Donte Paige-Moss, Junior, Defensive End, North Carolina
Overview:
Donte Paige-Moss was the star recruit in what was a very highly regarded 2009 class for North Carolina. Rated as the top defensive end by many scouting services, Paige-Moss has not disappointed. During his freshman campaign, Paige-Moss rarely saw the field, but he did add some much needed weight and gained a feel for life in the Atlantic Coast Conference.
The hard work in 2009 paid off big time in 2010. While fellow defensive end Quinton Coples garnered most of the attention of the media and opposition alike, Paige-Moss had a superb sophomore season. On the year he totaled 49 tackles, including 13.5 tackles-for-loss and 7.0 sacks.
Final Projection:
Paige-Moss has already added some weight and, at 6-4 and 260 pounds, looks the part of an NFL defensive end. He has continued to add strength, but has not lost his speed. That combination will make him a very desirable player in the NFL Draft. If he can work on his consistency and technique, Paige-Moss has all the physical tools to be a first round selection.
1/5/12 Update:
He may have the physical tools to be a first round selection, but there is a lot more to this story than physical tools. Paige-Moss was benched by North Carolina and had an awful junior season. He said all the wrong things and then tore his ACL in the bowl game. The story should end there with another chance to mature on and off the field during his senior season with the Tar Heels. Instead, he left school early and will be a late round flyer for a team that wants to work with his physical tools for a while and try and turn him into a real football player.
