He may barely reach the six-foot tick mark on the gym wall, but his heart and effort are definitely not short in supply. Would fit well in a Tampa-2 scheme that favors smaller, quicker tackles who can shoot gaps. McClinton managed 25 tackles for loss the past two seasons playing against good Big 12 competition. And he was Defensive Lineman of the Year in the Big 12 in 2007.

Positives: Good initial quickness off the snap … Flat-out unblockable at times, disrupting the play even if he doesn't make the tackle … Will hustle down the line or downfield to make a play … Keeps his eyes in the backfield to enhance his awareness … Can spin off man to get pressure inside … If stoned at first, will bounce around the pile to get a secondary interior rush.

Negatives: His lack of height and girth are detriments, especially when facing a double-team … Needs to better use his hands and low center of gravity to get under his man's pad for leverage … Sometimes he can't stand his ground one-on-one, either … He doesn't finish off the quarterback enough in obvious passing situations (only 2.5 sacks in '07) … Could be more consistent penetrating the backfield … May never become more than a pass-down specialist.

A graduate of Garland (Texas) Lakeview Centennial HS … Ranked No. 18 on the Dallas Morning News' Top 100 high school prospects list … Earned first team all-district and all-area honors in 2003 … Named defensive MVP of district 12 … Was invited to play in the Coca-Cola All-Star game … Recorded 29 solo and 36 assisted tackles as a senior … Also contributed 16 tackles behind the line of scrimmage, seven quarterback sacks and 12 QB hurries … Also named first team all-district 12 as a junior … Earned three football letters at Garland Lakeview Centennial High School … Coached by Flint Risien … Also lettered in powerlifting and track.

Son of Rose and James McClinton … Born in Mississippi … Post-school ambitions include a career in the NFL and owning his own business.