6’5” – 280 lbs. – 4.92
Arrived weighing 236 pounds and has added fifty-four pounds of bulk since 2015. Rotated into the defense as a freshman, then added nearly twenty pounds and put together a 27-4.5-3.5 sophomore campaign. Bulked up to 280 as a junior and went 28-7.0-4.0, then enjoyed a productive senior season to conclude his career (43-16.0-9.5). Lines up at the left end position, Texas’ base defense being an odd front; takes some snaps from the right as well. Most of his snaps come out of a four-point stance. Tall, thickly-built defensive end who offers ideal size for a four-man line and might be able to bulk up further. Has the size and power to develop into an effective run defender. At his best, can win with an inside move off the snap and disrupt or blow up rushing attempts in the backfield. Also able to use his hands to discard blockers. However, would look to see him play with more patience; can adopt a rush-first approach and run himself out of position to make stops in the run game. Gets sucked in and creates opportunities for ballcarriers to bounce it outside and get to the second level. Preoccupation with blockers can cause him to lose track of the ball. Ends up on the ground too often. Aggressive temperament might make him more of a one-gap option, although he has the type of frame to potentially develop into a two-gapper with time. Wasn’t much of a pass-rusher prior to his senior season but finished his career on a high note. Plus athlete for his size. Does a good job of anticipating snap counts and getting a head start relative to his opponent. Gets up to speed pretty fast for a player of his size and often attempts to win the edge with speed. Flashes the ability to dip his shoulder and bend smoothly but is often steered wide of the pocket. Balance issues crop up too frequently. Works in an effective bull rush in the passing game; can be a handful to deal with when he gets a head of steam. Gets pressure with inside moves and exhibits a good closing burst when he finds a clear lane; sometimes slid over to the nose on obvious passing downs. A little bit of a one-year wonder whose play is not as refined as his production would indicate; needs to improve his instincts, balance, and discipline to get into the field at the next level. Given time, could potentially play defensive end in either an even or odd defensive front.
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