Kevin Basped, DE

Forming one side of a dominant duo of pass rushers for the Wolfpack, Basped teamed with fellow undersized defensive end Dontay Moch to wreak havoc on Western Athletic Conference quarterbacks.

After redshirting in 2006, Basped quickly emerged as a standout, finishing with 50 tackles, 11.5 tackles for loss and 4 sacks. He enjoyed his greatest season for the Wolfpack in 2008, earning first-team all-WAC accolades with another 50 tackles, including 18.5 tackles for loss, 10 sacks and three forced fumbles.

Struggling with a nagging knee injury in 2009, Basped's production dipped to 32 tackles as a junior. The lanky pass rusher was still a force off the edge, however, posting 12.5 tackles for loss and 9.5 sacks on the season.

While Basped's production looks good and the rumors were rampant that he was considering leaving school early for the NFL, scouts were still a bit surprised to see the gifted athlete give up his final year of eligibility. Basped has an intriguing combination of size and athleticism, but is far from ready to contribute to an NFL roster. His best fit, at this point, would be as a third down pass-rush specialist, or possibly as a 3-4 rush linebacker.

Pass rush: Good burst off the snap to cross the face of the tackle. Good speed to accelerate past and has good flexibility to dip his shoulder and close around the edge. Good lateral agility to loop inside and has a closing burst when he has a lane. Moderate strength to push the tackle on the bull-rush. Inconsistent use of leverage in this technique and is too often stalemated. Only marginal overall pass rush technique, occasionally using a swim move, but relying mostly on his speed rush to the outside and a moderately effective spin back inside. Has the long arms to keep the tackles off his chest, but doesn't use them well enough. Some potential to imrpove.

Run defense: Lacks the bulk and use of leverage to hold up on the edge, at this time. Good lateral agility and balance to slip off blocks and make some plays at this level, but will struggle to disengage from NFL offensive linemen. Quick enough to slip inside to follow the vacating guard on the toss sweep and can make the splashy play behind the line of scrimmage, but only flashes this ability -- is more often caught and knocked off his feet by the down-block from the tackle. Is on the ground too much against the run. Good hustle in pursuit laterally, but is inconsistent in his angles and effort downfield.

Explosion: Has a legitimate burst off the snap to pressure the tackle's outside shoulder, but doesn't show much explosiveness as a hitter or in terms of pushing the pass-blocker into the pocket as a bull-rusher.

Strength: An area of concern. Has a long, lanky build with only marginal upper body strength and thus, struggles with leverage. Has to rely on his agility to beat blockers at the point of attack. Is able to do so, on occasion, but is just as likely to be knocked five yards off the line of scrimmage. Will likely struggle even more in this area against NFL-caliber offensive linemen. Has the long arms and athleticism to eventually be successful in this area, but isn't there yet …

Tackling: Classic grab and drag down tackler with only marginal overall explosiveness. Has enough balance to break down to make the play against smaller, more elusive ball-carriers, but too often attempts to go for the big hit and will lunge. Has the long arms, quick hands and good hand-eye coordination to trip up ball-carriers. Has a late burst when closing on the quarterback to knock the ball free, but isn't an explosive hitter that quarterbacks have to fear …

Intangibles: Has a legitimate NFL frame and some feel he is an ascending talent whose best football is still ahead of him. Has struggled with injuries (neck, knee) over his career. Has had his effort and intensity questioned, at times, by the Nevada coaching staff.

A talented athlete who will compete for conference and national honors this season as one of the top defensive ends in the country … Named first-team Preseason All-WAC by The Sporting News … Named first-team Preseason All-WAC by Phil Steele's College Football Preview … Named first-team Preseason All-WAC by Athlon Sports … Named first-team Preseason All-WAC by Lindy's.

Basped had 9.5 sacks and 12.5 tackles in 2009 and as a second-team selection to the Western Athletic Conference's all-league team. He had 19.5 sacks over the past two seasons.

Emerged as a dominant force during his sophomore season after a promising freshman campaign … Finished with the team lead in tackles for loss, second in sacks and tied for fourth in overall tackles … Was named first-team All-WAC … Preseason honors included: All-WAC First Team by Athlon Sports … All-WAC Honorable Mention by Phil Steele's College Football Preview … Led the WAC in sacks during with the regular season with 10 for a loss of 63 yards … Ranked 15th in the nation in sacks per game … Also finished tied for second in the WAC and tied for 10th nationally in tackles for loss per game with 18.5 overall and 1.54 per game.

Emerging star came on to start five of the Pack's final six games at defensive end … Recorded a career-high eight tackles, including one for a loss, against Boise State … Finished with 50 tackles on the season … Was second on the team with 11.5 tackles for a loss … Was also second on the team with 4.0 sacks on the year … Forced two fumbles and recovered another.

Redshirted his first season at Nevada.

A graduate of Florin High School in Sacramento, Calif … .Recorded 18 sacks as a senior, which was second in the Sacramento-San Joaquin section … Played defensive end and tight end … Had 15 receptions for 259 yards as a senior … Also recovered three fumbles and blocked a punt … Also lettered in track and field.

Born May 19, 1988 … Son of Frances Basped and adoptive mother Kathy Navarro … Has two brothers, Demetris and Keith and two sisters, Rachel and Yamika … Majoring in criminal justice.