Nolan was forced to redshirt in 2006 after suffering a knee injury in only his third practice with the Sun Devils. Returned to the field in 2007, when he left little doubt about his athleticism, starting all 13 games and leading the team with six interceptions -- two of which he returned for a touchdown. Nolan's propensity for making the big play showed up again in 2008, as he picked off another four passes and returned two of them (along with a fumble) to give him five defensive touchdowns in only two seasons of Pac-10 play. If he can improve on his marginal 40 time, Nolan could emerge as one of the hotter safety prospects in this draft.

Positives: Good size. … Standout player both years of Pac-10 competition. … Ball hawk at free safety. … Willing to bait quarterbacks and can make the big play. … Reads the quarterback's eyes and gets a good break on the ball. … Better field speed than timed speed in coverage. … Can time his leaps. … Good hands for the interception. … Good agility to avoid blocks and come up to support the run. … Heavy hitter willing to throw his body into the pile.

Negatives: Has to prove the straight-line speed to be effective as a free safety in the NFL. … Despite size, ducks his head too often when taking on blocks and can lose track of the ball. … Overaggressive. … Can put his defense in a tough position by overrunning the action. … Takes questionable angles to the ball. … Medical check on 2006 knee injury.

Started all 13 games at safety … led the team with six interceptions, 129 interception return yards and two interception returns for touchdowns … his six interceptions put him second in the Pac-10, and only 11 players in the Bowl Subdivision had more on the season … finished third on the team with 64 tackles (39 solo) and second with seven pass break-ups … earned Second-Team All-Pac-10 honors … was named to the Watch List for the Jim Thorpe Award, presented annually to the nation's top defensive back … posted three tackles in his first career college game against San Jose State on Sept. 1 … had his first career interception in the second quarter against Colorado on Sept. 8, and he returned it 26 yards for a touchdown that helped the Sun Devils rally back from an early 14-point deficit to defeat the Buffaloes … recorded six tackles (five solo) and had an interception in victory over San Diego State on Sept. 15 … had two interceptions, both in the second half, and 68 return yards in ASU's come-from-behind victory over Oregon State on Sept. 22 … posted seven tackles (two solo) at Washington State on Oct. 6 … had a 35-yard interception return for a touchdown in the fourth quarter of ASU's victory over Washington on Oct. 13 … collected six tackles (five solo) in win over California on Oct. 27 … recorded eight tackles (four solo) at Oregon on Nov. 3 … had six tackles (four solo) and two pass break-ups in win at UCLA on Nov. 10 … totaled a season-high 10 tackles (five solo) against USC on Nov. 22 … had an interception in the second quarter of team's victory over Arizona on Dec. 1 … shared the team's Gail Scott Most Improved Defensive Player Award with cornerback Justin Tryon … was awarded the Clyde B. Smith Award for academic achievement at the team's year-end banquet and was named one of the Student-Athletes of the Semester by ASU's Office of Student-Athlete Development for his academic performance in the fall semester.

Redshirted due to injury.

A 2005 graduate of the College of the Canyons in Santa Clara, Calif … Named All-Western States Conference first-team on defense in 2005 … Led College of the Canyons to the National Championship, the Western States Conference Championship and the California State Championship in 2004 … Also led the College of the Canyons to the Western States Conference Championship in 2005 … Coached by Chuck Lyon.

Graduated from El Camino Real High School in Woodland Hills, Calif … named first-team All-West Valley Conference on defense in 2003 and second-team on offense … was the Most Valuable Player of the West Valley Conference in 2003 … named second-team All-West Valley Conference on defense in 2003 and first-team on offense … named the El Camino Real High defensive Player of the Year in football in 2003 … captained the football team in 2003 … lettered in football, basketball, track anf field and soccer.

Plans on majoring in business … Plans to pursue a career working for the FBI once his football career ends … Parents are Troy Nolan Sr. and Karen Gatewood … Is an only child … Lists having won the Junior College National Championship as his most exciting sports moment … Chose to attend ASU because he wanted to compete in the Pac-10 Conference … Born Sept. 7, 1986 … Full name is Troy Dana Nolan Jr.