Strengths:
Ideal height and bulk with long arms --- Fantastic Football IQ --- Superb instincts and awareness --- Will diagnose and react to the action quickly --- Tough, physical and aggressive --- Agile with nice balance and body control --- Terrific strength --- Reliable tackler who can deliver the big hit --- Stout against the run --- Able to take on and shed blockers --- Uses his hands well --- Fluid and more than holds his own in coverage --- Solid pass rusher and blitzer --- Hard Worker --- Team Leader --- Top pedigree --- Lots of experience against elite competition.
Weaknesses:
Sufficient, but not exceptional, speed and athleticism --- Range is somewhat limited --- Doesn't always play with proper pad level --- May not be as effective in pursuit at the next level --- Average hands and ball skills --- Some issues in space --- Has health / durability concerns.
Notes:
A three-year starter for the Crimson Tide --- Named 1st Team All-SEC in 2008 and 2009 --- A unanimous 1st Team All-American in 2009 --- Won the Butkus Award as the nation's top linebacker in 2009 --- Served as a team captain as a junior --- Suffers from
Crohn's Disease, a disorder that causes inflammation of the digestive tract --- Has proven he will play through illness and injuries --- Led what was arguably the most talented defense in the country and was a standout --- Could excel in either a 3-4 or 4-3 scheme but best fit may come in an odd front --- A magnificent all-around player who is effective against both the run and pass while serving as an extra coach on the field --- A true football player with adequate physical tools and top-notch intangibles --- Could very easily emerge as one of the premier inside linebackers in the NFL.
| Career Statistics |
| Year |
GP |
TKL |
TFL |
SACK |
PBU |
INT |
| 2007 |
13 |
75 |
5.0 |
1.0 |
4 |
2 |
| 2008 |
14 |
95 |
12.0 |
3.0 |
6 |
1 |
| 2009 |
14 |
105 |
14.5 |
4.0 |
4 |
2 |
| Totals |
41 |
275 |
31.5 |
8.0 |
14 |
5 |
| |
|
