Super Glossary defines a football Tweener as : A player that plays 2 or more positions because he is a very gifted athlete who could not possess enough size for one position or enough quickness for another.
Not a bad definition in my opinion. However, the tweener is making a big comeback for college football recruiters. Measurables are very important with college coaches, especially major BCS programs, or teams that have to play major BCS college programs and expect to compete.
Tweeners are really good prospects, who could fit at different positions, but not really sure until they are on campus, in pads and coaches figure out which position they can help the team. There is not a question, if a tweener can play at a certain level or on a specific team. The question is, “where [what position] can he play?”
Bleacher report writes: These individuals have the capabilities of playing multiple positions while on the football field, but coaches are now labeling these individuals with a terminology that has a positive spin placed upon it.
Coaches now realize the idea of having recruits with scheme-diversity is not necessarily a bad thing. Defensive coaches, in particular, have been drawn to these prospects.
Below are a few players I feel are good prospects but will be tweeners.
Eric Bennett, East Bay 2014 DE
HT 6-0
WT 215
Bennett has the speed, physicality and agility to play college football. But, his size will more than likely place him at the line backer position rather than defensive end as he plays with the Indians. A six foot defensive end will get swallowed up by 6-5 offensive tackles and 6-3 pulling offensive guards.
Tre Watson, Tampa Catholic 2014 OLB
HT 6-1
WT 215
Currently, Watson is a really good outside line backer. Rushes the passers well, can play the run and drops well in to pass coverage. However, I feel that Watson is still growing and will likely grow into a middle line backer. His skill set points in the direction of success in the middle of the defense rather than on the edge.
Josh Black, Sickles 2014 ATH
HT 6-1
WT 215
Speed and physical! Is a monster at defensive end for Sickles but lacks the height to play DE at the major BCS level as we feel he is a major BCS athlete. He could possibly be really good at any line backer position because of his speed and athletic ability.
Brujoun Bonner, Lakewood 2014 OLB
HT 6-1
WT 180
Hits like a 230 lbs line backer at only 180 lbs. Good height at 6 foot 1 inch and one would think, “How about safety?” Easier said than done because there is no film of him playing in the secondary, transitioning in and out of breaks, tackling coming down hill in space or even playing as a half field safety. Good enough player, but where could he play at the college level? Hard to anticipate how much weight he can gain and muscle he can add in order to play LB.