Kawann Short

Short is a disruptive playmaker who leaves Purdue with 48 tackles for loss as a four-year starter. It has been a steady development for the former three-star recruit out of the Chicago area who redshirted in 2008. He enjoyed his best statistical season as a junior with 54 tackles, 17.0 tackles for loss and 6.5 sacks. Short was the focus of every team's offensive gameplan in 2012, but still managed 14.5 tackles for loss and 6.0 sacks despite battling an ankle injury for several games. Short squats more than 600 pounds and bench presses in the 400s.

strengths

Large human being with a huge wingspan, using his long arms to bat down passes and make plays on special teams. Showed determination and team-first attitude in playing through ankle injury in 2012. Can be an immovable object in the middle of the field when he plays disciplined and generates power from his lower body.

compares to

Domata Peko, DT, Bengals - Like Peko, Short has a stout, wide frame to consistently stuff the run, but also shows the foot quickness to penetrate and makes plays away from the line of scrimmage. Although there are questions about Short's consistency, he has potential to be a consistent starter like Peko.

weaknesses

Too often gives streaky effort and doesn't consistently play with leverage. Saw a lot of double-teams, but scouts want to see more of a mean streak and less passiveness. While Short will be an attractive pro prospect because of his natural size and tools, he needs to prove he can be consistently more than just a plugging space-eater.

Three-star prospect ranked as No. 24 defensive tackle nationally and No. 6 player in Indiana by Scout.com

selected to play in Indiana North-South All-Star Game

totaled 85 tackles, including nine sacks, with two fumble recoveries and two blocked punts as senior

had 80 tackles, including 15 for loss and 8.5 sacks, as junior

coach was A.J. Rodriguez

also played basketball and was teammate of former Purdue men's basketball player E'Twaun Moore when East Chicago won Class 4A state championship in 2007.

Given name is Kawann Arcell Short

born Feb. 2, 1989

organizational leadership and supervision major

enjoys lifting weights.