Meet the Team: 2025 New Orleans Saints Draft Picks

New Orleans Saints
27 Apr 2025, 08:11 GMT+10

The New Orleans Saints drafted nine players in the 2025 NFL draft

New Orleans Saints

Here's the full list of players selected by New Orleans in each round of the NFL Draft.

The Saints drafted Texas offensive tackleKelvin Banks Jr., Louisville quarterbackTyler Shough, Texas defensive tackleVernon Broughton, Virginia safetyJonas Sanker, Oklahoma linebackerDanny Stutsman, Louisville cornerbackQuincy Riley, Kansas running backDevin Neal, UCLA tight endMoliki Matavao, and Syracuse defensive linemanFadil Diggs.

Kelvin Banks Jr., Offensive Tackle, Texas

Saints 1st round draft pick, No. 9

The New Orleans Saints selected offensive linemanKelvin Banks Jr.from Texas with the ninth pick in the 2025 NFL Draft on Thursday, April 24, 2025.

Kelvin Banks Jr., a 6-foot-5, 315-pound junior from Humble, Texas, was one of the most decorated offensive linemen in the country during his three-year run with the Longhorns. A consensus five-star recruit out of high school, Banks started all 42 games of his college career at left tackle and was a cornerstone of a Texas offensive line that powered the program to the College Football Playoff in 2024. That season, he won the Lombardi Award and Outland Trophy, was named a First-Team AP All-American, and shared the Jacobs Blocking Trophy as the SEC's top lineman. Banks allowed just one sack in each of his last two seasons and anchored one of the top pass-blocking units in the country.

Kelvin Banks Jr.

Height: 6-5
Weight: 315 lbs
College: Texas

Kelvin Banks Jr. Career Overview

Started all 42 games at left tackle over three seasons at Texas.
2024:Lombardi Award and Outland Trophy winner. Unanimous First-Team All-American. Unanimous First-Team All-SEC. Shared the SEC Jacobs Blocking Trophy. Joe Moore Award finalist. Two-time SEC Offensive Lineman of the Week (Sept. 30, Oct. 14). Outland Trophy National Player of the Week (Oct. 15). Started 15 games at left tackle, missing the SEC Championship due to injury. Key blocking performances in wins over ranked opponents including Michigan, Oklahoma, Georgia, and Florida. Did not allow a sack against Mississippi State. Helped Texas average over 6.0 yards per carry in multiple games and reach the College Football Playoff.
2023:Second-Team All-American (Associated Press). Unanimous First-Team All-Big 12. Joe Moore Award semifinalist. Started 14 games at left tackle. Anchored an offensive line that helped Texas average over 470 yards per game and blocked for RB Jonathon Brooks (1,158 yards) and QB Quinn Ewers. Contributed to a 662-yard performance in the Big 12 Championship win over Oklahoma State.
2022:Freshman All-American (FWAA, College Football News). Second-Team All-Big 12 (AP, Coaches). Shaun Alexander Freshman of the Year Award semifinalist. Honorable mention for Big 12 Offensive Freshman of the Year and Offensive Lineman of the Year. Started all 13 games at left tackle. Blocked for Doak Walker Award winner Bijan Robinson, who rushed for 1,580 yards and 18 touchdowns. Helped Texas produce 427 rushing yards and six rushing touchdowns in a road win at Kansas.
High School:Five-star recruit out of Summer Creek High School (Humble, TX). Rated as high as No. 6 nationally. Selected to the 2022 Under Armour All-America Game. District 21-6A Offensive Player of the Year as a senior. Four-time All-District selection. Anchored a run-heavy offense that posted multiple 400+ yard rushing games and scored 50+ points in seven contests during his senior season.

Kelvin Banks Jr. Draft Recap

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Tyler Shough, Quarterback, Louisville

Saints 2nd round draft pick, No. 40

The New Orleans Saints selected quarterbackTyler Shoughfrom Louisville with the 40th overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft on Friday, April 25, 2025.

Tyler Shough, a 6-foot-4 senior from Chandler, Ariz., completed a college career spanning Oregon, Texas Tech, and Louisville. Shough, a former four-star recruit, earned Honorable Mention All-ACC honors in 2024 while being named one of three national Comeback Players of the Year after leading Louisville to an 8-4 record as a starter. He threw for a career-high 3,195 yards and 23 touchdowns in 2024. Shough ran a 4.63-second 40-yard dash and showcased a 32-inch vertical at the 2025 NFL Combine.

Tyler Shough

Height: 6-5
Weight: 225 lbs
College: Louisville

Tyler Shough Career Overview

2024 (Louisville):Started 12 games, leading the Cardinals to an 8-4 record. Named a College Sports Communicators (CSC) and Associated Press Comeback Player of the Year recipient. Passed for 3,195 yards and 23 touchdowns, ranking fourth and fifth in the ACC, respectively. Earned honorable mention All-ACC honors. Set a program record with four passing touchdowns in his Louisville debut against Austin Peay. Posted a season-high 349 passing yards against Jacksonville State and threw four touchdowns against Miami. Finished 20th nationally in passing yards and 29th in touchdowns, completing 62.7% of his passes for the season.
2023 (Texas Tech):Limited to four games due to injury, passing for 746 yards and seven touchdowns. Opened the year on the Maxwell Award and Earl Campbell Tyler Rose Award watch lists. Named to the Shrine Bowl 1000 list. Showed flashes of high-level play before injury setbacks.
2022 (Texas Tech):Appeared in seven games with five starts, leading Texas Tech to a perfect 5-0 record in games he finished. Passed for 1,304 yards and seven touchdowns while rushing for 269 yards and four scores. Earned MVP honors in the TaxAct Texas Bowl after recording 353 total yards and two rushing touchdowns in a win over Ole Miss. Set a career-high with 436 passing yards in a win over Oklahoma.
2021 (Texas Tech):Started four games before suffering a broken collarbone. Threw for 872 yards and six touchdowns while completing 69.5% of his passes. Opened the season with strong performances, including a 399-yard, four-touchdown outing against FIU.
2020 (Oregon):Started all seven games for Oregon, leading the Ducks to a Pac-12 Championship and Fiesta Bowl appearance. Completed 63.4% of his passes for 1,559 yards and 13 touchdowns. Ranked among FBS leaders in yards per attempt, yards per completion, and passing efficiency. Had multiple 300-yard passing games, including a 334-yard, three-touchdown performance against UCLA.
2019 (Oregon):Served as the primary backup to eventual NFL first-round pick Justin Herbert. Appeared in five games, completing 12 of 15 passes for 144 yards and three touchdowns.
2018 (Oregon):Redshirted his true freshman season, appearing briefly in three games.
High School:Starred at Hamilton High School (Chandler, Arizona), where he threw for 3,071 yards and 30 touchdowns as a senior. Earned first-team All-6A Premier League and All-Chandler Unified School District honors. A consensus four-star recruit and top-300 national prospect, Shough participated in the Elite 11 and was ranked as the No. 1 player in Arizona by multiple services.

Tyler Shough Draft Recap

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Vernon Broughton, Defensive Tackle, Texas

Saints 3rd round draft pick, No. 71

The New Orleans Saints selected defensive linemanVernon Broughtonfrom Texas with the 71st pick in the 2025 NFL Draft on Friday, April 25, 2025.

Vernon Broughton, a 6-foot-5 senior from Houston, emerged on the Texas defensive front over the course of his career. A former top 80 national recruit, Broughton started 15 games in 2024, recording a career-best 39 tackles and 4.0 sacks. He was a critical piece of a deep Longhorns defensive line rotation, playing behind early NFL Draft picks before stepping into a starting role.

Vernon Broughton

Height: 6-5
Weight: 311 lbs
College: Texas

Vernon Broughton Career Overview

2024: Appeared in all 15 games with key contributions against Mississippi State, Texas A&M, and Georgia in the SEC Championship; totaled 38 tackles, 4.5 TFLs, 3.0 sacks, and five quarterback hurries; recorded three fumble recoveries and one forced fumble.
2023: Played in all 14 games with one start; notched career highs with 17 tackles, 4.5 TFLs, and 1.0 sack; recovered a fumble and broke up a pass; started against Iowa State and contributed throughout Big 12 and playoff action.
2022: Saw action in 12 games with one start; posted seven tackles and four quarterback hurries; started against Texas Tech and recorded a TFL.
2021: Appeared in all 12 games; recorded five tackles, 0.5 TFLs, and 0.5 sacks.
2020: Played in two games; made collegiate debut against UTEP and had a standout performance in the Alamo Bowl against Colorado with two tackles and one sack.
High School:Standout at Cypress Ridge (TX) High School; two-time All-District honoree; 2020 Under Armour All-American; Watkins Award finalist; rated as a top-100 recruit nationally; also excelled in basketball before fully focusing on football.

Vernon Broughton Draft Recap

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Jonas Sanker, Safety, Virginia

Saints 3rd round draft pick, No. 93

The New Orleans Saints selected safetyJonas Sankerfrom Virginia with the 93rd pick in the 2025 NFL Draft on Friday, April 25, 2025.

Jonas Sanker, a 6-foot senior from Charlottesville, Va., was a two-time First-Team All-ACC selection and key piece of Virginia's defense over the past two seasons. A versatile and physical safety, Sanker led the Cavaliers in tackles in 2023 and 2024, posting 107 and 98 stops, respectively. He also recorded 8.5 tackles for loss and two fumble recoveries in 2024. At the NFL Combine, Sanker displayed strong athleticism with a 4.48-second 40-yard dash and a 36.5-inch vertical jump.

Jonas Sanker

Height: 6-0
Weight: 206 lbs
College: Virginia

Jonas Sanker Career Overview

2024: Voted one of five team captains at the end of the seasonLogged a career-high 13 tackles, including eight solo, and recovered a fumble on special teams at No. 8 Notre DameRecorded an interception and blocked a field goal in UVA's 24-19 win at No. 23 PittsburghLed the team with 11 tackles and a pass breakup against LouisvilleScored his first career touchdown on a 40-yard fumble return in a 24-14 win over Boston College, earning ACC Defensive Back of the Week honorsRecorded 11 tackles against Maryland, surpassing 200 career tacklesNotched 10 tackles and his first career sack in a 31-30 win at Wake ForestNamed Phil Steele Honorable Mention All-America and First Team All-ACC by multiple outletsInvited to the East-West Shrine Bowl and Reese's Senior Bowl.
2023: Started all 12 gamesLed Virginia in total tackles (107), solo tackles (73), pass breakups (11), and forced fumbles (3)Ranked fourth in the ACC in total tackles and second in solo tacklesTied career high with 12 tackles in games against James Madison and Boston CollegeSelected First Team All-ACC by the Associated Press and TD Club of Richmond Defensive Back of the YearNamed Second Team All-ACC by Phil Steele.
2022: Appeared in all 10 games, starting the first nineSecond on the team in total tackles (63) and solo tackles (36)Recorded five or more tackles in eight gamesLogged 10 tackles and his first career interception at SyracuseHad a season-high 11 tackles at DukeNamed First Team VaSID All-State.
2021: Played in nine games as a true freshmanRegistered tackles against Wake Forest, Duke, and Virginia Tech.
High School:Played running back, quarterback, and safety at The Covenant School in Charlottesville, Virginia, for head coach Seth Wilson. As a junior, threw for 1,590 yards and 33 touchdowns and rushed for 1,116 yards with 24 touchdowns. Accounted for three defensive touchdowns and had four interceptions and 46 tackles in 2019. Led Covenant to back-to-back state titles in the Virginia Independent Schools Football League. Accounted for eight total touchdowns in the 2019 state championship game, passing for 295 yards and rushing for 217. Earned all-conference and all-state honors on both sides of the ball. Three-star recruit by ESPN.com, Rivals.com, and 247Sports. Also starred in basketball, helping Covenant to its first semifinal appearance in the VISAA Division III tournament in 2020. Majored in Foreign Affairs at UVA.

Jonas Sanker Draft Recap

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Danny Stutsman, Linebacker, Oklahoma

Saints 4th round draft pick, No. 112

The New Orleans Saints selected linebackerDanny Stutsmanfrom Oklahoma with the 112th pick in the 2025 NFL Draft on Saturday, April 26, 2025.

A 6-foot-4 senior from Windermere, Fla., Danny Stutsman was a cornerstone of Oklahoma's defense over the past three seasons. The consensus All-American and Butkus Award finalist finished ninth in school history with 376 career tackles for the Sooners. At the 2025 NFL Combine, Stutsman impressed with his size and agility as the two-time All-Conference selection drew comparisons to some of the league's top inside linebackers.

Danny Stutsman

Height: 6-3
Weight: 233 lbs
College: Oklahoma

Danny Stutsman Career Overview

2024:Started 12 games at middle linebackerConsensus All-American and Butkus Award finalistLed team with 109 tackles, 8.0 tackles for loss, and a sackRegistered double-digit tackles four times, including a career-high 19 tackles at MissouriEarned All-SEC First Team honorsOpted out of bowl game to prepare for NFL Draft.
2023:Started 12 gamesSecond-team Walter Camp All-American and third-team AP All-AmericanLed Oklahoma with 104 tackles and 16.0 tackles for lossAdded three sacks, an interception for a touchdown, and two forced fumblesMissed parts of two games due to injury but still finished among Big 12 leaders in tackles and TFLs.
2022:Started all 13 gamesLed the Big 12 with 125 total tacklesRecorded 10.5 tackles for loss, three sacks, two interceptions, and five QB hurriesPosted eight games with double-digit tackles and a career-high 18 tackles at Texas Tech.
2021:Played in 10 games as a true freshmanRecorded 38 tackles, 1.5 tackles for loss, 1.0 sack, and two forced fumblesPosted a team-high eight tackles against Western Carolina.
High School:Attended Foundation Academy in Winter Garden, Fla.A four-star recruit by 247SportsTotaled 333 tackles and 20 sacks in high schoolHelped lead Foundation Academy to the 2020 Florida 2A state semifinalsGraduated from Oklahoma in December 2024 with a degree in multidisciplinary studies.

Danny Stutsman Draft Recap

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Quincy Riley, Cornerback, Louisville

Saints 4th round draft pick, No. 131

The New Orleans Saints selected cornerbackQuincy Rileyfrom Louisville with the 131st pick in the 2025 NFL Draft on Saturday, April 26, 2025.

A 5-foot-11 senior from Columbia, SC, Quincy Riley was named to the second-team All-ACC, leading the Cardinals with 13 PBUs and tying the team lead with two interceptions during the 2024 season. Riley played in 10 games with 8 starts, tallying 33 tackles, three tackles for loss, one forced fumble in 2024. Prior to Louisville, Riley was a first-team All-Conference USA player for Middle Tennessee State in 2021. Riley has tallied 112 solo tackles, 15 interceptions and 40 passes defended in his collegiate career.

Quincy Riley

Height: 5-11
Weight: 194 lbs
College: Louisville

Quincy Riley Career Overview

2024: Appeared in 10 games, making eight startsmissed three games with an injuryfinished the season with 33 total tackles and 3.0 tackles for losstied for the team lead with two interceptionstied for ninth nationally with 15 passes defendedrecorded a season-high seven tackles in matchups against Miami and Clemsonintercepted passes in wins over Jacksonville State and Kentuckyadded six tackles at Stanford and five in a dominating victory over Pitt.
2023: Named All-ACC Honorable Mentionstarted all 13 games, recording 45 tackles, two interceptions, and eight pass breakupsposted seven tackles and a pass breakup at Indianaregistered five tackles and an interception at NC Statelogged four tackles, an interception, and a pass breakup against No. 10 Notre Dametallied six tackles each against Miami and Kentuckyopened the season with three solo tackles and a pass breakup versus Georgia Tech.
2022: Played a key defensive role with multiple impact performancesrecorded one interception and three tackles in the win over NC Statehad three tackles against Clemsontotaled two interceptions for 101 return yards during the seasonadded three tackles each in wins against Wake Forest and Pittregistered four tackles in a victory over Virginianotched two tackles and a sack for a 10-yard loss against USF.
2019-2021 (Middle Tennessee): Played three seasons at Middle Tennessee before transferringin 2021, appeared in nine games with seven starts, tallying 33 tackles, 4.5 tackles for loss, 1.5 sacks, nine pass breakups, and a team-high five interceptionsranked fourth nationally and first in Conference USA in interceptionsearned First Team All-C-USA honors and a spot on PFF's All-Conference USA First Teamnotched two interceptions versus UTSA and returned one for a 45-yard touchdown against FIUled the team with a career-high 13 tackles at FAUearned C-USA All-Freshman Team honors in 2020 after recording 14 tackles, a tackle for loss, two interceptions, and four pass breakups.
High School: Starred at A.C. Flora High School in South Carolinarated a three-star recruit by 247Sports and ranked as the No. 16 player in the stateearned all-state honors in football while excelling in basketball and trackled the team with five interceptions and added 303 receiving yards and four touchdowns on offensenamed Region IV-4A Special Teams Player of the Yearcaptured South Carolina 4A state titles in the 100 meters (10.4 seconds) and 200 metersnamed the South Carolina Boys 4A Track Player of the Year in 2019.

Quincy Riley Draft Recap

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Meet New Orleans Saints draft pick Quincy Riley | 2025 NFL Draft Photos

Devin Neal, Running Back, Kansas

Saints 6th round draft pick, No. 184

The New Orleans Saints selected running backDevin Nealfrom Kansas with the 184th pick in the 2025 NFL Draft on Saturday, April 26, 2025.

A Lawrence, Kansas native, Devin Neal carved out an incredible career with the Jayhawks, becoming the program's all-time leading rusher and the first to post three consecutive 1,000-yard seasons. A senior captain in 2024, Neal earned Honorable Mention All-Big 12 honors and was a semifinalist for the Jason Witten Collegiate Man of the Year Award. Neal finished with 4,343 career rushing yards and 53 total touchdowns. His explosive senior season was highlighted by a 207-yard performance against Colorado and an impressive East-West Shrine Bowl appearance, being recognized with multiple national Player of the Week awards during his final college season.

Devin Neal

Height: 5-11
Weight: 213 lbs
College: Kansas

Devin Neal Career Overview

2024:Started all 12 games in his senior season, rushing for 1,266 yards on 219 attempts and 16 touchdowns. Became Kansas' all-time leader in rushing yards, rushing touchdowns, and 100-yard rushing games. Recorded three straight 1,000-yard seasons, a first in program history. Highlights include 207 rushing yards and three touchdowns versus No. 16 Colorado, and 133 rushing yards against Baylor in the season finale. Also added 27 receptions for 289 yards and a receiving touchdown.
2023:Carried the ball 203 times for 1,280 yards and 16 rushing touchdowns during his junior season, while adding 25 receptions for 217 yards and a receiving touchdown. Opened the season with a 48-yard touchdown on his first carry against Missouri State. Delivered a standout 154-yard performance on just 12 carries against UCF, and recorded three touchdowns at Kansas State. Finished the year with 108 yards and two touchdowns against Cincinnati.
2022:Played in 12 games during his sophomore season, rushing for 1,090 yards and nine touchdowns on 180 carries. Also caught 21 passes for 183 yards and a touchdown. Notched a career-high 334 all-purpose yards against Oklahoma State with 224 rushing yards and 110 receiving yards. Surpassed 1,000 rushing yards for the season during the game against Texas. Finished the season leading the team in rushing and all-purpose yards.
2021:Became the first Kansas freshman ever to win Big 12 Offensive Player of the Week honors. Started eight of 12 games, rushing for 707 yards and eight touchdowns on 158 carries. Added seven receptions for 57 yards and a touchdown. Delivered a breakout performance at Texas, rushing for a season-high 143 yards and catching a touchdown pass in the overtime win.
High School:Attended Lawrence High School (Lawrence, KS). A three-star recruit ranked No. 415 nationally by 247Sports and the No. 1 recruit in the state of Kansas. Rushed for over 1,300 yards and 20 touchdowns as a senior. Earned First-Team Class 6A All-State honors by multiple outlets. Also received offers from Nebraska, Kansas State, Oklahoma State, and others. Majored in sport management and scheduled to graduate in spring 2025.

Devin Neal Draft Recap

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Meet New Orleans Saints draft pick Devin Neal | 2025 NFL Draft Photos

Moliki Matavao, Tight End, UCLA

Saints 7th round draft pick, No. 248

The New Orleans Saints selected tight endMoliki Matavaofrom UCLA with the 248th pick in the 2025 NFL Draft on Saturday, April 26, 2025.

Moliki Matavao, a towering 6-foot-8 senior from Henderson, Nevada, made a strong impact at both Oregon and UCLA during his collegiate career. A former four-star recruit, Matavao earned All-Pac-12 honorable mention honors in 2023 and led UCLA in receptions and receiving yards in 2024. He capped his college career with 74 catches for 998 yards and five touchdowns. Matavao was recognized on the John Mackey Award and Polynesian Player of the Year watch lists in 2024.

Moliki Matavao

Height: 6-5
Weight: 260 lbs
College: UCLA

Moliki Matavao Career Overview

2024:Played in 11 games, starting 8Led UCLA with 41 receptions for 506 yards and two touchdownsRegistered at least one catch in each game playedPosted season highs of 8 receptions and 120 yards against Fresno StateNamed to the Athletic Director's Honor Roll for Fall 2024 and won the Jackie R. Robinson Award.
2023:Appeared in all 13 games with 6 startsEarned honorable mention All-Pac-12 honorsAveraged a team-best 20.2 yards per catchCaught passes in 10 games with multiple receptions against Washington State.
2022:Played in 12 games at Oregon, starting 6Caught 10 passes for 134 yards and a touchdownAlso rushed for a three-yard scoreMade at least one catch in 7 games.
2021:Appeared in all 14 games as a true freshman at Oregon with 2 startsCaught 9 passes for 75 yards and a touchdownMade his first career reception a 14-yard TD in a win at No. 3 Ohio State.
High School:Starred at Liberty High School in Henderson, NevadaConsensus four-star recruit, top tight end prospect nationallySelected to play in the All-American Bowl and Polynesian BowlFinished high school career with 64 receptions for 1,045 yards and 12 touchdownsMajored in sociology at UCLA.

Moliki MatavaoDraft Recap

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Meet New Orleans Saints draft pick Moliki Matavao | 2025 NFL Draft Photos

Fadil Diggs, Defensive Lineman, Syracuse

Saints 7th round draft pick, No. 254

The New Orleans Saints selected defensive linemanFadil Diggsfrom Syracuse with the 254th pick in the 2025 NFL Draft on Saturday, April 26, 2025.

Diggs, a 6-foot-5 senior from East Camden, N.J., transferred to Syracuse after graduating from Texas A&M and made an immediate impact as a team captain, starting all 12 regular-season games for the Orange. Throughout his collegiate career, he earned Honorable Mention All-ACC honors in 2024 and served as a three-time team captain. Diggs totaled 120 career tackles, 32.5 tackles for loss, and 15.5 sacks across his time at Texas A&M and Syracuse.

Fadil Diggs

EDGE

Height: 6-4
Weight: 257 lbs
College: Syracuse

Fadil Diggs Career Overview

2024:Started all 12 regular season games for Syracuse after transferring from Texas A&M Named Honorable Mention All-ACC and served as a team captain Led the Orange with 14.0 tackles for loss and 7.5 sacks Opened the season with a career-best eight tackles, 4.0 tackles for loss and two sacks against Ohio Delivered key plays throughout the season, including a sack that set up a game-winning possession against UNLV and a fumble recovery to seal an overtime win against Virginia Tech Invited to the East-West Shrine Bowl.
2023:Served as a season-long team captain for Texas A&M, starting all 12 games Recorded 36 tackles, 11.0 tackles for loss, and 4.0 sacks Tied career-high with two sacks against Alabama Delivered a strong midseason stretch with three consecutive games recording sacks Helped Aggies' defensive front rank top-5 nationally in tackles for loss.
2022:Battled injuries but started all eight games he appeared in at Texas A&M Made 28 tackles, 5.0 tackles for loss, 3.0 sacks, and forced three fumbles Recorded back-to-back games with strip sacks against Alabama and South Carolina Earned the Aggie Defensive Leadership Award and the Strength & Conditioning Defensive Award.
2021:Played in all 12 games for Texas A&M as a redshirt freshman Registered nine tackles, 2.5 tackles for loss, one sack, and a blocked kick against Prairie View A&M.
2020:Appeared in his first collegiate game against South Carolina, recording two tackles as a true freshman for Texas A&M.
High School:Attended Woodrow Wilson High School in East Camden, N.J. Named 2019 New Jersey Gatorade Player of the Year after totaling 19.0 sacks and five forced fumbles Also caught 67 passes for 1,033 yards and 11 touchdowns Rated as a four-star prospect by all major recruiting services.