Pass rush: Tall and thin-hipped with exceptional quickness off the snap. Turns the corner in a hurry against lesser tackles. Typically lines up wide to keep tackles from latching on early. Can be a one-trick pony with the outside rush, so tackles easily push him around the pocket. Will occasionally fake outside and head inside to keep tackle off balance -- but should do that more often. Tries to bull rush occasionally, but it's not his strength. Splits double teams to pressure the quarterback, and can keep running backs off his knees. Quick leaping ability and good awareness to knock down passes thrown in his direction. Stiff hips prevent him from being as effective as he could be on inside moves and twists.
Run defense: Willing to throw his body into run plays but lacks the strength to anchor or get off blocks from NFL-caliber left tackles. Can make plays against tight ends on the edge, ripping off or using his speed. Chases plays from behind if tackle doesn't block down. Will hustle around the line and downfield, if needed, to drag down running backs. Inconsistent keeping containment on bootlegs and misdirection. A bit high-cut and lacks great hip flexibility and lateral movement, preventing him from changing direction on the edge as quickly as one would like. That may be an issue if trying to play linebacker at the next level.
Explosion: Can be very quick off the snap, combining get-off and length to gain the edge. Also owns excellent closing speed, making him a very good chase player. Fires into a blocker quickly against the run or on a bull rush but has only average pop.
Strength: Plays stronger than expected at less than 250 pounds, but is still not adept at disengaging from aggressive linemen to get to the edge. Rips off tight end blocks, but he won't be pushing NFL tackles into the pocket or anchoring consistently against the run.
Tackling: Long arms and closing speed makes it difficult for ballcarriers to escape his grasp, despite his lanky frame. Excellent chase and hustle to reach runners down the line or downfield, and rarely whiffs. Mostly a drag-down tackler who leans into the ballcarrier, rather than sinking his hips and exploding into him. Will explode into quarterback, however, if given the chance.
Intangibles: Works hard throughout the game, no matter how often he's double-teamed. Played through pain during most of 2008. Team leader who charges up his teammates with big plays on the field.
