Official Bio
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Strengths:
Naturally athletic...Good size...Solid build...Great burst....Quick with good balance and agility...Has big hands and uses them well...Shows the ability to shed blocks...Redirects well...Violent initial punch...Has some power and is a good bull rusher...Makes a lot of plays behind the line of scrimmage...Good range and does a terrific job in pursuit...Can hold his ground against the run...Reliable tackler...Offers quite a bit of positional versatility...Tough, aggressive and really plays with a nasty demeanor...Emerged as a team leader...Still improving and has upside.
Weaknesses:
Does not have elite speed...Isn't super explosive...Marginal instincts and awareness...Undisciplined at times...Below average strength...Not a sack artist and will have to develop a more varied repertoire of moves...Does not always play with proper leverage...Inconsistent motor...Work ethic has been questioned...Ran into some trouble off the field...Minor durability concerns...Underachieved early on in his career...Just 1 year of starting experience...Wasn't overly productive.
Notes:
Didn't take over a starting job until his senior year but made the most of it and came through with a terrific campaign...Led the Volunteers in sacks and tackles for a loss as a senior...Was named 1st Team All-SEC by the league’s coaches in 2008...Missed his freshman season in high school after having shoulder surgery...Played his last two years of prep ball with a torn labrum...Broke his left hand in 2006...Was charged with aggravated assault in 2005 and eventually pled guilty to a lesser charge but was suspended for two games...Has reportedly matured a great deal the past couple of years...Really made a name for himself in 2008 by getting the best of Andre Smith then coming through with a standout performance at the Senior Bowl...Has the ability to play defensive end, outside linebacker or defensive tackle depending on the scheme...Excellent football player but when it comes to physical tools he isn't necessarily special in any regard...Improved his stock as much as anyone in the four months leading up to the draft.
| Career Statistics |
| Year |
GP |
TKL |
TFL |
SACK |
| 2004 |
RS |
- |
- |
- |
| 2005 |
9 |
5 |
1.0 |
1.0 |
| 2006 |
13 |
25 |
3.0 |
1.0 |
| 2007 |
14 |
34 |
12.0 |
4.0 |
| 2008 |
12 |
49 |
15.5 |
3.0 |
| Totals |
48 |
113 |
31.5 |
9.0 |
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