Strengths:
• Outstanding frame and bulk with long arms
• Strong, powerful and will deliver the big hit
• Extremely stout run defender inside the box
• Shows the ability to take on / shed blockers
• Plays with heavy, violent and active hands
• Still has potential as pass rusher and blitzer
• Excellent instincts with a very high football IQ
• Will offer positional and schematic versatility
• Respected team leader and served as captain
• Mature and motivated with a great work ethic
Weaknesses:
• Struggles in space and is a liability in coverage
• Stiff with limited range, explosiveness and burst
• Not real agile and doesn't change directions well
• Limited repertoire of pass rush moves / counters
• Questionable motor and is too protective of legs
• May have some durability and conditioning issues
Injury History:
• Missed most of 2009 season with a torn ACL in left knee
• Broke left hand in 2011, which required surgery to repair
Notes:
A three-year starter for the Crimson Tide --- Named 2nd Team All-SEC in 2010 and 1st Team in 2011 --- Consensus 1st Team All-American in 2011 --- Was responsible for all the play calls and checks on one of the nation's premier defenses --- Graduated with a bachelor's degree in four years --- Lost a step after major knee injury early in career but is still quite a football player --- Much better against the run than the pass and may need to be protected within a scheme --- Could project to either inside or outside linebacker in a 3-4 or middle linebacker in a 4-3 but best fit will likely come in an odd front similar to the role he played in college --- Classic thumper with rare size and top intangibles.
NFL Player Comparison: Rolando McClain
| Career Statistics |
| Year |
GP |
TKL |
TFL |
SACK |
PBU |
INT |
| 2008 |
14 |
64 |
2.5 |
0.0 |
0 |
0 |
| 2009 |
4 |
16 |
4.0 |
1.0 |
1 |
0 |
| 2010 |
13 |
69 |
3.5 |
0.0 |
3 |
0 |
| 2011 |
13 |
85 |
11.0 |
4.0 |
3 |
1 |
| Totals |
44 |
235 |
21.0 |
5.0 |
7 |
1 |
|
|
