6’6” – 302 lbs.
Finally broke into the starting lineup midway through his redshirt sophomore year, where he has remained ever since. Versatile player who lines up on both ends of the defensive line and also slides inside to function as an interior rusher on a regular basis. Although he has more in common with a five-technique end from a physical standpoint, he often functioned as more of a traditional base end on a four-man line. Well-developed body whose frame might be nearly maxed out; carries his weight well. Pretty straightforward pass-rusher who almost exclusively relies on a speed-to-power combination on the outside. Offers a good level of intensity on the field. Gets off the line pretty quickly and can extend his arms and drive his legs to walk opposing linemen back. Capable of slapping down an opposing blocker’s arms but could stand to use his hands more frequently and develop a more nuanced approach to rushing the passer; doesn’t have a particularly diverse repertoire of rush moves and rarely attempts inside moves when he’s rushing from the edge. Does incorporate an effective spin move into his game when he’s being moved inside to rush on obvious passing downs. Can sometimes be driven wide of the rusher because of his tendency to get too far upfield. Instinctually, however, is a pretty disciplined run defender who does a good job of maintaining backside contain and avoids committing too quickly on read-options and other plays of that nature. Has the type of functional strength and build that teams may like in a two-gap run defender on the edge, but generally is more of an aggressive upfield player who wasn’t often asked to really hold the point of attack in a read-and-react system. Scrapes down the line and will pursue through the whistle but, because he lacks elite top-end speed, isn’t much of a threat to actually make plays near the sidelines. Sometimes has trouble working through trash; ended up on the ground a handful of times during the games reviewed and could be susceptible to cut blocks. Too a few snaps as an end on three-man lines in college but might be primarily considered as a five-technique end given his combination of height and bulk; in that role, could provide a pass-rushing presence for a team which lines their defensive ends to be able to generate pressure. Best fit, however, may be as a five-technique end on a four-man line in a scheme such as Seattle’s. Projects as a future starter.
Games watched: Illinois (’15), Penn St. (’16), Rutgers (’16)
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