The Search For A Nose Tackle

Oghobaase (pronounced oh-guh-BAH-see) had relied upon his size and athleticism for much of his career before he noticeably improved his conditioning and technique last season to post career highs in tackles (51) and sacks (6). He earned honorable mention All-ACC accolades and only one ACC defensive tackle finished with more sacks than Oghobaase -- BJ Raji, the ninth overall pick in the 2009 draft.

Oghobaase signed with Duke out of high school, and with the exception of a 2005 redshirt season prompted by a knee injury, Oghobaase has started all 36 games in his career entering the 2009 season.

Pass rush: He flashes the burst to slice through gaps and create problems for the offense immediately. Good lower-body strength for the bull rush when he plays with leverage. Is improving hand technique and learning to use his long arms and quick hands to better slap away attempts of blockers to control get into his chest. Typically relies on his bull rush to create pressure. Almost non-existent use of hands to disrupt the passing lanes. Has zero passes defended in 36 games started.

Run defense: Rare size for the position. Can drive the blocker into the pocket and slide off laterally to make the tackle behind the line of scrimmage. Good lateral agility and balance to slide down the line against the toss.

Explosion: Good initial quickness off the snap. Marginal lateral agility and straight-line speed for the position. Only "phone booth" quickness and tires easily. Flashes some pop as a hitter, but only when given space to gain momentum.

Strength: Good anchor against double-team blocks. Can create a pile in the middle. Struggles to consistently gain leverage and too often allows shorter interior offensive linemen to get their hands to his chest plate and dictate the action. Good strength and lateral agility, but negates it when he plays too high.

Tackling: A typical catch tackler who can slide off blocks as the ballcarrier passes. Shows some lateral agility in space and uses his long arms well to trip up ballcarriers. Flashes closing speed as a pass-rusher. Marginal effort in pursuit.

Intangibles: Not yet the sum of his parts despite starting the past 36 consecutive games. Showed better maturity and discipline last season in the weight room and in learning technique with the hiring of coach David Cutcliffe. Size and strength make him an intriguing fit for 3-4 teams as a defensive end.

NFL Comparison: Tommy Kelly

Started all 12 games in 2008 Honorable mention All-ACC pick. Tied for the team lead in sacks (6.0). Posted 51 tackles, 9.0 tackles for loss & five QB pressures. Had 6.0 TFL and 4.5 sacks over the final five games of the year. Carded a season-high eight stops at Virginia Tech. Has started all 36 games in his Duke career.

Started all 12 games in 2007. Honors candidate for 2008. Tied for the team lead in sacks (4.5) while ranking second in tackles for loss (12.0). Finished seventh on the club with 49 total stops. Logged career-high 10 tackles with 3.5 TFL and 1.5 sacks at Navy.

Started all 12 games … Freshman All-America choice by Rivals.com (2nd), College Football News (3rd) and The Sporting News (HM) … Freshman All-ACC selection by The Sporting News … credited for 28 tackles, 8.0 tackles for loss and one sack … posted a season-high five stops at Wake Forest … recorded a safety against Florida State by tackling Seminole running back Lorenzo Booker in the end zone … ranked fifth on the team in tackles for loss … on the field for 568 snaps.