[Dirtbag59]

Production 2 2007: Played sparingly as a reserve NT. 2008: (13/12) 36 tackles, 10 TFL, 2 sacks. 2009: (14/14) 69 tackles, 11 TFL, 1 sack, 1 FR. 2010: (12/12) 53 tackles, 9 TFL, 1 sack.

Height-Weight-Speed - 3 - Slightly taller, heavier and faster than the three-year combine average at the DT position. But he's a bit top-heavy, and his hands (9 1/4 inches) and arms (33 inches) are slightly smaller than average.

Durability - 2 - Has played in 39 of 40 games during his final three seasons, including 38 starts. Only game missed was Presbyterian in 2010, when he was resting a strained MCL injury.

Intangibles - 2 - Team captain. No off-field issues or academic problems to our knowledge. Improving as a leader and is learning to trust his coaching more as he matures.
1 = EXCEPTIONAL2 = ABOVE AVERAGE3 = AVERAGE4 = BELOW AVERAGE5 = MARGINAL
DEFENSIVE TACKLE SPECIFIC TRAITS
Versus the Run - 2 - At his best versus the run. Quick first step and generally gets some penetration or at least good initial positioning. Does a solid job with his hand placement when taking on blocks in the run game. Flashes some power in short punch but needs to improve upper body strength. Tied for fewest reps (17) on bench press of all the defensive linemen at 2011 NFL combine. Is disciplined with his assignments but he's also inconsistent when it comes to finding the ball and disengaging in time. Flashes disruptive qualities and makes a lot of plays in the backfield. But there are too many occasions when OL quickly lock on and neutralize him through the whistle. Can be a powerful hitter and will make some tackles from behind but is not an effective open-field tackler.

Pass Rush Skills - 4 - Shows good awareness as a pass rusher. Diagnoses plays quickly which helps him on play-action passes. Does a very nice job of sniffing out screens. Moves well for his size and shows some initial power as a bull rusher but lacks elite lower-body strength to consistently drive OL back and collapse the pocket. Vanilla as a pass rusher and struggles to counter when reached. Uses spin move too much and rarely is effective. Sack production was underwhelming at collegiate level.

Quickness (hands/feet)- 2 - Good first step quickness and overall mobility for size. Not an elite athlete for the position but moves well and can get down the line. Adequate hand quickness but is not violent with hands. More effective with his hands in run game than as a pass rusher. Needs to learn more effective rip, swim and club techniques.

Toughness/Motor - 2 - Adequate-to-good overall toughness and motor for a 310-pound DT/NT. Plays hard when he's on the field. Will pursue hard from the backside and works through the whistle. But stamina is a bit of a question mark. He is not on the field for many obvious passing downs and he was well-rested in a deeper DL rotation than most schools. Has some special teams value (four blocked kicks during career).
1 = EXCEPTIONAL2 = ABOVE AVERAGE3 = AVERAGE4 = BELOW AVERAGE5 = MARGINAL