A former defensive lineman who made the move to guard in 09' before switching to left tackle as a junior in 2010. Possesses a naturally strong frame with a thick lower half. Won the teams offensive lineman weight room honor in 2010 and plays up to his weight room numbers. Is still learning the tackle position, but is a gifted athlete with good range, can bend and possesses natural anchor strength. Is inconsistent in his stance, at times gets a bit hunched over at the waist or doesn't sit into his base properly, but the guy can bend. Displays the ability to keep his pad level down from a two point stance in the run game and drops his base well into contact. Possesses a quick first step off the line, isn't technically sound with his footwork at this stage and looks content to simply side shuffle his feet laterally toward the corner, is still developing his kick slide. However, exhibits "plus" range toward the edge, can routinely reach speed and re-directs well in space. Is lose in the hips, quick footed and demonstrates natural mirror ability. Showcases very good hand quickness/placement, routinely is able to get his hands into the chest plate of defenders and anchor. Will get a bit ahead of himself through contact and lose balance, but has the quickness to make up for a false step.
Looks very natural on the move in the run game. Has the range to routinely reach block and seal the edge. Displays impressive range getting out to the second level and can breakdown. However, struggles to routinely locate his target and will allows his man to run free at times, but again I think that can be improved with more experience. Is a sticky player through contact. Can create leverage for himself off the ball in the run game, doesn't waste much motion into contact and there is a real snap through his hips. You can tell he's a former defensive lineman because of his initial quickness off the ball and pop into contact. Likes to finish, plays with some nasty and gets after it until the whistle. I also like his versatility as he has experience at tackle and guard, athough like I said, I think his best bet is to be inside in the NFL.
Impression: A gifted athlete with a strong base, strong hands and a passion for the game. Needs to clean up his footwork and his body type makes me think he's more of a guard only prospect. But has the skill set to fly up draft boards and if he improves his technique could be one of the first guards selected in 2012.
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