Nick Fairley was unquestionably the breakthrough player in the 2010 college football season. No one expected him to tally 11.5 sacks and 24 tackles for loss as a junior. In his first full season starting, Fairley was a force on his way to the Lombardi Award. The question some will have about Fairley is if he’s a one-year wonder. As a redshirt sophomore in 2009.
Fairley struggled with inconsistency and only had 28 tackles, 3.5 tackles for loss and 1.5 sacks. Prior to that, Fairley attended Copiah-Lincoln (Miss.) Community College. Considering that Fairley only played one year on the defensive line in high school, he’s not exactly a seasoned tackle. Still, he is a dangerous, gap-shooting defensive tackle.
His attitude could transform a lackadaisical defense into a ferocious one. He’s the kind of player rival teams will hate because of his sometimes-dirty play. Although Fairley doesn’t apologize for the way he plays, it’s unlikely he’ll get away with the same tactics in the NFL. What he’ll be able to get away with is firing gaps and getting after the ball carrier. Fairley has uncanny quickness and will be a terror blitzing.
Fairley is the premier one-gap defensive tackle in this year’s class due to his ability shoot the gap and get after the passer. Fairley finished 2010 with 12 sacks, including three in a standout performance against LSU. Most of his big plays come off the swim move. Has quick hands to get his arm over the blocker. Closes in a hurry and with aggression. Fairley is a scary tackler.
Every time he has room to make a hit, it’s an explosive one. If football doesn’t work for Fairley, his tackling shows he clearly has a future in pro wrestling. He frequently liked to suplex players. Several of Fairley’s tackles could get him fined in the NFL, so it will be interesting to see if he’ll continue his tackling technique at the next level. Shows good hand fighting. Uses his hands well to keep blockers out of his pads. Has long arms, which is beneficial to his technique. Doesn’t take false steps that get him out of position.
Everyone is going to compare him to Suh, and that’s not fair. Maybe a more-apt one for Fairley is Kevin Williams of the Vikings. Fairley projects as a top-five pick and has the potential to be the first player drafted.
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