Model of consistency for the Illini, starting three seasons at the demanding left offensive tackle position … Allowed only one quarterback sack in 36 games as a starter … A two-way lineman in high school, he spent his freshman season at Illinois performing on special teams … Replaced Marques Sullivan at left tackle the following year, leading the way as the offense set school season records for yardage in both 2001 and 2002.
Positives: Has a tall frame with long arms, broad shoulders, good thickness in the chest, wide waist and hips, thick thighs and calves and above-average balance … Shows excellent body control on the move, exploding on contact … Has above-average lateral agility and quickly gets out front when pulling in space … Looks fluid in making the hard reach block, then pivoting to locate a secondary target … Plays with a good base, keeping his feet underneath his body … Sets a heavy anchor and rarely over-extends … Uses his mass and strength very well when blocking in-line … Stays on blocks consistently and shows proper hand placement that allows him to control and sustain … Sets his feet and shows quickness kicking out in his pass blocking, using his speed to redirect inside … Adept at switching up on stunts and is quick to recognize and locate the blitz … His nimble feet allow him to drop step and cut off and reach when zone blocking … Also gives 100-percent effort to hold on and stay on blocks … Keeps his shoulders square on double teams and has the burst to locate linebackers working into the second level.
