6’2” – 308 lbs. – 5.07
Five-star recruit who appeared in nine games as a true freshman and became a starter during his sophomore year, finishing with 32-3.5-1.5. Had his most productive year as a junior, with a line of 54-10.0-4.0, then returned for his senior season and went 28-6.0-2.5. Was a three-time team captain for the Tigers. A very stout, strongly-built lineman with arms which measured over 34” at the Combine, one of the highest figures for an interior lineman. Played on the Usually played on the right end of the team’s three-man lines as a three-technique, but would also play the nose as well.
Primary value is as a space-eating run defender who can make a mess of things on his side of the line. Fires out low and plays with leverage. Does a good job of digging in and holding the point of attack against blockers, with some ability to handle double-teams as well; however, would like to see him keep his shoulders square more consistently, as he can turn his body and end up on the ground when trying to dig in. Flashes the ability to lock out opposing linemen with his arms and play a read-and-react, two-gapping brand of football. Flashes a viable rip move to shed blockers. Does a good job of scraping toward the middle of the line to defend against inside runs. Gives some effort in pursuit, but his overall range is limited; a little bit lumbering when it comes to chasing ballcarriers out toward the sideline.
Wasn’t a major threat as a pass-rusher, although he did often stay on the field on passing downs. Has a pretty straightforward power-based approach and can generate some push or occasionally draw double-teams from opposing offensive linemen; functional strength is very good, flashing the ability to get low and walk back blockers, sometimes even with a single arm. Also pretty active with his hands to prevent opposing linemen from locking onto him. However, doesn’t have a lot of explosiveness to his movements, or a particularly varied repertoire of moves; not a major threat to penetrate into the backfield, and even when he finds a clear path to the passer, may struggle to seal the deal because of his lack of ideal speed/burst.
A pretty straightforward prospect to evaluate. Has the gritty approach, toughness, and anchor to hold the point of attack as a space-eating nose tackle on a defensive line with two-gap principles, but who lacks the explosiveness to threaten many gaps as a pass-rusher. Will probably end up as a rotational run-stuffer at the next level, and looks to be on the boundary between the second and third days of the draft.
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