Just a year ago, Emmanuel Acho was watching his brother participate in the NFL Combine. Former Longhorn Sam Acho was drafted in the fourth round by the Arizona Cardinals and now his little brother is attempting to make a good impression on professional scouts over the weekend.

Standing at 6-foot-1 and weighing 238 lbs, Emanuel Acho is a very physical player who played in 48 games and started 26 while at Texas. Acho has been working out in Arizona in preparation for the combine.

Acho interviewed well, displaying his strong character. In addition, his academic accolades may help him when it comes to the draft. A three-time first-team Academic All-Big 12 selection, Acho graduated in December with a degree in sports management.

He showed his physical strength by benching 24 reps of 225 pounds on the bench press, putting him tied for 11th out of 29 among linebackers.

Acho is a very versatile linebacker and has the ability to play in the 3-4 or 4-3 defenses. He ran the 40-yard dash in 4.73 seconds — a time that was 14th-best amongst linebackers. His 35.5 inch vertical leap was 11th-best among linebackers and his 118 inch broad jump was 14th-best.

He said his older brother, who made 40 tackles and forced four fumbles as a rookie, helped him prepare before the combine.

“He told me everything,” Acho said. “I got the answers to the test before I have to take it. He’s told me everything I need to know.”

Acho will likely be a third or fourth round pick and will probably play outside linebacker in the NFL.

Printed on Tuesday, February 28, 2012 as: Guided by older brother's advice, Acho hoping strong intangibles propel him to top off NFL executive's draft boards