Read & React: Among his better areas. Reads the play and is efficient in closing to the line of scrimmage against the run or playing back in coverage. Toledo coaching staff moved up closer to the line of scrimmage because of his rare instincts.
Man Coverage: An area of concern. Too stiff in the hips and too slow to drop down to cover slot receivers in the NFL. Lacks the range to cover sideline to sideline as a free safety. Good use of hands to re-route the tight end and has better quickness than you'd expect because of his instincts.
Zone Coverage: An effective zone coverage defender due to his good diagnostic skills and effective but to close. Heady defender that keeps his eyes on the quarterback. Has a sense of the action around him. Good burst to close on underneath routes. A reliable open-field tackler.
Closing/Recovery: Doesn't possess great straight-line speed to recover or the agility to turn and run with NFL-caliber receivers, but makes up for it with instincts and a sudden burst to close. Competes for the ball, showing better timing and long arms than true explosiveness in his vertical. Though he has nine career interceptions, is inconsistent in catching passes. Dropped too many interceptions.
Run Support: Among his best assets. Has good size and valuable experience playing at the line of scrimmage. Whether lining up deep or near the line, is comfortable sorting through trash. Protects his legs well from the cut block and isn't afraid to get mixed up with tight ends and even offensive linemen. Tracks the ball well and takes good angles in pursuit. Reliable open-field tackler that can bring the wood as a hitter.
Tackling: Doesn't possess the speed most teams want in their last line of defense, but ranks among the position's better, more secure open-field tacklers. Keeps eyes up and remains balanced when making contact with the ballcarrier, driving through with his hips to consistently stop the offensive player in his tracks. Isn't a truly explosive hitter, but generates good momentum and has the size and strength to make impressive, physical stops.
Intangibles: Good student who is well-liked by fans, coaches and players alike. Directs the team on the field and showed great durability by starting every game for four years.
