6’4” – 285 lbs.
Father also attended Penn St. Redshirted, then started one of fourteen games played the following year, putting together a 23-1.5-1.0 line. Went 19-2.5-2.0 as a sophomore, then took the next step as a junior, posting a line of 38-10.0-6.5. Production dropped off a bit as a senior (38-4.0-2.5). Carries less bulk than your typical defensive tackle, but has a pretty rocked-up frame with what looks like good height and length; may be considered as more of a five-technique or defensive end conversion candidate at the next level depending on how teams assess his ability to carry additional weight. Surprisingly, typically plays the nose tackle position/right defensive tackle for the Nittany Lions, and can even be seen there when the team goes with three down linemen. Even plays the zero technique. Plays with a high level of toughness and intensity. Game is based around his ability to fire out quickly and with a low pad level, penetrating into gaps to create disruption. Explosiveness helps him overcome his lack of ideal bulk, with play strength which actually appears above-average to good. Able to use his first step to force his way into gaps. Even on plays where he doesn’t make tackles, can often disrupt opposing rushing attempts. Has an excellent motor to pursue plays toward the sidelines as a backside pursuer, although his short-area burst is more impressive than his top-end speed. Movements are stiff overall. Struggles to hold the point of attack against power; gets ground down or put on skates. Pass-rushing production was modest in college, but stayed on the field for passing downs during the games reviewed and looked difficult to deal with at times, although he would end up being frustrated around the line of scrimmage fairly often. Very active with his hands, and flashes the ability to slip past blockers and work his way into the backfield to create pressure. Also demonstrates the ability to convert speed to power and generate a little bit of push to collapse the pocket. Looks good on stunts and twists. Occasionally drew extra attention from blockers. Does a good job of sniffing out and chasing down screens. A little bit difficult to evaluate in that he’ll probably be asked to change positions at the next level and wasn’t particularly productive in college, but his tape is pretty impressive nonetheless. Aggression and physicality make him a more intriguing prospect than other recent Penn St. defenders such as Shareef Miller, Anthony Zettel, and Jack Crawford, although teams will need to get creative and think of a role for him.
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