6’3” – 315 lbs. – 5.04
Has been an important contributor since his freshman season, in which he totaled 33-4.5-2.0. In the three following seasons, posted 48-13.0-3.5, 60-9.0-5.0, and 50-15.0-6.0, so he comes with a solid track record of high-level production. Has a thick, squarish build which makes him look like an offensive guard; on the tall side for an interior lineman, with excellent bulk. Was able to add fifteen pounds of bulk this past year and increase his production in opposing backfields. Plays the three-technique when his team is working with a four-man line, and lines up on the nose or at left end when the team uses a three-man line. Shows the ability to one-gap and two-gap effectively. First thing that steps out is his functional strength, offering the ability to attack blockers and reset the line of scrimmage with his power. Does a good job of extending his arms, flowing toward the play direction, and shedding blocks in time to make tackles. Able to drop his anchor and set up shop at the line of scrimmage. Has pretty good instincts to work toward the ball and doesn’t take himself out of too many plays with overly-aggressive gap-shooting, but can sometimes lose track of the ball or get pulled away by misdirection. Stayed on the field on a lot of passing downs. Has impressive quickness off the line of scrimmage, which allows him to split double teams and knife into the backfield to make stops. Can get skinny and use his overhand swim move to blow up rushing attempts or put inside pressure on opposing quarterbacks. Gets up to speed quickly on stunts and flashes the ability to churn his legs and walk opposing blockers back into the pocket. A better athlete with looser hips than most 300-pound defensive linemen and is able to pursue into space, whether chasing quarterbacks who flee the pocket or pursuing screens out toward the sidelines. Has good closing burst to finish when he finds an open lane to the passer. Could be more consistent about using his arms to lock out blockers. Also rushed for two touchdowns as a goal-line back this past year. Was considered a potential first-round pick last year, and might have played even better as a senior, adding additional bulk in the process. Offers an excellent combination of size, power, and athleticism which could make him a three-down interior lineman at the next level, if not quite the elite disruptor some other top defensive tackles are.
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