A.J. Haulcy, SAF, Houston
Size:
Height: 6’0” | Weight: 215 lbs
Accomplishments:
Big 12 Defensive Newcomer of the Year Honorable Mention (2023)
“A.J. Haulcy is a densely built safety prospect who’s at his best as a low-hole, close-to-the-line-of-scrimmage player. He is a physical striker and plus-one defender against the run.”
Strengths:
Violent hitter
Good run defender from depth
Runs the alley vs. the run
Quick play-identification ability
Nose for the football
Concerns:
Lacking ball production in coverage
Overaggression as a tackler
Top-end speed and range
Film Analysis:
A.J. Haulcy played defensive back in Doug Belk’s defense for the Houston Cougars in 2023. He transferred from New Mexico State and both systems used him differently. Haulcy is a downhill safety who likes to bring the thunder as a tackler. He has shown the ability to play deep down the field or closer to the line of scrimmage. He brings a tone-setting mentality to a defense.
In coverage, Haulcy is a good zone defender who gets to his spots as a high and low-coverage defender. He reads route concepts and stays within range to engage if the pass is thrown. Haulcy has a quick downhill trigger to attack underneath route concepts. He showcases good zone eyes to read and pass off routes as they enter and exit his zones. Haulcy operated as the middle-of-the-field deep safety in three-safety sets. He works well as a “robber” defender, working in the intermediate areas of the field and disrupting the passing lanes.
Haulcy plays the run with good instincts and play recognition. He quickly identifies run versus pass and triggers downhill with urgency to get into the action. Haulcy runs the alley with intention. He leverages the ball and gaps well—with outside containment, forcing the ball-carrier back into the teeth of the defense. As a tackler, Haulcy is physical and violent. With a full head of steam, he brings the power to level his opponent.
Haulcy lacks ball production in coverage with two interceptions and five pass breakups through two seasons. Making disruptive plays on the football in coverage increases a defender’s value at the next level. Haulcy’s aggressive approach to tackling is admirable but can lead to missed attempts. He dives to cut offensive players below the knees instead of squaring and wrapping up the ball-carrier. His speed/range in coverage is sufficient. Haulcy lacks the top-end speed to be a single-high safety. He is better out of two high-coverage shells with reduced ground to cover.
Overall, Haulcy projects as a potential starting strong safety. He is at his best working downhill and closer to the line of scrimmage. Assuming the low-hole SS role in a Cover 3 defensive scheme will put him in an advantageous position to succeed at the next level.
Prospect Projection: Day 3 — Developmental Traits
