Played linebacker, tight end and running back as a Nevada prep, in addition to lettering in track and field. Redshirted in 2007. Saw action in 12 games (eight starts) at weak-side linebacker and recorded 33 tackles, 81⁄2 tackles for loss and two sacks with three pass breakups and one interception in ’08. Started every game on the weak side in ’09, posting 61-9 1⁄2-1 with four pass breakups and one forced fumble in 13 games. Had arthroscopic surgery on his left knee to repair a meniscus tear in October but did not miss any games. Was limited during ’10 spring practices with a fractured sesamoid bone in his right foot. Returned in the fall to start all 14 games at strong-side linebacker, registering 63-8-1 with five pass breakups, two interceptions and one forced fumble. Underwent arthroscopic surgery on his left knee again for a meniscus tear in December but returned for the bowl game against Boston College. Led the Wolfpack in tackles in ’11 after recording 102-7 1⁄2-2 with four pass breakups and one forced fumble in 13 starts at WLB.

Has a big wing span. Large, strong, active hands. Can run with tight ends in underneath coverage. Bench-pressed 225 pounds 28 times at the Combine and clocked a 4.12-second short shuttle to lead all linebackers. Has special-teams experience and mentality. Smart, competitive and experienced. Terrific personal and football character — well respected, hardworking and has leadership traits.

Does not play to his size and can be overwhelmed by bigger, more powerful linemen. Not an explosive athlete. Average foot speed (short-stepper). Limited lateral quickness. Sluggish change of direction and acceleration. Thick, tight hips. Exposed in space — struggles to break down. Inconsistent tackler. Recorded the lowest vertical jump (301⁄2 inches) of any outside linebacker at the Combine.

Functional, try-hard “Sam” linebacker with appealing arm length, upper-body strength and versatility but appears much more attractive on paper than he does on tape and might not be flexible enough to earn a job on special teams.