Lofton entered the 2007 season with zero career starts and only 35 career tackles, but broke out this year to post the best numbers of any linebacker in the Bob Stoops era -- racking up 157 tackles and earning the Big 12 Defensive Player of the Year honors. A little shorter than scouts would like, but in all other phases of play Lofton ranks as one of the elite talents in a strong class of linebackers. An instinctive, explosive talent, Lofton is an ascending talent Stoops called the best linebacker he has ever coached.

Positives: Shorter than scouts would prefer, but has a well built upper and lower body. … Instinctive defender quick to attack the line of scrimmage, but also possessing the smooth change of direction to play back in coverage. … Reliable wrap-up tackler in the open field who ranks as one of the nation's most explosive hitters. … Forced four fumbles in 2007. … Good speed to beat backs to the edge and run with them in coverage. … Good hand play and lateral quickness to take on and discard blocks while putting himself in position to make the tackle.

Negatives: Lacks prototypical size scouts prefer at the position. … Only started one year of his career at Oklahoma. … Can get a little wild going for the kill shot, lowering his head and failing to wrap up, leading to potential slipped tackles. … Though it has little to do with Lofton, specifically, the relative lack of success of past OU linebackers in the NFL has to be a concern.

Compares To: Ernie Sims, Lions

Three-year letterman and starter … also played fullback … led team in tackles with 168 his senior year and 505 over his career … team won the 3A State Championship in 2003 and advanced to semifinals in 2004 … rushed for 12 touchdowns as a senior … nominated for the March of Dimes Oklahoma Headliners Banquet as one of the top scholar-athletes in the state of Oklahoma … runs a 4.6 40 … competed on the basketball and track teams.

Honors student … coached by Jeff Myers … son of Terrell and LaDona Lofton … born June 9, 1986.