THE SKINNY

De'Aires Cotton is a gap holding, hole plugging, run stopping defensive tackle that plays a lot of his downs from a 3-man front. In order to run an effective 3-man front, it is a must that you have a "War Daddy" DT that not only commands multiple player blocks but has the ability to handle them; Cotton is that type of player. He is frequently double teamed, faces the occasional triple team, yet he is still effective in freeing up backers, getting to the QB, and making plays behind the LOS.

STRENGTHS

Disengaging Skill: You can't be an elite DT if you stay blocked. Luckily for Texas fans, Cotton gets off blocks. When he fires off the ball, he uses perfect hand placement and low pad level to win the leverage battle. Once he has gained leverage, he uses his powerful hands to grip the inside chest plate of the blocker and toss them right out of his way with bruit strength. It is very hard for one person to block Cotton.

Hands Quickness: Cotton snaps his hands into the blocker with quickness and ferocity. On the rare occasion that he miss fires on his hand placement, he is quick and technically sound enough to work his hands to regain positioning.

Change of Direction: Cotton plays with a good base and shows the ability change directions without taking extra steps. He is great when redirecting back to the LOS on screens. He sniffs them out.

Size/Strength: Cotton is a load. After four quarters of him leaning and pushing on the offensive line, his.... frame begins to take a toll. He has incredibly strong legs and his powerful leg drive is a lot for a lineman to handle for the duration of a game.

Effort: Cotton gives maximum effort. He is a fierce competitor that leaves everything on the field.

WEAKNESSES

Pass Rush: Cotton does a good job of getting off blocks and redirecting but he is not a sack master and is typically not a major force in flushing the QB out of the pocket. He does well once the QB is already on the run. He is a true run stop DT.

2008 (Jr.) - 18-5A All-District