When you watch Max Bates the word that comes to mind is instincts. The kid processes the game at a different speed. He diagnoses plays quickly, trusts his keys, and gets downhill in a hurry. That North South style jumps off the tape. He is not one to dance around, he is decisive and physical, exactly what you want in the heart of your defense.

Bates plays with great vision, seeing through traffic and finding the football before others do. He has an uncanny ability to sniff out plays, whether it is screen recognition, cutback pursuit, or blowing up an inside run. At times he will initiate contact a shade early or on the wrong side of the line of scrimmage, but that is a product of his aggressive nature. You would rather rein in that motor than have to manufacture it.

The physicality is off the charts. He brings real thump on contact, setting a tone that energizes teammates. He reminds you of a young Bill Romanowski. Fearless, tough, and relentless, with that edge that makes offenses uncomfortable every snap.

Bottom line: Bates is a hard-nosed, high IQ linebacker prospect with the tools and mentality to be a difference maker at the next level. As he continues to refine his timing and angles, his ceiling only rises. Coaches are going to love this kid because he is wired to compete, lead, and punish.