Blessed with the combination of size and athleticism that warranted the Dallas Cowboys drafting his younger brother, former Texas A&M tight end Martellus Bennett, scouts are still waiting to see Michael take his game to the next level. A solid performer at either defensive end spot, Bennett has a combination of pass-rushing length and run-stopping strength on the edge. Big 12 coaches recognized Bennett's talent in 2007, when he was named honorable mention All-Big 12 despite starting only one game. Was a full-time starter in 2008 and posted statistics worthy of postseason honors (42 tackles, 12 tackles for loss, two sacks), but he was not recognized.

Positives: Tall with a strong upper body and long arms. … Can play on the strong or weak side because of his length and strength. … Can push the tackle into the quarterback when one-on-one, using a strong bull rush. … Uses his hands to gain an edge or rip off tackles. … Flashes the initial burst to gain an advantage on the tackle, forcing him off-balance. … At least adequate to adjust in close quarters and collapse laterally. … Long arms allow him to reach ballcarriers coming through the hole. … Can spin to get off of blocks and change direction.

Negatives: A bit of a "tweener" who lacks great explosiveness off the edge and great bulk to handle double-team blocking on the power side. … Lacks great change-of-direction skills in the open field. … Must improve his backfield awareness to prevent losing track of the ball and getting fooled by misdirection. … Too often blindly rushes upfield, abandoning his containment responsibilities. … Needs an open lane to close quickly on the ballcarrier. … Suspended for one game in 2008 for an undisclosed violation of team rules.

Named to the honorable mention All-Big 12 team at defensive end by the conference coaches … registered 43 tackles including six tackles for a loss of yardage … posted a career high nine tackles in the Aggies' Big 12 showdown with Missouri … gave the Kansas offensive line fits all afternoon by posting five tackles, two tackles for loss, a sack and batting down a pass … forced a fumble in the Aggies' crucial Big 12 road win at Nebraska … saw action in all 12 regular season games while starting the season opener against Montana State.

Was the team's top tackler among defenders that did not start a game … posted 27 tackles, including two sacks and 6 tackles for losses (TFL), while seeing action in every game … forced a pair of fumbles and batted down a pass … best game was a four-tackle effort against Nebraska … had two TFLs against Kansas and Nebraska … recorded three tackles including one for a loss in the Holiday Bowl.

Posted 27 tackles, including 3.5 quarterback sacks, while seeing actIon in all 11 games … made four starts at midseason for the injured Jason Jack … had a season-best six stops against Oklahoma.

Earned first-team all-district honors as a defensive lineman as a senior at Alief Taylor High School after compiling 110 tackles and four quarterback sacks … Earned honorable mention all-district honors as a junior … Coached by Tom Gerber.

Michael Bennett Jr. is the son of Pennie and Michael Bennett of Houston, Texas … Born Nov. 13, 1985 … Agricultural and life sciences major.