6’5” – 322 lbs.
Has a basketball background. Redshirted, then has been starting ever since; totaled thirty-nine starts prior to his senior season, missing one game due to a suspension in his sophomore season (arrested for theft). Plays right tackle. Listed height is just adequate for a pro offensive tackle, so official measurements for his height and arms will be an important part of the pre-draft process. Is very thickly-built, however. A better athlete than his size would suggest; has some explosiveness out of his stance, with quick and active feet in both the passing game and as a run-blocker. Played in an offensive which called for him to do a lot of blocking on angles or in space, whether climbing or pulling. Has the work rate and movement skills to successfully engage opponents in space; does a good job of hitting moving targets. More of a pusher and shover than someone who locks onto opponents, but is able to generate some push with his above-average functional strength. There’s enough power in his hands to knock opponents off-balance. Can overextend himself in an attempt to reach opponents outside his frame. More workmanlike than a true mauler. Capable of blocking down and sealing opponents inside with his mass. Good short-area quickness to cross and wall off defenders. Gets good extension with his arms. Looks like he has the natural athleticism to protect the edge in pass protection. Bends at the knees and has the lateral quickness to mirror speed on the edge; keeps his back straight and his head up. Footwork looks clean when defending against outside rushes. Lets defenders into his body from time to time but has a strong natural anchor and can recover before being walked back into the quarterback. Active with his hands, but can struggle to reset them when countered, forcing him to rely on his natural mass to obstruct opposing rushers. Will get too much depth at times and struggle to recover. Would like to see him keep his hands closer to his chest; will drop them at times, lengthening his punch and negating some of his natural power. Coming from a smaller program, it would have been nice to see him play on the blindside, but is still an intriguing prospect who combines a thick build with natural power, impressive athleticism, and solid pass sets. If teams are comfortable with his measured height and length, could get looks on the outside, but should draw interest even if he’s viewed as a candidate to slide inside to guard.
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