04/23/20: Drafted by Seattle (1st round, 27th)
Closed his Red Raiders career as one of the top linebackers in the country, putting together one of the best seasons by a Red Raider in school history. Ended his Red Raiders tenure ranked seventh all-time with 367 career tackles, starting 45 of 47 career games. Named a second-team All-American by the Associated Press, the Walter Camp Foundation, the Football Writers Association of America (FWAA), the American Football Coaches Association (AFCA) and Pro Football Focus. Became the first Red Raiders linebacker to be named a first or second-team All-American since Ring of Honor member Zach Thomas in 1994-95. Tabbed the Defensive Player of the Year for the state of Texas by Dave Campbell's Texas Football. Was one of six finalists for the prestigious Butkus Award, which is presented to the nation's top linebacker and was the only Big 12 linebacker to be recognized as a Butkus finalist. Also tabbed an All-Big 12 first-team selection by the conference coaches and named a semifinalist for the Chuck Bednarik Award (nation's top defensive player). Appeared and started in 11 of 12 games as a senior. Still managed to record 108 tackles (66 solo), including 20 tackles for loss. It marked the most tackles in a season by a Red Raider since Micah Awe totaled 126 during the 2015 campaign. His 20 tackles for a loss were the most by a Red Raider in a season since Adell Duckett set the school record in 2003. He was the team leader in tackles, tackles for a loss, quarterback hurries (12) and fumble recoveries (2). Became the first Red Raider since Lawrence Flugence and Ryan Aycock in 2002 to start a season with 10 or more tackles in each of the first three games.
Attended Stratford High in Houston. Played three years of varsity football and was a two-time District 19-5A first-team selection. Finished his senior season with 63 total tackles (43 solo), 1.0 sack, four pass deflections and 6.0 tackles for loss. Led the Stratford Spartans to a 10-2 overall record, an undefeated 7-0 record in its Class 5A District 19 and an eight-game win streak during the 2015 season, which ended with a 14-6 loss at Temple in the state playoffs. Accumulated 44 total tackles (35 solo) with four tackles for loss and three pass breakups during junior season. Guided the Spartans to an 8-4 overall record, 7-0 district record and state playoff berth as a junior. Three-star recruit who ranked as the nation's no. 57 linebacker and Texas' No. 9 linebacker by Scout.com. Was rated as a three-star recruit, the nation's No. 104 outside linebacker and No. 175 overall recruit in the state by 247Sports. Majored in university studies.
