Cincinnati's first-round draft pick in 2023 enjoyed a career year in '25, as he led the Bengals with 5.5 sacks and totaled 52 tackles ... Had 37 tackles and four sacks over the final nine games, which also featured his first career multi-sack game on Dec. 14 vs. Baltimore, and first career fumble recovery on Dec. 21 at Miami ... Did not start a game through first two career seasons, then made 10 starts in 2025 ... Came to Cincinnati following three-year college career (2020-22) at Clemson University, where he totaled 17.5 sacks in 38 games and earned first-team All-Atlantic Coast Conference honors in '22 ... Became first defensive lineman drafted by the Bengals in the first round since DE Justin Smith in 2001.
Career transactions: Selected by Cincinnati in first round of 2023 NFL Draft (28th overall) ... Signed by Bengals on 5-12-23.
2023—Played in all 17 games as a rookie ... Totaled 20 tackles (10 solos), with three sacks ... Made NFL debut on Sept. 10 at Cleveland, lining up for 13 defensive snaps (no statistics) ... Recorded first career sack (and tackle) on Oct. 1 at Tennessee, bringing down QB Ryan Tannehill for two-yard loss in second quarter ... Had second sack on Nov. 26 vs. Pittsburgh, a two-yard takedown of QB Kenny Pickett in third quarter ... Posted career-high four tackles on Dec. 16 vs. Minnesota, with a sack of QB Nick Mullens for six-yard loss in second quarter.
2024—Played in 13 games ... Totaled 20 tackles (11 solos), with one TFL, and added one PD ... Spent first four games on Reserve/Injured list due to knee injury sustained in training camp ... Made season debut on Oct. 6 vs. Baltimore ... On Oct. 20 at Cleveland, broke up a pass intended for TE David Njoku in end zone to prevent Browns TD ... Had four tackles with a TFL on Oct. 27 vs. Philadelphia ... Posted four tackles (three solos) on Dec. 9 at Dallas.
2025—Played in all 17 games with 10 starts at LDE ... Recorded 52 tackles (28 solos), with six TFLs and team-leading 5.5 sacks ... Added two PDs and one FR ... Had first full sack of season on Oct. 5 vs. Detroit, dropping QB Jared Goff on third down to force punt ... Had career-high seven tackles on Nov. 16 at Pittsburgh, including sack for loss of 11 yards on third down to force Steelers punt in second quarter ... On Nov. 27 at Baltimore, tipped pass thrown by QB Lamar Jackson at line of scrimmage, leading to LB Demetrius Knight Jr.'s INT in red zone ... Had first career multi-sack game on Dec. 14 vs. Baltimore, taking down Jackson for two-yard loss to force punt in first quarter, and six-yard loss in third quarter ... Notched first career FR on Dec. 21 at Miami, recovering fumble at Dolphins' 34-yard line early in third quarter to set up Bengals TD drive ... Led team with six tackles on Dec. 28 vs. Arizona, including sack for three-yard loss to force punt on Cardinals' first possession of second half.
College: Spent three seasons (2020-22) at Clemson ... Played in 38 games with 27 starts ... Recorded 119 tackles (61 solos), 37 TFLs, 17.5 sacks, six FFs and five PDs ... Only player in the FBS with at least 10 TFLs and a FF in each season from 2020-22 ... Named first-team All-ACC in 2022, when he tallied 40 tackles, 11 TFLs and 6.5 sacks ... Earned second-team All-ACC honors in 2021, posting team-leading seven sacks along with two FFs and two PDs ... Named ACC Co-Newcomer of the Year as a freshman in 2020.
High school/personal: Hometown is Marietta, Ga. ... Attended Hillgrove High School in Marietta ... Recorded 53 tackles, 19 TFLs, 10 sacks, one FF and a blocked kick as a senior in 2019 ... Selected to U.S. Army All-American Bowl ... Helped team to 12-1 record in junior season, the most wins in school history ... Majored in construction science and management at Clemson.
