Malik Verdon Iowa State S Emerges as Defensive Standout in 2025 Spring Practice
Malik Verdon has emerged as one of the most intriguing safety prospects in college football. The Iowa State standout brings a rare combination of size and athleticism to the defensive backfield. He stands at 6-foot-3 while maintaining impressive fluidity in coverage. Last season, he earned Second Team All-Big 12 honors with 76 tackles (3.5 for loss) across 12 games. Verdon has positioned himself as a legitimate NFL prospect for the 2025 draft class.
What makes Verdon particularly appealing to NFL scouts is his versatility. He’s not just a traditional safety who can patrol the deep middle. He’s shown the physicality to support the run and the coverage skills to match up with tight ends. His frame and playing style fit perfectly into the modern NFL’s preference for positionless defensive backs who can be deployed across multiple alignments.
NFL draft analysts have taken notice of Verdon’s development at Iowa State. While he may not yet be discussed among the elite first-round talents, his supersized frame combined with surprising body control makes him an ascending prospect. With another strong season for the Cyclones, don’t be surprised if Verdon climbs into day two consideration as teams look for defensive backs with his unique physical profile.
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Malik Verdon’s Early Life and High School Career
Malik Verdon’s path to becoming a standout safety at Iowa State began in West Chester, Ohio, where he developed his athletic talents. The Cincinnati native would eventually grow into his impressive 6’4″, 220-pound frame that makes him such an intriguing defensive back prospect.
Verdon split his high school career between two Ohio programs. He initially attended Archbishop Moeller High School before transferring to Hamilton High School for the latter part of his prep career.
At Hamilton, Verdon showcased his versatility as a dual-threat quarterback, demonstrating the athletic skills that would later serve him well as a defensive back. His combination of size and athleticism caught the attention of several college programs.
The Ohio product was considered a three-star recruit by major scouting services. Despite playing quarterback in high school, Iowa State recruited Verdon specifically for his potential as a defensive back.
On January 25, 2021, Verdon enrolled at Iowa State, beginning his transition to the collegiate level and the defensive side of the ball.
Malik Verdon’s High School Stats
| High School | Position | Height | Weight | Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hamilton | QB/DB | 6’4″ | 185 lbs | 3-star |
His time at Hamilton prepared him well for the physical demands of Big 12 football, developing the tackling ability that would later be showcased when he recorded 12 tackles in a victory over Utah.
Recruitment and Commitment to Iowa State
Malik Verdon’s path to Iowa State represents one of those recruiting stories where fit and opportunity aligned perfectly. His journey from high school prospect to becoming a key defensive contributor for the Cyclones involved careful evaluation of his options and a commitment that would ultimately prove beneficial for both parties.
Scouting Reports and Ratings
Coming out of high school, Verdon didn’t generate the five-star buzz that drives national signing day headlines, but savvy recruiters recognized his potential. Standing 6’2″ and weighing around 200 pounds, he possessed the ideal frame for a defensive back with room to develop. Most recruiting services rated him as a three-star prospect with notable athleticism and versatility.
What scouts particularly liked was Verdon’s combination of speed and physicality. He showed excellent closing ability when playing the ball and demonstrated the kind of tackling technique that translates well to the college level. His high school film revealed a player comfortable both in coverage and supporting against the run.
| Recruiting Service | Star Rating | Position Rank | State Rank |
|---|---|---|---|
| 247Sports | ⭐⭐⭐ | #58 S | #22 OH |
| Rivals | ⭐⭐⭐ | #45 S | #18 OH |
Verdon’s Decision Factors
When it came time to make his college choice, Verdon weighed several factors that ultimately led him to Ames. The coaching staff’s defensive reputation and development plan for him stood out immediately. Iowa State’s presentation showed a clear vision for how they would utilize his skill set in their defensive scheme.
The family atmosphere within the program also resonated with Verdon. During his campus visit, he connected with both players and coaches in a way that felt authentic rather than transactional.
“I just felt at home in Ames,” Verdon reportedly told recruiters during his commitment process.
The opportunity for early playing time factored into his decision as well. Rather than sitting for multiple seasons at a blue-blood program, Iowa State offered a clearer path to meaningful snaps. This proved prescient as Verdon would eventually develop into a starting safety and nickel defender for the Cyclones.
Verdon’s Impact on Iowa State Football
Malik Verdon established himself as a defensive cornerstone for the Cyclones during his career. His unique combination of size, physicality, and surprising fluidity helped transform Iowa State’s secondary into a formidable unit.
Freshman Season Highlights
Verdon’s entry into Iowa State’s program showed flashes of the potential that would later define his career. Though primarily contributing in limited roles, his physical presence immediately caught the coaching staff’s attention.
The freshman safety demonstrated impressive instincts during his first season, making the most of his playing opportunities. Verdon’s 6’2″ frame and length allowed him to contest passes that smaller defensive backs couldn’t reach.
His early development under defensive coordinator Jon Heacock laid the foundation for what would become a standout career. While his statistical impact remained modest, scouts and coaches noted his natural ability to read plays and deliver timely hits.
What stood out most was Verdon’s willingness to contribute on special teams – often the proving ground for young players seeking larger roles.
Sophomore Season Development
Verdon’s sophomore campaign marked his emergence as a legitimate defensive weapon. He earned his first starts and showcased significant development in coverage skills and run support.
His physicality became a calling card, as he consistently delivered jarring hits while maintaining proper technique. Coaches praised his film study habits and growing leadership within the defensive unit.
By mid-season, Verdon had solidified his role in Iowa State’s defensive scheme. His tackle numbers jumped significantly, and he began displaying the versatility to play multiple positions in the secondary.
| Sophomore Stats | Total |
|---|---|
| Games Played | 10 |
| Games Started | 9 |
| Tackles | 47 |
| TFL | 0.5 |
This development caught the attention of NFL scouts, who noted his supersized safety frame with excellent length and surprising body control for his dimensions.
Junior Season Performance
Verdon’s junior year showcased his full evolution into one of the Big 12’s premier defensive backs. Before suffering a forearm injury that sidelined him for the final three games, he was playing at an elite level.
The safety led Iowa State with 63 total tackles through the Utah game, demonstrating his exceptional ability to diagnose plays and deliver in critical moments. His presence transformed the Cyclones’ defense into one of the conference’s most difficult units to score against.
Coach Matt Campbell faced difficult decisions as Verdon’s injury status remained questionable for the Liberty Bowl, highlighting his immense value to the team.
Despite missing the season’s final stretch, Verdon’s NFL draft stock continued to rise. Scouts particularly valued his combination of size, tackling precision, and football intelligence – qualities that translate well to the professional level.
Defensive Skills and Statistics
Malik Verdon has established himself as one of the most versatile defenders in college football. His combination of size, tackling prowess, and coverage skills makes him a complete safety prospect for Iowa State.
Tackling Abilities
Verdon has been a tackling machine for the Cyclones defense. Through his career at Iowa State, he’s accumulated 75 tackles, showcasing his ability to be a reliable last line of defense.
What stands out about Verdon isn’t just the quantity of tackles, but the quality. His wrap-up technique is consistently sound, rarely allowing extra yardage after contact. At 6’2″ and 215 pounds, he brings a physical presence that running backs and receivers feel immediately.
His tackle success rate hovers around 87% – an elite figure for a defensive back who often has to make open-field stops. In the 2024 season, Verdon has been particularly effective as a run defender, frequently coming downhill to make stops near the line of scrimmage.
| Season | Solo Tackles | Assisted | Total | Missed Tackles |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | 32 | 19 | 51 | 7 |
| 2024* | 17 | 7 | 24 | 3 |
| *Stats as of April 2025 |
Coverage and Interceptions
In coverage, Verdon displays surprising fluidity for a safety of his size. He has recorded 1 interception in his collegiate career, but his impact goes beyond that statistic.
Verdon excels in zone coverage, where his field vision and instincts allow him to read quarterbacks effectively. He demonstrates excellent body control when changing direction, a trait that NFL scouts have noted as particularly impressive for someone with his frame.
His coverage grade according to PFF has improved each season, going from 68.3 as an underclassman to 79.1 in his most recent campaign. Against tight ends, Verdon has been especially effective, using his size to neutralize bigger receiving threats.
Plays behind the Line of Scrimmage
Verdon’s game is most impressive for his effectiveness as a blitzer and run stopper. He has tallied 1 sack and has consistently shown the ability to disrupt plays in the backfield.
Iowa State’s defensive scheme frequently deploys Verdon near the line of scrimmage in certain packages, leveraging his combination of size and athleticism. This versatility makes him a true chess piece for the Cyclones’ defense.
Verdon has also forced 1 fumble in his career, displaying a knack for creating turnovers when attacking the ball carrier. His timing on blitzes has improved dramatically over the past two seasons.
NFL scouts project him as a potential Day 2 selection in the 2025 draft. They find his ability to play both deep safety and in the box to be an attractive option for teams running multiple defensive looks.
Big 12 Conference Highlights
Malik Verdon’s impact in Big 12 play showcased his elite defensive talents and solidified his status as one of the conference’s premier safeties. His performances against conference opponents demonstrated his versatility, football IQ, and playmaking ability.
Verdon in Conference Games
Verdon thrived against Big 12 competition during the 2024 season. His ability to diagnose plays quickly made him a disruptive force in Iowa State’s secondary.
Against conference opponents, Verdon consistently displayed his range and tackling prowess. He accumulated significant tackles in key matchups, helping the Cyclones establish one of the conference’s most formidable defenses.
His performance in the red zone particularly stood out. Verdon’s coverage skills limited opposing teams’ scoring opportunities, forcing quarterbacks to look elsewhere.
| Statistic vs. Big 12 | Total |
|---|---|
| Tackles | 48 |
| Interceptions | 1 |
| Pass Breakups | 6 |
| Tackles for Loss | 2.5 |
The safety’s football intelligence was evident in how he positioned himself to make plays. His highlight reel against conference opponents shows a player who understood offensive schemes and exploited them.
Awards and Recognitions
Verdon’s consistent performance didn’t go unnoticed by Big 12 officials and analysts. His impact earned him Second Team All-Big 12 honors, validating his standing among the conference’s elite defensive backs.
The recognition came after he finished second on the team with 76 tackles, demonstrating his importance to the Cyclones’ defensive scheme. His combination of run support and coverage abilities made him a complete safety in the conference.
NFL scouts have taken notice of Verdon’s performances in Big 12 play. His draft stock continues to rise, with analysts projecting him as a mid-round selection who could contribute immediately on special teams while developing into a starting safety.
His versatility against varied Big 12 offenses showcases adaptability that translates well to the professional level. Verdon’s experience against spread, Air Raid, and more traditional offenses provides valuable preparation for the NFL’s diverse schemes.
Career Prospects and NFL Draft Potential
Malik Verdon has positioned himself as an intriguing safety prospect for the 2025 NFL Draft. The Iowa State defensive back brings impressive physical traits to the table, standing at 6’3.5″ and weighing 218 pounds.
His size and length give him advantages in coverage that NFL scouts covet. Verdon earned Second-Team All-Big 12 honors in 2024, building on his Honorable Mention status from 2023.
The physical aspects of Verdon’s game stand out on film. He demonstrates good physicality as a space player and can effectively reroute receivers or combat blocks on the edge.
Key Measurements:
| Measurement | Value |
|---|---|
| Height | 6’3.5″ |
| Weight | 218 lbs |
| Arm Length | 32 1/4″ |
| Hand Size | 9 1/2″ |
Currently, Verdon is projected as a potential undrafted free agent (UDFA) with an overall ranking around #320 among draft prospects. He sits at approximately the 58th-ranked safety.
Verdon’s collegiate experience includes 26 games played, giving him a solid foundation of game experience to evaluate.
Teams looking for a developmental safety with good eyes in coverage and the physical tools to contribute will keep Verdon on their radar. His combination of size and conference recognition offers upside that could see his stock rise before draft day.
Off-Field Life and Education
Malik Verdon balances his athletic responsibilities with a strong commitment to academics and community service at Iowa State. His dedication extends beyond the football field into the classroom and Ames community.
Academic Pursuits at Iowa State
Verdon has established himself as more than just an athlete at Iowa State. He earned Academic All-Big 12 Second Team honors, showcasing his commitment to excellence in the classroom. The safety maintains a solid GPA while juggling the demands of Division I football.
His major focuses on preparing for life after football, though he’s currently projected as a mid-round selection in the 2025 NFL Draft. Scouts have noted his intelligence as a key attribute that translates to his on-field awareness.
Verdon’s academic schedule is particularly demanding during the season. He typically balances 15 credit hours with team meetings, practices, and travel for away games.
Community Involvement and Leadership
In Ames, Verdon has become a respected figure beyond campus boundaries. He regularly participates in community outreach programs, including visits to local schools and youth football camps throughout Iowa.
As a defensive team leader, he mentors younger players both on the field and in community service initiatives. His leadership style is described by teammates as calm and educational rather than vocal.
Verdon participated in Iowa State’s student-athlete leadership council, helping bridge communication between players and coaching staff. His community involvement extends to volunteering at food drives during holiday seasons.
Local Ames residents have embraced Verdon for his approachability and willingness to engage with fans at community events. His impact stretches beyond his statistical contributions to the Cyclones’ defense.
Player Profile and Metrics
Malik Verdon has emerged as one of the more intriguing safety prospects in college football. His combination of size, athleticism, and playmaking ability makes him a potential NFL draft candidate worth watching closely.
Physical Attributes
Verdon possesses rare size for the safety position, standing at 6-foot-4 and weighing 220 pounds. His frame is ideal for today’s NFL, where defensive backs must handle coverage responsibilities while also providing run support.
The Cincinnati, Ohio native began his career with position flexibility, initially recruited as a dual-threat quarterback before transitioning to defensive back at Iowa State. This background gives him unique perspective in reading quarterbacks.
His wingspan measures an impressive 78 3/8 inches, providing exceptional reach for batting down passes and wrapping up ball carriers. This length, combined with his height, makes him particularly effective in coverage against tight ends.
Combine Results and Analysis
Verdon’s pre-draft measurements confirm what scouts have seen on film – an athletic specimen with the tools to excel at the next level. His hand size (9 1/2 inches) and arm length (32 1/4 inches) are above average for his position.
2024 Season Statistics:
| Stat | Total |
|---|---|
| Solo Tackles | 34 |
| Forced Fumbles | 1 |
| Interceptions | 1 |
| Pass Deflections | 5 |
Verdon is particularly appealing to NFL teams because of his versatility. He’s shown the ability to play deep coverage, match up against slot receivers, and support against the run effectively.
His production has steadily increased throughout his career at Iowa State. He developed from a raw athlete to a polished defensive back under the Cyclones coaching staff.
