6’3” – 257 lbs.
Appeared in in six games as a freshman, picking up two sacks, then started ten of thirteen games played the following year, posting 39-10.0-7.0. Earned first team all-conference honors in each of the two subsequent seasons, posting 51-15.5-8.0 as a junior and 35-13.5-12.5 as a senior. Has a solid combination of height and bulk for an edge player, with arms which measured slightly under 32” at the Senior Bowl. Described as a left end this past year and predominantly right end prior to that, but played mostly on the right side during the 2019 games reviewed. Takes snaps out of two-, three-, and four-point stances. Was one of the most dangerous pass rushers in college football this past season, and demonstrates an advanced approach to getting after opposing quarterbacks. Mixes in plenty of different moves to threaten the edge, most often attempting to win with speed but also rotating in slaps, swipes, swim moves, and spins. Knows how to set up opposing offensive tackles and create opportunities for himself. Uses his hands well to prevent opponents from locking on. Very active with a strong motor on a snap-to-snap basis. Demonstrates some burst and some ability to dip his shoulder when working as a speed rusher. However, there are some balance issues which crop up in his game from time to time. Doesn’t appear to have much of a power element to his game; not a frequent bull-rusher who’s going to go through opponents and walk them back into the pocket. Closing burst isn’t elite, and reaction times to the ball being snapped are a mixed bag (albeit generally quick.) Made some drops into coverage on fire zone blitzes, but looks a little bit stiff in coverage and is more explosive in a short area than he is athletic in space. Tape as a run defender is less impressive. Does flash the ability to win as either a one- or two-gapper; can knife into the backfield and disrupt plays, or keep his head up, lock out opponents, and use his hands to shed at the appropriate time. Disciplined in backside contain as well. However, can struggle to scrape and flow toward the ball without losing ground; gets driven off the line or wide of the play. Ability to locate is inconsistent; will lose track of runners. Not the rangiest defender despite his motor. Ultimately, there’s a lot to like about his game and approach, but he might be close to having reached his ceiling, being closer to adequate in terms of his size, power, and athleticism.
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