Three-year starter who is explosive, disciplined, and relentless in his play. He is as good as any defensive lineman in the past several years to disengage a blocker and make a play. In short, he doesn’t stay blocked. Excellent use of hands to separate, strength to pull and jerk. Stays on his feet. Has slippery quality. Plays with power and activity in his legs. A ready built four-man front right defensive end. Strong against double teams. Plays with leverage. Sudden to read and react after controlling blocker. Gave second round draft choice, Rodger Saffold, fits in 2009. Can feel pressure and react on the move. Explosive when delivering a blow. Good power base with strength to hold his ground. Good balance and body control. His arm length is average but his hand quickness, punch, placement, and extension are unique. Closes inside with authority. Has the lateral speed and quickness to string out and pursue to the sideline. Good awareness and instincts to play a variety of blocking schemes and combination blocks. Productive versus pass or run. Doesn’t lose ground when he tackles a ball carrier. Hard hitter. Athletic through traffic. Urgent and intense. Has good take off quickness on his pass rush. Tenacious. Accelerates off blocks. Burst to close on quarterback. Works his feet and hands together. Turns speed to power. Was born with a mild case of Erbs’ palsy and had some nerve damage in his neck and right side. Did not need surgery but may be relegated to the right side only because of it. Medical and a red flag will determine his draft status. Questions are still unanswered as to why he didn’t bench at the Combine or compete at the Senior Bowl. Productive in 2009 with 70 tackles, 11 1/2 sacks, 2 PBU, and 8 1/2 TFL. 2010 stats: 52 tackles, 3 1/2 sacks, 7 TFL, 1 FF, and 1 PBU.
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