6’7” – 295 lbs. – 5.15e

STATISTICAL PROFILE:

2009: Redshirt
2010: N/A
2011: 16 – 3.5 – 1.0, 1 FF
2012: 20 – 2.5, 2.0, 1 QBH, 1 FF, 1 FR (1 TD), 2 PD
2013: 40 – 11.5 – 1.0, 1 QBH, 9 PD, 1 BK

OVERVIEW:

Redshirted in 2009, then appeared in three games in a limited capacity as a redshirt freshman. Contributed in a reserve role in 2011 over all thirteen games. Became a full-time starter in 2012, starting all twelve games. Started all eight games he played in in 2013, but missed the remaining time due to injury. Was a second-round pick in this year’s CFL Draft.

POSITIVES:

•    Will graduate having started for the past two seasons, with escalating production.
•    Combination of height, length, and bulk are prototypical for a five-technique 3-4 end.
•    Gained fifteen pounds before his senior season, could potentially add even more.
•    Led the nation in batted passes as a senior, also blocked a kick on special teams.
•    Gets off the line pretty quickly, with a solid motor and active hand use to disengage.
•    Runs better than anticipated given his size, possesses a relatively impressive burst.
•    Generally does a good job of keeping his pad level down to gain adequate leverage.
•    Solid tackler, can stop a runner on impact and demonstrates sound wrap technique.
•    Strong anchor, can either re-establish line of scrimmage or hold his ground vs. run.

NEGATIVES:

•    Probably too tall to draw much interest from 4-3 teams as a defensive tackle prospect.
•    Not a threatening rusher, recorded just four sacks and two pressures over three years.
•    Doesn’t walk linemen back into the quarterback, relies on finding open rushing lanes.
•    Ends up on the ground more often than he should, more due to balance than strength.
•    “Lower extremity” injury which caused him to miss four games raises a medical flag.

SUMMARY:

Urban has flown under the radar a bit due to a combination of having played at Virginia and lacking eye-popping statistics, but teams which run odd fronts should give him some consideration as a five-technique end, as his overall length allows him to bat passes, while he also possesses the ability to anchor and to re-establish the line of scrimmage as a run defender. That he bulked up from 280 pounds to 295 as a senior indicates that he is capable of putting on weight quickly, and could end up playing at over 300 pounds in the pros. A likely third-day draft pick who could turn out to be a pleasant surprise relative to his draft position.