6’4” – 330 lbs.
Appeared in nine games as a freshman and twelve as a sophomore, playing both guard slots in a swing reserve capacity, then took over a full-time starting role on the left side the following year. Will finish his collegiate career having played in nearly fifty games and started nearly thirty (48/27 as of the beginning of bowl season.) Very thickly-built offensive guard prospect with adequate height for the position, although official measurements will be important. Demonstrates a good work rate, playing hard through the whistle. Keeps his legs churning after initial contact. Was asked to pull and climb on occasion and demonstrates above-average short-area quickness for a player of his size. Able to successfully engulf opponents when pulling to either the left or right, and is also capable of chipping one opponent and climbing up to the second level to get a block. Demonstrates adequate grip strength and a good work ethic to stick with opponents once engaged. Takes advantage of opportunities to finish off opponents and secure pancake blocks. Gets good extension with his arms in pass protection, and demonstrates some ability to bend at the knees and play with a straight back. Adequate hand-fighter who’s able to reset his hands. Has a powerful shove to knock opponents off-balance when helping others. Works hard to get out in front of screens and disrupt opponents in space. Balance issues crop up more often than you’d like. Plays with aggressiveness but, combined with his lack of length, that causes him to play outside his frame and end up bending at the waist or falling on the ground too often. Perhaps for that reason, doesn’t always play with the type of power you’d expect; ends up being more of a grinder than a mauler when blocking in a phone booth. Can be jolted on contact more easily than you’d think for a player of his size. Will be beaten by suddenness to either side and end up having to try and push opponents wide of the mark too frequently. Rotated out of the game regularly during the games reviewed; not sure if that was by design or due to stamina issues. A two-year starter for a major program, he offers pro-ready size and has reportedly overcome a lot to get to where he is now. Has just average athleticism for an interior lineman, but is able to compensate for it somewhat with an excellent work rate. Will need to play with better balance to bring his functional strength more in line with his physical attributes. Developmental type.
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