6’1″ – 292 lbs. – 4.90e
Redshirted in 2013, then appeared in a reserve/special-teams capacity over seven games in 2014. Started four of thirteen games played the following season, then spent the past two seasons as a starter, with escalating production. Has pro bloodlines; father was a cornerback for the New England Patriots. Smaller than your typical defensive tackle prospect; players like Aaron Donald have shown that that’s not an insurmountable obstacle, but height is just adequate and listed weight is on the borderline of what’s acceptable from an interior defensive lineman. Has also played nose tackle (both zero and one-technique) but usually lines up as a three-technique and projects there at the next level as well, both in terms of his style of play and his physical profile. Fires out of his stance low and with explosiveness. Gets off the line faster than his teammates and can anticipate snap counts well. Exhibits an impressive burst to close when he finds a lane to the passer. Draws some extra attention from opposing blockers and flashes the ability to split double teams. Relies on his speed more than his power; go-to move is his rip, and also manufactures pressure on stunts/twists; not really the type of player who will collapse the pocket with his bull-rush. Works in swim moves and flashes a spin as a counter. Active hand use. Plays with a very high motor between the tackles. Rangy in pursuit; athleticism wanes with distance but gives some effort to pursue to the sidelines. Has a solid tackling radius and some ability to make tackles while engaged. Has both one- and two-gap responsibilities in the run game. When two-gapping, is able to extend his arms and keep defenders out of his pads. Anchors well for a three-technique, with the ability to scrape down the line and flow to the ball. However, discipline appears to be a bit lacking, as he will negate his explosiveness at times by knifing into the backfield but failing to locate the ball or flowing in the wrong direction. Can play into opponents’ hands by being too aggressive. Pretty consistent about getting his hands up to contest passing lanes. A fun player to watch because of his combination of explosiveness and aggression; a little bit smaller than your typical three-technique tackle, but projects as a disruptive interior rusher with a better anchor than is typical for a player with his physical profile. Would be best on a team that let him pin his ears back and shoot gaps.
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