As some of his former University of Alabama teammates went through the Senior Bowl experience Saturday, Javier Arenas probably knew the anxiety they would be facing for the next several months as they make the transition from college to professional football.[details]
2006 (Freshman): Arenas was the top kick and punt returner for the Crimson Tide. He had 18 kick returns for 344 yards, an average of 19.1 yards per return with a long of 31 yards. He also returned 31 punts for 286 yards, a 9.2 yard average, and two touchdowns. In the PetroSun Independence Bowl against Oklahoma State, he returned a punt 86 yards for a touchdown to break the record for the longest return in Alabama bowl history.
A thick, well-built, do-it-all corner, Arenas shows up in so many different areas of the game. He's a gifted kick returner who is dangerous in the open field. Arenas looks natural in the slot and on the outside, and he has the power to reroute receivers off the line. He's fluid in space and has a good feel for zone coverage, finding the football quickly. He displays the footwork and fluidity in his drop to be effective on the outside and looks good when asked to get out of his breaks. Arenas plays with a natural bend and is smooth with his footwork. He's a strong tackler who takes good angles toward the play and consistently gets his man to the ground. He isn't an elite size/speed guy, but he's strong and gets up to speed quickly. His versatility will enhance his stock at the next level. Arenas looks like a gifted slot defender who could play in either a zone or man scheme.
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