Pound-for-pound, Dykes could match up with any offensive lineman in a battle of strength, as the powerful down lineman developed into a big-play performer who dominated in the trenches. He started 44 games for the Mountaineers during his career -- 28 at weak-side defensive tackle, 13 at nose guard and three at strong-side defensive end.

With Dykes leading the way, the 2007 senior class compiled a school-best four-year record of 41-9 and made four consecutive bowl appearances, winning three of them. Blessed with tremendous instincts, he anchored a defense that ranked 13th vs. the run in 2006 and 18th in 2007. Called by the coaching staff the most important piece of the defense, he received the 2007 Iron Mountaineer Award as the top performer in the winter workout program and was also selected to the NSCA Strength All-American team.

At Chaney High School, Dykes earned All-Ohio, All-City and All-Northeast Ohio honors as a senior. He recorded 75 tackles and 9 ½ sacks that year and was named the Youngstown Vindicator City Defensive Player of the Year. The four-year starter totaled 18 sacks as a junior and was selected for the North-South and Big 33 all-star games.

Dykes enrolled at West Virginia in 2003, where he earned scout team honors. In 2004, he appeared in 12 games, starting the final six at weak-side tackle. He left the Temple clash due to back spasms, but went on to record 37 tackles (21 solos) with a pair of sacks and six stops for losses.

As a sophomore, Dykes received the Coaches Contribution Award, as he took over weak-side tackle chores, starting 12 games. He posted 29 tackles (16 solos) with 4 ½ sacks, 7 ½ stops behind the line of scrimmage and a quarterback pressure.

A hand contusion vs. Mississippi State limited Dykes' early season performances in 2006, but he still managed to start all 13 games. The All-Big East first-team choice was in on 32 tackles (14 solos), including three sacks and 5 ½ stops for losses.

Dykes repeated as All-Big East first-team in 2007, as he also served as one of four team captains. He was limited by a left foot sprain early in the year, but that did not stop him from starting all 13 games at nose guard. He registered 32 tackles (18 solos), with three sacks and four stops behind the line of scrimmage. He recovered three fumbles and caused another. He also broke up a pass and experienced every lineman's dream, scoring on a 19-yard interception return vs. Syracuse.

Positives: Has a thick upper body build with long arms, large hands, good muscle definition through his arms, shoulders and chest, thick thighs, calves and ankles … Fierce one-on-one battler with the hand punch to shock and jolt … Plays through pain and injuries that would sideline most (foot sprain in 2007, hand in 2006) … When he stays lower in his pads, he has the mobility and balance to play with leverage (gets stood up when he leaves his chest exposed or narrows his base by getting tall in his stance) … Could bring good value coming off the bench, as he has experience at defensive tackle, end and nose guard (jack-of-all-trades, a master of none) … Plays with a good motor, but that sometimes gets him in trouble, as he gets caught up in one-on-one battles for longer than he should … Has the superb upper body strength to shed one-on-one blocks, doing a good job of rolling his hips to drive his man back off the ball … Not really considered a quick twitch type, but does play with good patience, letting most of the action come to him rather than over-commit … Relies on vision, rather than his marginal instincts, to locate the ball … Shows the raw strength to control at the point of attack, but must be more alert to double teams and protecting his legs from low blocks better … Best as a run stopper at the line of scrimmage than on the move, as he has the power to stack and control when he faces up and squares his shoulders … When he does extend his arms, he can keep separation from blockers (consistency is lacking) … Too heavy-legged in long pursuit, but can take short angles in attempts to pressure the pocket … Has good stamina and seems to get stronger as the game progresses … Not really a good pass rusher, but has gotten good success with twists and stunts (when he stays low in his pads only) … Can break down well and is an efficient wrap-up tackler, as he hits heavy and consistently delivers strength behind his hits … Needs to protect his feet better, but his hands are his best asset, as he knows how to grab, lock up and shed blocks … When he keeps his hands busy, blockers have great difficulty controlling his forward surge … Can accelerate and close in space, but lacks the sudden burst to consistently impact the pocket with pressure.

Negatives: Has marginal field vision and instincts and struggles to find the ball when working through trash … Needs to be quicker with his reads and must be more alert to blocking schemes … Does not have the bulk you look for in a classic nose guard or 4-3 tackle, but with his marginal quickness off the snap, he would be a liability playing on the edge as a rush end … Needs to develop better quick twitch moves to shock offensive lineman coming off the ball … Spends too much time trying to diagnose the play rather than simply reacting … Better vs. one-on-one confrontations, as he does not always anchor well or use his hands actively to split double teams … Combo blockers have great success washing him out of the play, as he lacks the base to hold ground firmly when he gets too tall in his stance … Gets too caught up in one-on-one battles and needs to play off those blockers to get back into the action … Has good mobility, but it is rare to see him give lateral chase … More of a bull rusher, as he lacks any semblance of pass rush moves … Has great hand strength to shock and jolt, but needs to use his reach better to keep blockers off his feet … Can pressure the pocket, but does not have the acceleration or burst to seal the deal, unless he gets a clear path to the quarterback … His lack of a strong anchor will see him walked back on plays directed right at him.

Compares To: KELLY GREGG-Baltimore … Like Gregg, Dykes won't excite on eye contact, as he has a short, squatty frame that is more top-heavy than most. He lacks a great feel for the play developing, but does play with a good motor. He generates good pop on contact, but despite his upper body strength, he leaves his chest too exposed and narrows his base often, which prevents him from getting a strong anchor vs. double teams. Still, he has the raw power to impact the play, if he gets his mitts on an opponent. Like Gregg and Pittsburgh's Chris Hoke, there are just some intangibles in his game (strength, desire, versatility) that will earn him a roster spot for a team looking for depth.

2004: Left the Temple game (11/06) with back spasms.

2006: Missed most of the Mississippi State clash (10/07) with a hand contusion suffered in the first quarter.

2007: Suffered a right foot sprain vs. Marshall (9/08), seeing limited action the following week vs. Maryland (9/13).

Campus: 5.04 in the 40-yard dash … Bench pressed 225 pounds 30 times … 610-pound squat … 28-inch vertical jump … 8'10" broad jump … 4.71 20-yard shuttle … 33-inch arm length … 10 5/8-inch hands … Right-handed … Wears contacts.

Combine: Did not receive an invitation.

Attended Chaney (Youngstown, Ohio) High School, playing football for head coach Ron Berdis … Earned All-Ohio, All-City and All-Northeast Ohio honors as a senior … Recorded 75 tackles and 9 ½ sacks that year and was named the Youngstown Vindicator City Defensive Player of the Year … The four-year starter totaled 18 sacks as a junior and was selected for the North-South and Big 33 all-star games.

Graduated in December 2007, with a bachelor's degree in Athletic Coaching Education … Son of Jewell and James Dykes … Born 9/06/84 … Resides in Youngstown, Ohio.