Bobby Boucher, LB (SCLSU)
Water boy turned local legend.
Bobby Boucher is an exceptionally intriguing draft prospect who has captured the attention of the football world. The 31-year-old freshman hails from South-Central Louisiana State University and played a pivotal role in leading the Mud Dogs to victory after a dismal 40-game losing streak. In a remarkable feat, Boucher and his team clinched the Bourbon Bowl title against the University of Louisiana, a team he was intimately familiar with as their former water boy. If you're a fan of underdog tales, Boucher's story is one that will undoubtedly tug at your heartstrings. However, the reality of his prospects may not be as romantic as his inspiring career with the Mud Dogs.
COLLEGE CAREER OVERVIEW
Bobby Boucher began his football journey as a water boy for the University of Louisiana, a job he held for eighteen years until he was fired for being deemed "disruptive." Undeterred, Boucher sought out Coach Klein, the head coach of the South-Central Louisiana State Mud Dogs, and asked for a position as their water boy. However, fate had other plans for Boucher. During a particularly intense practice, Boucher had an outburst that caught Coach Klein's attention, and he was asked to fill in as an outside linebacker for the struggling Mud Dogs, who had not won a game in 40 attempts. Despite his initial reluctance, Boucher proved to be an instant game-changer for the team's defense, providing a much-needed spark and energy on the field.
During his debut as a Mud Dog, Bobby Boucher set an incredible NCAA record with 16.0 sacks in a single game. However, his exceptional performance was overshadowed by a critical error he made later in the game. After intercepting a screen pass, Boucher inexplicably threw the ball to an offensive lineman, who scored a touchdown that ultimately led to the Mud Dogs' heartbreaking loss, extending their losing streak to a staggering 41 games. Although Boucher managed to make amends at the end of the play with a flying kick straight into the chest of the touchdown-scoring lineman, it was too little, too late to salvage the game.
After his impressive debut, Bobby Boucher continued to lead the Mud Dogs on a remarkable winning streak that culminated in a place in the Bourbon Bowl, where they faced off against their rivals, the University of Louisiana Cougars. Though Boucher had to address some eligibility issues that kept him sidelined for the first half of the game, he emerged as a key player in the second half. With Boucher leading the charge, the Mud Dogs mounted an impressive 27-point comeback to defeat the Cougars, earning Boucher the prestigious MVP award in their thrilling 30-27 victory.
STRENGTHS
Bobby Boucher is a force to be reckoned with on the field, as shown by his biggest strength: ferocious aggressiveness. His ability to intimidate opponents and strike fear into their hearts is second to none, making him a nightmare for any team facing him. Boucher's playing style is reminiscent of legendary defenders like Dick Butkus and Ray Nitschke, as he consistently delivers bone-crushing hits that leave opponents reeling. He brings this same level of intensity to both run defense and pass rushing, making him a versatile threat on the field. Once Boucher sets his sights on a target, whether it's a running back on a sweep, a quarterback dropping back to pass, or even a random player on the bench drinking Gatorade, he relentlessly pursues them until they are on the ground with their helmet laying fifteen feet away. His instincts and determination to make the big play are what sets him apart from other players, and his sheer physicality and aggressiveness make him a dominant force to be reckoned with on the field.
WEAKNESSES
Despite his impressive physical abilities, Boucher's mental and strategic acumen on the field is questionable. He struggles to read and react to offensive plays, relying solely on his brute strength to make tackles. He lacks the ability to diagnose and adjust to pre-snap reads, which could limit his effectiveness in more complex defensive schemes. To be completely honest, Boucher’s antics pre-snap genuinely worry me. He is known to throw temper tantrums while muttering to himself which makes me question whether or not this guy belongs on a professional roster to begin with. Moreover, Boucher's coverage skills appear to be severely lacking, as he has minimal experience in this area and has yet to demonstrate proficiency in defending against the pass. Boucher's potential as a linebacker may be limited by these shortcomings, especially at the next level where he will face more advanced offensive schemes and skilled quarterbacks.
FINAL THOUGHTS
Overall, I would say it is safe to say I’m not quite as high on Boucher as many seem to be. While I appreciate his story for what it is, the fact of the matter is that Boucher does not have the skill set to play linebacker at the next level in the modern NFL. If this was the 1980s or 1990s and a coach could tell Bobby to just go kill someone every play, I’m sure he’d end up as a Hall of Famer. However, given the fact that most linebackers are asked to be a lot smarter and lead defenses nowadays, I just don’t see this being in the cards for Boucher. If a team drafts him with the intent to turn him into an EDGE, then we could be looking at a different projection, but the fact of the matter is that Boucher is 5’10” and weighs a measly 185 pounds. If there are doubts about Nolan Smith’s size as an EDGE, there is no possible way Boucher could pull it off. Not only that, but Boucher has nothing in the way of a pass rush toolbelt. Boucher relies on his strength, aggression, and speed alone and that simply will not cut it against bigger, faster, stronger, and more aggressive opponents. This isn’t even factoring in his age, where he stands as a 31-year-old prospect. All of that, on top of his tantrums that make Bill Romanowski look like a nun, are all major turnoffs for me. I’m sorry, but I just don’t see a world where Boucher pans out as an impact starter on defense. Perhaps there’s potential as a special teamer, but that’s about it. I’m sure he’ll find a place on a roster based on his demeanor alone, but I would keep expectations for Boucher’s career at a minimum.
Grade: Seventh Round
Comp: Lenny from “Of Mice and Men”