Two-way lineman was also a standout baseball player as an Alabama prep. Graduated high school and enrolled early at Georgia. As a true freshman in 2008, started 10-of-13 games at center. Started all 13 games in ’09. Had a knee scope to repair meniscus and cartilage damage during ’10 fall camp but returned to start 12-of-13 games in the fall — was suspended the first half against Colorado for a clipping penalty against Mississippi State. Made all 14 starts at center in ’11. Team captain. Named team MVP.

Has a thick build with good mass. Great instincts and awareness. Very hardworking and smart — makes all the line calls. Maintains good positioning in pass protection. Good snap-and-step quickness and can work up to the second level and pick off linebackers. Tough and competitive. Outstanding football and personal character. Humble, down-to-earth, country-simple background. Will play through injuries (has played with torn ligaments in his knee and finger).  Self-starter. 

Average, try-hard athlete. Does not play to his weight-room numbers and can be overwhelmed against massive space-eaters (see Alabama). Minimal pop in his punch — more of a grabber. Spends too much time on the ground. Not quick or explosive off the ball and generates little movement.

Smart, experienced, dependable pivot whose play dropped off as a senior after he was asked to bulk up to 310 pounds. However, he has a good overall body of work and possesses the football smarts, instincts and intelligence to quickly enter a starting lineup.