Pass rush: Varies his speed off the edge. Is able to gain the edge more often than you'd expect for only having marginal overall burst and acceleration. Quick, active hands and a good pass-rush repertoire, including a swim, rip and developing club move. Good overall strength for the bull rush. Cerebral pass rusher that recognizes the screen and will drop off to locate the receiver. Reads the quarterback's eyes and times his leaps in an effort to knock down passes at the line of scrimmage.
Run defense: Better strength than his size would indicate to hold up at the point of attack. Good lateral agility slip wide and the discipline to keep contain. Funnels the action back inside to his teammates. Good hustle laterally and downfield.
Explosion: Provides a good initial pop to shed blocks. Flashes some pop to knock the ballcarrier to the ground. Has a short area burst to gather momentum and explode into the ballcarrier. Can separate the ball from the ballcarrier.
Strength: Good pad level and overall strength for the bull rush and to maintain his position in the running game. Anchors well and has the strength and placement in his hands to stack and shed. Good catch and drag down tackler, able to latch on even when still fighting off the blocker.
Tackling: Effective wrap-up tackler that flashes some explosiveness as a hitter. Stalks the ballcarrier and shows good speed and better than expected agility to track him down. Good chase defender who hustles in pursuit.
Intangibles: Highly respected by fans, teammates and the coaching staff. Was a consistent recipient of hustle awards throughout his career - earning the Mark Drennan Defensive Scout Squad Player of the Year when redshirting in 2005 to earning the John P. Angel Defensive Lineman of the Year from 2007-09. Recognized as the Defensive MVP following the 2008 and 2009 seasons. Voted team captain in 2008 and 2009. Participated on the UW track and field team, throwing the shot put and discus and finishing 14th and 16th, respectively, at the 2006 Pac-10 Championships.
