Cincinnati's first-round draft pick in 2023 (28th overall) played in all 17 games during his rookie campaign ... He totaled three sacks as a rotational edge rusher, while posting 20 total tackles ... Also lined up for 88 special teams snaps ... He racked up 17.5 sacks in 38 career games at Clemson University, where he was a first-team All-ACC honoree in his final season in 2022 ... Also showcased ability to defend the run, with 37 career TFLs in college ... Entered 2024 offseason as youngest player on Bengals roster (born 1-3-2002) ... Became first defensive lineman taken by the Bengals in the first round since Justin Smith (fourth overall) in 2001.
Selected by Cincinnati in first round of 2023 NFL Draft (28th overall) ... Signed by Bengals on 5-12-23.
2023—Played in all 17 games in rookie season ... Totaled 20 tackles (10 solos), with three sacks ... Made NFL debut on Sept. 10 at Cleveland, lining up for 13 defensive snaps (no statistics) ... Recorded first career sack (and tackle) on Oct. 1 at Tennessee, bringing down QB Ryan Tannehill for loss of two yards in second quarter ... Had second sack on Nov. 26 vs. Pittsburgh, a two-yard takedown of QB Kenny Pickett in third quarter ... Posted career-high four tackles on Dec. 16 vs. Minnesota, with a sack of QB Nick Mullens for loss of six yards in second quarter.
Spent three seasons (2020-22) at Clemson ... Played in 38 games with 27 starts ... Recorded 119 tackles (61 solos), with 37 TFLs and 17.5 sacks ... Added six FFs and five PDs ... Only player in the FBS with at least 10 TFLs and a FF in each season from 2020-22 ... Named first-team All-ACC in 2022 (media and coaches), when he tallied 40 tackles, 11 TFLs and 6.5 sacks ... Earned second-team All-ACC honors in 2021, posting a team-leading seven sacks with 14 TFLs, two FFs and two PDs ... Named ACC Co-Newcomer of the Year as a freshman in 2020.
Hometown is Marietta, Ga. ... Attended Hillgrove High School in Marietta ... Recorded 53 tackles, with 19 TFLs and 10 sacks, along with a FF and a blocked kick as a senior in 2019 ... Selected to the U.S. Army All-American Bowl ... Helped team post a 12-1 record his junior season, the most wins in school history ... Entered 2024 offseason as youngest player on Bengals roster (born 1-3-2002) ... Majored in construction science and management at Clemson.
