Derrick Morgan, DE

Michael Johnson, Vance Walker and Daryl Richard received more attention, but Morgan made an immediate impact at Georgia Tech. He played in 12 of 13 games as true freshman and led that vaunted defensive line in tackles (51) and finished second to Johnson in sacks (seven) on his way to honorable mention honors in 2008.

The only returning starter to the defensive front in 2009, some questioned if Morgan would be able to enjoy as much success as the clear focus of opposing blocking schemes. In earning ACC Defensive Player of the Year and numerous All-American honors with 55 tackles, 18.5 tackles for loss and 12.5 sacks, however, he resoundingly answered those questions.

Morgan's production and hardware collection sound impressive. Still, NFL teams will be sure to dig deeper. Morgan has only had one dominant season and ended it held to only three tackles and 0.5 tackles for loss in the high-profile matchup against Iowa's legitimate NFL-caliber offensive tackles in the Orange Bowl.

However, in a class of gargantuan defensive ends best fit for the 3-4 and undersized 'tweeners that lack the strength to consistently hold up at the edge in the 4-3, Morgan's prototypical NFL frame, steady improvement, and relative youth (turned 21 in January) is certain to intrigue scouts. A very good player now, he'll be selected in the top 10 in the 2010 draft because he's just scratching the surface of his potential as a game-changing right defensive end.

Pass rush: Good initial burst off the snap but is inconsistent in that area. Flashes an explosive first step to cross the tackle's face and good flexibility to get under the pass blocker's reach to get the advantage. Good spin move back inside to compliment his speed rush. Long arms and good leg drive for the bull rush. Can push the tackle into the pocket, rip to disengage and close to make the play. Alert defender that locates the ball quickly and adjusts his pass rush technique based on the down and distance. Learning to get his hands up to close passing lanes. Made significant improvements in this area as a junior and might be just scratching the surface of his potential.

Run defense: An underrated component to his game. Good size and strength to hold up against the run. Gives an impressive initial jolt to the tackle to separate. Good lateral agility and balance to string out the play and keep containment. Good pursuit laterally and downfield to bring down the runner from behind.

Explosion: A bit inconsistent in this area, but demonstrates an explosive first step when he's allowed to pin his ears back and rush the passer. Good initial pop to jolt the pass blocker onto his heels for the bull-rush and running game. Can disengage quickly with an explosive shove.

Strength: Has good strength and is improving use of hands to stack and control the offensive tackle. Struggles with leverage, at times, especially as he tires. Too often stands up rather than moves forward as the game goes on, negating his power. Good hand and arm strength to drag down ball-carriers as they attempt to run past him.

Tackling: Good body control to adjust in space and make the secure tackle against elusive ballcarriers. Reliable wrap-up tackler that brings his hips and can make impact takedowns. Good strength for the drag-down tackle when engaged with the blockers. Good hustle laterally and downfield.

Intangibles: Alert, intelligent player that is consistently the last of the defensive linemen to settle into his three-point stance as he tries to diagnose the upcoming play. High effort player that teammates and coaches point to as a leader on and off the field. Has never missed a game in his collegiate career.

Morgan emerged as one of the nation's top defensive ends in 2009, producing 18.5 tackles-for-loss and 12.5 sacks. His career totals include 29.5 tackles-for-loss, 19.5 sacks, six fumbles recovered and five pass break-ups.

One of the top defensive linemen in the ACC and should be listed among the top defenders in the country in 2009 … an honorable mention All-ACCselection … ranked second on the team and eighth in the ACC in sacks (7.0) … had 9.5 tackles-for-loss … tied for second nationally in fumble recoveries with four … recovered a fumble in three consecutive games from Oct. 18-Nov. 1 … also had one blocked field goal and three pass break-ups … led all Tech linemen in tackles (51) … had three tackles, a pass break-up and his first career rushing attempt (for two yards on a faked punt) vs. LSU in the Chick-fil-A Bowl (Dec. 31) … tied for a team-high six tackles and had a pass break-up at North Carolina (Nov. 8) … had four solo tackles and recovered a fumble in the win over Florida State (Nov. 1) … recovered a fumble for the second straight game vs. Virginia (Oct. 25) … recorded four tackles, had his second fumble recovery of the season and had a pass break-up at Clemson (Oct. 18) … was named the ACCDefensive Lineman of the Week Oct. 13 after a dominating performance vs. Gardner-Webb (Oct. 11) … recorded 10 tackles, seven solo tackles, 4.0 tackles-for-loss, 2.5 sacks and he blocked the potential game-tying field goal with three seconds remaining … had a sack, a tackle-for-loss and three solo tackles vs. Duke (Oct. 4) … recorded six tackles, 1.5 TFLs and 0.5 sacks at Virginia Tech (Sept. 13) … had three tackles, one sack and one pass break-up at Boston College (Sept. 6) … paced the team with 1.5 sacks and recovered a fumble in the season opener vs. Jacksonville State (Aug. 28) … the least-heralded of Tech's stellar defensive line, but one of the most talented … cracked the playing rotation in 2007 as a true freshman, playing behind starters Darrell Robertson and Adamm Oliver … had 3.5 tackles, one TFL and a fumble recovery in the April 19 T-Day Game … enrolled at Tech in January of 2007 and participated in spring practice.

Saw action in 12 of 13 games as a true freshman … listed second on the depth chart at defensive end all season long … came in for a couple of snaps at tight end … registered nine tackles, including four solos … credited with 1.5 tackles-for-loss … had one pass deflection … made three total tackles, two of them solos, a half-tackle for loss and had one pass break-up in the Jackets' thrashing of Samford (Sept. 8) … recorded a pair of assisted tackles in Tech's win vs. Clemson (Sept. 29) … had a solo tackle vs. Army (Oct. 20) … had a solo tackle for a loss of one yard against rival Georgia (Nov. 24).

The No. 1 prospect in the state of Pennsylvania, according to Rivals and SuperPrep . . . SuperPrep Northeast Defensive Player of the Year . . . Member of the Rivals 100 as the No. 76 overall player in the nation . . . Ranked the No. 6 strongside defensive end in the nation by Rivals and the No. 12 defensive end nationally by Scout.com . . . First-team all-state selection at Coatesville High . . . Defensive Player of the Year in his league . . . Collected seven sacks, six tackles for loss and two fumble recoveries while making 47 tackles . . . Also played running back on offense . . . . Carried 112 times for 523 yards and scored eight touchdowns . . . Team captain for coach Tom Nichols at Coatesville High.

Full name is Derek Lee Morgan . . . Parents are Frederick Morgan and Pamela Wooden . . . Born January 6, 1989 . . . Majoring in science, technology and culture.