Ruke Orhorhoro, IDL, Clemson
Size:
Height: 6’4”
Weight: 294 pounds
Arm Length: 34”
Hand Size: 9 3/8"
Accomplishments:
Third-team All-ACC (2023, 2022)
“Ruke Orhorhoro is a well-built interior defensive lineman with great functional strength paired with quickness to be a consistent disruptive presence in the NFL.”
Strengths:
Functional strength at point of attack
Flashes of pass rush
Dense, filled-in frame/build
Alignment flexibility
Concerns:
Hand counters
Inconsistent pad level
Consistent technique
Film Analysis:
In the run game, Ruke Orhorhoro attacks and defeats reach/backside cut-off blocks with hand striking and power. He possesses enough quickness at the snap to slice and shoot through gaps. Orhorhoro uses his wingspan and power to squeeze running lanes and close the door on the ball-carrier. His long-arm technique allows him to create the separation and keep the blocker hands from his chest plate. Orhorhoro’s brute strength resets the line of scrimmage versus the run. He is a difficult defender to move and displace off the ball.
Orhorhoro flashes a pass-rush plan to pressure the QB. He uses good hand placement to soften rush angles to the QB. Orhorhoro will bull rush his way into the backfield and collapse the pocket in the face of the QB. I appreciate his ability to attack space to create angles for counter moves on the inside track.
Orhorhoro must continue to improve his strike timing and placement. It causes him to get stuck on blocks in the run and passing game. Despite his play strength, from a reduced alignment, asking him to take on and hold up at the point of attack against double teams is tough. Orhorhoro could benefit from being more consistent with his overall technique. To increase the speed in which he defeats blocks to impact the play. His pad level can be inconsistent. He has moments of popping straight up from his stance creating a more difficult rep to win.
Orhorhoro projects as a disruptive 3-technique, single-gap defensive tackle. He is an impact player on the defensive line. There’s more room for Orhorhoro to grow and develop his game. He possesses the overall skill set to be a potential three-down defender. I view Baltimore Ravens IDL Justin Madubuike as his ceiling.
Prospect Projection: Day 2 — Winning Starter
Written By: Damian Parson
Exposures: Duke (2023), Florida State (2023), South Carolina (2023), North Carolina (2023)
