Despite recently losing one of its clients — Buffalo Bills linebacker Arthur Moats — to sports agent Drew Rosenhaus, JL Sports has put together a record year thus far.
Led by founder Joe Linta, JL Sports sent an agency-high of seven players to the NFL Combine last month, with 2014 being one of its biggest draft classes to date. Arguably most notably known for representing Baltimore Ravens quarterback Joe Flacco, Linta also added two new agents to the fold in Spencer Cannold and Seth Katz.
Together, the trio and fellow agent Tom Kleine represent a number of potential draftees including Auburn’s Iron Bowl hero, Chris Davis, LSU quarterback Zach Mettenberger, Georgia offensive guard Chris Burnette, Syracuse linebacker Marquis Spruill, and Georgia Tech linebacker Brandon Watts.
A former agent with New York-based ETL Associates, Spencer Cannold played an integral role in the recruitment and signing of the latter three players. NFLDraftScout.com lists Burnette as the No. 24 ranked guard in this year’s upcoming Draft.
“It’d be hard for us to find a better kid than Chris,” Cannold said of the LaGrange, Ga. native. “He’s the type of guy that you want your daughter to marry. …He’s an exceptional run-blocker, and he’s training right now with GATA down in Atlanta for his Pro Day. We’re really excited about him.”
As for Spruill and Watts, Cannold noted how NFL scouts like both players’ speed. According to NFL Draft Analyst Dane Brugler, “Spruill is still developing his instincts and anticipation, but he explodes to the ball and arrives with bad intentions. He has fluid body control with the hips and footwork to hold up in coverage, as well as the functional strength to make a difference against the run.”
Cannold added that the player he most compares Spruill to is Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker Lawrence Timmons. Spruill finished the 2013 campaign with 62 tackles and 5.5 sacks.
Finally, Brandon Watts, one of the more athletic players on Georgia Tech’s roster this past season, tallied 66 tackles and 2.5 sacks in 2013. Despite being an undersized inside linebacker, Watts could get drafted late on Day 3 in May or potentially sign as a free agent, according to OptimumScouting.com.