Playing at Rice does not afford prospects much opportunity to show their wares on a national stage. But scouts saw that Chukwu could cause problems for offensive lines without a lot of talent around him. He started at nose tackle in 2007, end in 2006 and tackle/nose in 2005, accumulating 14 total tackles for loss over his last two seasons.

Positives: Would fit perfectly in a one-gap system, using his quick first step to disrupt passing or running plays in the backfield … Wide body who can keep his shoulders square to stack and shed, gets off to bring down backs coming into the hole or trying to get outside … Uses his hands well inside, preventing himself from being locked down by guards … Also has over and under moves to get around a guard's shoulder … Blocked two extra points in '07 despite his small stature.

Negatives: Short, but not overly so … Has some bulk, but only adequate strength and does not stand up well against drive blocking or double teams … Plays hard, but wears down quickly so he may be regulated to a wave role … Second and third effort to get to quarterback or running back is not always there.

2003 graduate of George H.W. Bush High in suburban southwest Houston … Two-way star for coach Scott Moehling … Won all-District 20-5A honors as a senior defensive lineman for the Broncos in 2002, the school's first year of varsity football competition … Helped the new varsity program win three games … Led the team in quarterback sacks … Named as Bush's outstanding offensive and defensive lineman by his teammates … Three-year letterman in track and field … Regional qualifier in the discus.

Full name: George C. Chukwu (CHU-ku) … Born: Jan. 7, 1985, at Houston … Parents: Godfrey and Gracie Chukwu, Houston (one brother and one sister) … Rice Majors: environmental engineering and health sciences … College: Hanszen.