Height: 6-2 3/8
Weight: 299
Speed: 5.24
Arm: 32 1/2
Hand: 9 3/8
Wingspan: 76 1/2
Birthdate: 07/12/1989
Hometown: Mobile, AL
Grade: 5.50
Notes: Two-way lineman as an Alabama prep. As a true freshman in 2007, started 10-of-13 games — nine at left guard and one at left tackle — and missed only five offensive assignments all season. Sprained the LCL in his right knee against Wake Forest and missed the next two games. Started all 13 games at left guard in ’08, recording 64 knockdowns and seven pins (team highs). Also took home team awards for leadership on offense and the sophomore academic honor. Started 11 games at left guard in ’09 — sprained his right MCL against Wake Forest and missed the final two games in November. Made all 14 starts at left guard in ’10. Team captain. Was named the Seminoles’ Offensive MVP as a senior.
Positives: Very athletic and can move his feet, pull, trap and work in space. Knows how to work his hips on the edge and seal off defenders. Is patient in pass protection, sets strong and can shock with his punch. Very strong-handed. Outstanding technician. Wins with quickness and balance —is seldom on the ground. Plays with a good wide base and can anchor. Excellent work habits and football intelligence — understands positioning and leverage and seldom makes mental mistakes. Is the first in the building and the last to leave and will hold teammates accountable and set the right example — tireless in his pursuits and will not be outworked. Has perfectionist tendencies. Outstanding character and intangibles. Regularly took snaps and practiced at center.
Negatives: Not naturally big and does not have a frame to support much more than 300 pounds (played closer to 275 at the direction of OL coach Rick Trickett). Struggles to handle massive space-eaters head up one-on-one. Cannot recreate the line of scrimmage or generate any push. Tends to play too straight-legged and lock his knees. Injury history is very spotted and could always struggle to stay healthy in the pros.
Summary: Technically sound, patient zone blocker who started four years at guard but projects best to center in the pros. Has been a polarizing talent to discuss in war rooms because his lack of size does not fit many schemes. Would blend in well on offensive lines in Tennessee, Green Bay, Houston and Indianapolis. Will start for a very long time and become a solid pro for the right team.
NFL projection: Third- to fourth-round pick.