instinctive Stanford linebacker whose play was defined by ball production and toughness
Tarpley was a high-IQ, playmaking linebacker at Stanford who started for four seasons and finished with 20.5 tackles for loss, 6.5 sacks, and four interceptions in his college career. He stood out for disruptive range, coverage ability, and a fearless, downhill style that translated into turnovers and impact plays rather than just routine tackles. The main context: his career was ultimately shaped by a serious concussion history, which led him to retire from the NFL at 23, so the upside came with major health risk concerns.
