2013: First-team All-SEC selection after playing in 12 games and starting 11. Recorded two sacks in BCS National Championship against Florida State. 2012: Played in 11 games and made seven starts. 2011: Received a medical redshirt due to a back injury. Played in three games before being sidelined for remainder of season with back injury. 2010: Played in 13 games and made one start. 2009: Played in 13 games.
Analysis
Strengths
Very good acceleration and burst to beat blockers off the ball. Anticipates the snap very well and has a long second step. Plays with urgency and keeps working to the quarterback. Outstanding energy and work ethic. Athletic enough to fall in coverage and play on his feet. Beat Texas A&M RT Cedric Ogbuehi for two sacks to close out a 45-41 upset victory and finished the season strong. Respected, defensive tempo-setter -- distinguished by his effort, hustle and pursuit.
Weaknesses
Undersized -- thin-framed, lacks bulk and anchor strength to dig in vs. the run. Cannot convert speed to power and gets stalled if he cannot work half of a blocker. Struggles to discard blockers when locked up and gets inverted. Not comfortable moving in reverse. Has consistently been dinged with injuries and has never made it through a full season healthy.
Draft Projection
Rounds 4-5
Bottom Line
High-motor college left defensive end better suited for a rush linebacker role in the pros. Has added more than 50 pounds to his frame since arriving on campus and has demonstrated the desire, work habits and competitiveness to develop into a Trent Cole-like edge rusher if he can stay healthy.
-Nolan Nawrocki
