Birdine flashed the ability to rush the passer as a sophomore and appeared on his way toward becoming the next great Sooner defender. However, after missing the 2005 season with a torn bicep, his ability as a playmaker dropped.

Despite 13 of his 14 career starts coming during his senior season, his sack numbers were the worst of his career.

Positives: Flashes quickness off the snap to gain early penetration … Good speed in pursuit and lateral quickness … Can break down and tackle in space … Looked like one of the next young stars at Oklahoma before missing the 2005 season with a torn left bicep … Struggled to maintain a consistent starting position for the Sooners, but the plays he has made have been big ones … Of his 104 career tackles, 26½ (25 percent) came behind the line of scrimmage.

Negatives: Lacks consistency … Started 13 games in 2006 and finished with nearly identical numbers as he did in starting no games the previous season … Good burst off the snap, but doesn't play with the instincts to always take advantage … Lacks strength at the point of attack and will get washed out when run at.

2005: Missed the season with a torn bicep.

Combine: 5.02 in the 40-yard dash … Bench pressed 225 pounds 21 times … 32-inch vertical jump … 8-foot-11 broad jump … 4.76 20-yard shuttle … 7.47 three-cone drill.

Consensus All-State … No. 25 defensive end in nation by Rivals.com, No. 25 defensive lineman by SuperPrep … Had 81 tackles, 14 tackles for loss (minus-57 yards) and four sacks as a senior … Three fumble recoveries, one he returned for a touchdown, and one blocked punt … Career totals were 147 tackles, eight sacks and 24 tackles for loss (minus-124 yards) … led team to 7-3 record and the 6A playoffs … Coached by Bill Whiteley.

Half-brother, Jason Gildon, formerly played for the Jacksonville Jaguars … Cousin of former Sooner standout and current New Orleans Saint Jammal Brown … Son of Suerena Birdine … Born Oct. 6, 1983 … Sociology major.