PROS: Physically imposing player who offers a stiff set of pads and hands. Operates well within tight quarters between the tackles, is physically capable of rolling hips through contact against offensive linemen and stifling forward progress at the line. Has terrific range for such a large backer, offers some comparisons to former Boise LB (and 1st round pick) Leighton Vander Esch in that regard. Has a nose for big plays as well, tallying 9.0 TFL, 4 forced fumbles and an interception in 13 games as a RS Freshman in 2017. Disciplined work in zone coverage as well, shading drop into routes entering area but not over-pursuing a potential throwing window. Effective usage of length to pop and press climbing offensive lineman and disengage to continue efforts in pursuit. Plays with toughness and violence with both hands and pads, a prominent presence who was a tone setter for a stout Wildcats defense in 2018.
CONS:Despite a lot of refined technique, is still a youthful player who will need to follow up a promising start to college career with more strong tape. Can try to get too cute working off of blocks at times if the ball cuts away. Has not been tasked with a lot of man to man coverage reps, so skills and traits in that area remain largely unanswered at this point. Is a good tackler, but did leave a few big plays on the field by overrunning a potential tackle.
PROS: Physically imposing player who offers a stiff set of pads and hands. Operates well within tight quarters between the tackles, is physically capable of rolling hips through contact against offensive linemen and stifling forward progress at the line. Has terrific range for such a large backer, offers some comparisons to former Boise LB (and 1st round pick) Leighton Vander Esch in that regard. Has a nose for big plays as well, tallying 9.0 TFL, 4 forced fumbles and an interception in 13 games as a RS Freshman in 2017. Disciplined work in zone coverage as well, shading drop into routes entering area but not over-pursuing a potential throwing window. Effective usage of length to pop and press climbing offensive lineman and disengage to continue efforts in pursuit. Plays with toughness and violence with both hands and pads, a prominent presence who was a tone setter for a stout Wildcats defense in 2018.
CONS:Despite a lot of refined technique, is still a youthful player who will need to follow up a promising start to college career with more strong tape. Can try to get too cute working off of blocks at times if the ball cuts away. Has not been tasked with a lot of man to man coverage reps, so skills and traits in that area remain largely unanswered at this point. Is a good tackler, but did leave a few big plays on the field by overrunning a potential tackle.