Pass rush: Excellent use of hands in one-on-one pass rush situations. Rips off interior linemen blocks violently. Good bull rush, driving centers into the backfield. Gets few sacks (only 4.5 in 2007-08 ) because he faces double-teams and does not have great closing speed to the quarterback. His constant pressures, however, make life uncomfortable for quarterbacks in the pocket. Athletic enough to be dropped in zone blitzes, showing fair agility in space for his size. Could get his long arms into passing lanes more often when he can't get to the quarterback.
Run defense: Very good run defender with above-average strength and ball awareness. Gets down the line when blocked on the move, using his length to keep blockers at a distance and covering his gap to prevent cutbacks. Uses his strong lower body to anchor against double teams inside when playing on the nose. Gets skinny to split double-teams and drag down running backs in the backfield. Great hustle, at times getting to the opposite hash to assist on a tackle after being in the backfield on a pass rush.
Explosion: Some teams may project him as a nose tackle because he lacks elite quickness off the snap. Owns a strong initial punch, however, to knock his defender back - or at least prevent getting pushed off the line.
Strength: Former high school state wrestling champion uses that strength on every play. Always maintains leverage, allowing him to stack his blocker and making him very hard to move inside - not often said about 300-pound nose tackles. Also owns strong hands, which he uses effectively to rush the passer and defend the run.
Tackling: Plays low and has length, making it tough for quarterbacks or running backs to escape his grasp once he's in the play. Makes tackles just after disengaging from blockers, even if he only gets one hand on the ballcarrier. Hustles and chases plays down the line and downfield, which is why his tackle totals are so high for an interior lineman.
Intangibles: Permanent positive attitude makes him a favorite of coaches and teammates. Has grown into a leadership role during his career. Worked through rehab from the chest injury to make it back for 2009 fall practice.
NFL Comparison: Ron Edwards, Chiefs
