6’3” – 315 lbs.
Background:
Originally attended Hutchinson Community College before transferring to Georgia at the beginning of 2018; went 19-1.5-1.5 that season and 30-1.5-1.0 the following year before stepping into a starting role in 2020, a year in which he totaled 25-2.0-0.0 over ten games. Production escalated to 35-7.0-2.5 this past year to conclude his college career.
Positives:
Comes with two years of starting experience for a major program. Has a very stout, pro-ready build; tended to play on the end of Georgia’s three-man lines and would play the under-tackle spot when the team went with four down linemen. Brings the type of intensity and physicality teams look for. Fires out of his stance low and has the functional strength and leg drive to create movement at the line. Gets his arms extended to lock out opposing blockers. Surprisingly light on his feet for such a big defender; lateral quickness and range are both above-average. Flashes the ability to use his short-area burst to cross an opposing blocker’s face and disrupt plays. Has a pretty solid anchor to dig in and two-gap at the line of scrimmage. Active with his hands to shed when he’s in position to make a tackle. Seeks out open lanes to the quarterback on passing downs and looks fast and smooth when moving in space. Closing burst is very good when he finds a path to the ballcarrier.
Negatives:
Might need to play as more of a nose tackle in the pros, as he is shorter than a typical five-technique on an odd defensive line. Not much of a threat as a pass-rusher; has more of an effort-based approach than a diverse repertoire of moves and counters. Consequently, ends up idling around the line too often and could be viewed as more of a rotational player by some teams. Would like to see a little bit more patience and discipline in the run game; relies a little bit too much on his quickness/explosiveness and can lose track of the ballcarrier or get caught out of position at times. Some inconsistent reactions to the ball being snapped.
Summary:
Offers an intriguing combination of bulk, quickness, and explosiveness which looks like it might even make him a first-day pick in this year’s draft. When he’s at his best, is able to fire out low and threaten gaps, blowing up plays in the backfield. Did a little bit of everything at Georgia, but might actually be best as a nose tackle in an even defensive front.
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