Alister Vallejo

Physical Profile

Possesses a prototypical interior defensive lineman build at 6-foot-3 and tipping the scales around 310 pounds. Vallejo combines this mass with impressive functional athleticism, flashing notable quickness, redirecting twitch, and linear closing speed for a player of his stature. His background as a shot put and discus thrower in track and field translates to the explosive power he displays on the football field.

Play Style

Vallejo is an aggressive, penetrating interior lineman who thrives on creating disruption at the point of attack. On film, he shows the versatility to line up in various techniques, using his explosive get-off and power to collapse the pocket and his agility to work through traffic. He demonstrates a developing pass-rush arsenal that includes a swim move and has proven to be a formidable run-stopper with a high motor that keeps him active through the whistle.

Strengths

• Disruptive Power and Punch: Consistently demonstrates the ability to put offensive linemen on their heels with a powerful and punchy initial strike. He is strong enough to back up traffic, beat double teams, and clog running lanes effectively.
• Surprising Agility and Pursuit: For his size, he shows impressive lateral quickness and the ability to redirect and pursue plays down the line of scrimmage. This 'twitch' allows him to be a factor on plays not run directly at him and manifests in his ability to penetrate and make plays in the backfield.
• High Motor and Production: Plays with a relentless motor and makes a high number of effort plays. His production reflects this, having amassed over 100 tackles and double-digit sacks in his sophomore and junior seasons combined, along with a knack for blocking kicks.

Areas to Improve

• Pad Level and Balance: Can get caught playing too high, particularly against double teams, which neutralizes his power base. He also occasionally plays flat-footed and can improve his overall balance and body control, especially upon disengaging from blocks to initiate pursuit.
• Hand Technique Refinement: While he uses his hands, he could benefit from refining his placement and delivering a more violent shock-and-shed move to disengage from blockers more efficiently.

College Projection

Vallejo projects as an impact player for a high-major program and a multi-year starter. While there may be an adjustment period to the speed and power of the college game, his raw tools are undeniable. Expect him to work his way into the defensive line rotation by his second year and develop into a quality starter, capable of playing either defensive tackle spot in a four-man front or lining up inside in an odd front.

NFL Outlook

Given his verified size, functional athleticism, and disruptive production, Vallejo possesses the coveted traits of a next-level interior defensive lineman. His combination of strength and movement skills gives him a high ceiling. With continued development of his technique and consistency, he projects as a prospect who could develop into an NFL Draft candidate down the road.

Best Fit

A defensive scheme that utilizes an aggressive, one-gapping front where he can leverage his quickness and power to penetrate and disrupt plays in the backfield. He is a strong fit for a three-technique in a 4-3 defense, a role similar to the one played by Mason Graham at Michigan, a player to whom he is often compared. His versatility also allows him to be effective in multiple-front schemes.