential as an NFL player during KSL TV’s SportsBeat on Sunday, April 24.
The former NFL player was asked why he thought Pledger was an NFL caliber back.
Utah RB TJ Pledger IV really showed his moves in Mobile ⚡️@seniorbowlpic.twitter.com/BvNoEgyXz5
— PFF Draft (@PFF_College) February 7, 2022
“I think it’s his mindset. The guy has an ‘I can’t be denied’ mindset,” Sylvester said. “Anytime he gets an opportunity, he takes advantage of it. And that’s exactly what he does each and every time he takes the field.”
Sylvester also highlighted Pledger’s ability to change games.
“As soon as you put him in the game, he’s like lightning in a bottle. He makes things happen,” the former NFL linebacker stated.
For more on Sylvester’s breakdown of Pledger, see the video above.
About TJ Pledger
During his only season with the Utes, Pledger helped Utah win the Pac-12 Championship and a Rose Bowl Game bid for the first time in program history.
During his lone season with Utah, the former Oklahoma player recorded 97 carries for 671 yards and six touchdowns on the ground. He surpassed the 100-yard mark in four games this season.
96 YARDS TO THE HOUSE 🏠
TJ Pledger makes it 35-0 for @Utah_Football 💪 pic.twitter.com/Qf9VbuLY0C
— FOX College Football (@CFBONFOX) November 6, 2021
In Utah’s win over Stanford on November 5, 2021, Pledger scored on a 96-yard touchdown run. The run is the longest rushing play and the second-longest play from scrimmage in Utah football history.
In his college career, Pledger carried the ball 232 times for 1,366 yards and 12 touchdowns. He also caught 21 passes out of the backfield for 196 yards.
2022 NFL Draft
The 2022 NFL Draft takes place from April 28-30. Click here to learn more about how to watch, stream, or listen to coverage of the NFL Draft.
Kyle Ireland is a Locals in the NFL Insider for KSLSports.com and host of the Yards After College Podcast. Follow him on Twitter (@kyleireland) and Instagram (@kyleirelandksl).
