Combine Numbers

Height	Weight	40 yards	Vertical	Long jump	Bench	Shuttle	Cone
6-2-1/8	245	4.83	dnp	dnp	20	dnp	dnp

Sturdy, versatile linebacker has been the mainstay on the Fighting Illini defense since his redshirt freshman season. He has earned honorable mention Big Ten honors the past three seasons for his steady productive efforts on a weekly basis.

He was the leader on an underrated defense in '99, leading the club with 119 tackles, 11 TFLs, 3 sacks and 1 interception. For his career, he totaled 381 tackles passing legendary linebacker Dick Butkus for 5th place on the Illinois all-time list.

He has started in 39 games over his career, with experience at both inside and outside linebacker. He lacks great size and speed but has learned to use his keen instincts and toughness to make up for marginal athletic talent. He reads plays quickly, and can fill the hole fast to stuff the run.

He locates the ball quickly and keeps blockers off his body, showing the ability to separate and get to the ball. He gets through traffic well, with the ability to get to the sidelines and make tackles, despite only marginal speed. He can be engulfed at times at the point of attack and may be limited to the weakside.

As a junior, he totaled 115 tackles with 84 solo stops, 10 TFLs, 2 interceptions and 7 PBUs. He has marginal speed in coverage but does get the most of his ability in pass defense, using his ability to quickly diagnose plays.

Versatile athlete with the tackling skills and toughness to make it on special teams and the intangibles to be a surprise starter. Quality late pick with the tools to fill a few roles.

Tackles

Year	G	Total	Solo	Asst.	For Loss	Sacks	Int
1996	11	52	32	20	1-1	0-0	0-0
1997	11	95	70	25	13-55	5-34	1-0
1998	11	115	84	31	10-25	0-0	2-24
1999	12	119	82	37	11-65	3-19	1-0
Totals	45	381	268	113	35-146	8-53	4-24