Matt Malele DT 6’1 312 California

Malele was a backup as a freshman but moved into the starting lineup as a sophomore and finished with 13 tackles, 2.5 for loss, and .5 sacks. As a junior last season, he had 11 tackles, with .5 coming for loss. This year as a senior, he had 16 tackles, 1.5 for loss, and 1.5 sacks.

Malele is a load in the middle of the defensive line. He has a massive frame and is very strong. His combination of bulk, strength, and toughness make him an absolute load in the running game. He simply clogs lanes with his presence in the middle. He has shed some weight this off season in an attempt to be more than just a run stopper.

Weight has been an issue with Malele in the past, but he has shed weight this year. He will need to show he can keep it off. On the field, the alarming issue is his lack of production. Despite starting the last three years, he has only been in on 40 tackles. His presence on the field goes beyond stats, but you would still like to see him in on more plays.

If he can keep his weight in check and stay on the field longer, Malele could be a very good run stopper at the next level. He can clog lanes but needs to make more plays.