Overlooked by the college all-star circuit and the NFL scouting consortium, Dolac looks to prove doubters wrong at the next level with the Rams.
People lie, numbers don’t.
The numbers stated that Shaun Dolac was as great as any linebacker during the 2024 college football season. No player topped Dolac’s FBS-high 168 tackles. In fact, the only player that came within 32 tackles of the star was fellow teammate Red Murdock.
Leading the nation in tackles as an inside linebacker is one accomplishment. Leading the nation in return yards is a completely different feat that is often reserved for a defensive back. However, Dolac topped that category as well.
Dolac’s monster 2024 campaign somehow wasn’t enough to warrant a major individual award, an NFL Combine invite, a Senior Bowl invite, or an NFL Draft pick, but the linebacker is ready to prove the doubters wrong. He now can capitalize on an NFL future as he signed a free agent deal with the Los Angeles Rams, just minutes after the conclusion of the 2025 draft.
Dolac’s most recent season speaks for itself. He posted an FBS-best 168 tackles, a MAC-best 19 tackles for loss, 6.5 tackles, five interceptions, 177 interception return yards, and five pass breakups. The West Seneca, NY native was named the 2024 MAC Defensive Player of the Year and the first consensus All-American in Buffalo history.
The 6’2”, 221 pound linebacker wasn’t a one-hit wonder either. In 2022, he ranked atop the FBS in solo tackles with 147, in addition to producing 14 tackles for loss, 4.5 sacks, and three forced fumbles. However, his 2023 was cut short after four games due to a season-ending shoulder injury. He spent all five years at Buffalo — briefly transferring to Utah State during the spring of 2024 before ultimately returning to his hometown school in time for the season.
The versatile defender tested excellently at Buffalo’s pro day, earning elite athleticism grades in speed with a 4.63-second 40-yard dash, agility with a 4.22-second shuttle run and 6.93-second 3-cone drill, strength with 25 bench press reps, and explosiveness with a 35.5-inch vertical jump, and a 10-foot, 1-inch broad jump. However,
Dolac looks to make a mark in Los Angeles on one of the youngest defenses in the NFL. The Rams addressed their need for inside linebacker depth by drafting Chris Paul Jr. from Ole Miss in the fifth round and by signing former Falcon Nate Landman this offseason. Other inside linebackers on the roster include projected starters Troy Reeder and Omar Speights, who will serve as Dolac’s teammates as he looks to prove his worth at the highest level of football.
Kent Lee Platte (RAS.football)