Played defensive end, linebacker and running back as a Connecticut prep. As a true freshman defensive end in 2008 (wore jersey No. 95), played all 11 games and recorded 12 tackles and 3 1/2 tackles for loss (all sacks) with a batted pass. Started 10-of-11 games at outside linebacker in ’09 (wore jersey No. 93), recording 55-8-1 with four pass breakups. Switched to jersey No. 7 in ’10 when he started 10-of-11 games and produced 64-12 1/2-7 with three pass breakups and two forced fumbles. Started all 11 games in ’11, amassing 53-11 1/2-5 with three interceptions (two returned for TD), a forced fumble and a blocked kick.

At first blush is a tweener, as he was an undersized outside linebacker and rush end in college, but Stanford possesses intriguing athletic ability, flexibility and strength (27 bench-press reps). Has a compact, muscular, athletic, physique and displayed explosion at his pro day — recorded a 10-yard split time of 1.44 seconds, a vertical leap of 42½ inches, a broad jump of 10 feet 8 inches, a short-shuttle time of 4.14 seconds and a 3-cone drill time of 6.71 seconds. Faced marginal competition and does not fit neatly into a prototype, but has sheer athleticism teams will want to get an up-close look at. Could be tried as a “Will,” stand-up rusher or maybe even a downhill/blitzing strong safety, especially if he proves useful on special teams.