The New York prep earned four letters in football and a scholarship from Syracuse. Appeared in 12 games as a true freshman in 2010 and had eight tackles. Played in 12 games in ’11, including 10 starts at defensive tackle, and had 32 tackles, 5 1/2 tackles for loss and 1 1/2 sacks. Started 11 of Syracuse’s 13 games at nose tackle in ’12 (the team started a fifth defensive back in the other two games), tallying 39-5 1/2-2 1/2 with one batted pass. Blocked a West Virginia field goal attempt in the New Era Pinstripe Bowl. Broke out in ’13, starting 13 times and recording 42-14 1/2-1 1/2 with three forced fumbles. Led the team in tackles for loss and sacks. Team captain. Strengths: Good combination of size and movement skills. Flashes quick get-off and the ability to hold his ground against the run. Can work half a man, get skinny enough to penetrate the gap and closes with some steam when he has a direct bead on the QB. Is active and gives effort in pursuit.
