York & Rodriguez: Coakley's Heirs in NFL Draft

On March 30, Dexter Cochley, the College Football Hall of Famer from Appalachian State, put up monster college numbers with 6-16, tackles, 350 solo stops, and 7 games over 20 tackles.

Now, folks are stacking 2-2026 NFL draft prospects against him, Tori in York from Texas A&M, and Jacob Rodriguez from Texas.

Tech, based on size, style, and output.

Tori in York jumps out with his compact 5 feet 10 inches, 227 pound frame, mirroring Cochley's bill perfectly.

He racked up 208 career tackles, showing solid instincts and playstyle that echo the legend, even if his stats don't match that, historic level.

Meanwhile, Jacob Rodriguez measures 6 feet 1 inch, 231 pounds at the combine, a bit more modern linebacker size.

His production pops with 316 tackles, 25 and a half tackles for loss, 6 sacks, and big splash plays like 13 forced.

Fumbles and 6 picks, bringing serious disruption.

Analysts see York as the style twin for his quick instinctive vibe, while Rodriguez fits the impact mold with higher end college disruption in.

Today's game. Both prospects get that cochlea nod for body type and motor, sparking fun debates and linebacker circles.

This matchup shows how these young guns could channel Cochley's fire into the pros, keeping the conversation hot as draft season heats up.