A.J. Cann

A model of consistency at South Carolina over his career, Cann started all but one game at left guard the last four seasons with a balanced mix of athleticism and power. He is a bottom line blocker (sees it, hits it) with the aggressive hand use, wide frame and power to seal off inside run lanes and hold his own in pass protection. Cann isn't a flawless prospect, but he doesn't have any glaring flaws that should keep him from starting early in his career, projecting as a long-term NFL starter at left guard. A four-star recruit out of high school, Cann was courted by most of the ACC and SEC, deciding to stay in-state and play for the Gamecocks. After redshirting in 2010, he earned the starting left guard job, earning Freshman All-American honors from several outlets. Cann started every game except for one at the next three seasons for South Carolina, earning First Team All-SEC honors as a senior in 2014.

strengths

Proportionate frame with adequate bulk. Flexible lower body and quickly gets into position. Natural bender. Comfortable sitting in his stance. Naturally powerful with brute strength to be a people mover. Generates power through his hips and midsection. Delivers pop at the point of attack with strong grip to latch and control. Strong finisher and flashes tenacity to bury his man. Uses his length to keep space between him and his target. Alert. Always scanning with good instincts. Stout, resetting his feet well even after initially rocked backward. Reliable and coachable with consistent winning attitude. Named a permanent team captain as a junior. Four-year starter in the SEC (51 career starts).

compares to

Ben Grubbs, Saints -- Much like Grubbs, Cann doesn't have one elite trait that he uses to dominate defenders, but he has the steady consistency across the board to be a long-term starter.

weaknesses

Cann is best suited to a power-scheme as he does not possess ideal initial agility or straight-line speed for a zone-blocking scheme. Can better improve his momentum on the move to properly win angles and break down in motion. No spring off the snap - lumbers to a rolling start. Lacks quickness to recover when he's beaten initially. Not controlled in space, lunging and overextending from the waist. Will overrun open-field targets and needs to improve timing to be more consistent in this area. Not forceful with his hands. Lacks a consistent mean streak. Unproven at all positions except left guard.

Played on both sides of the ball for coach Kevin Crosby at Bamberg-Ehrhardt (S.C.) High School, graduating in 2010

graded out at 96 percent with 60 knockdown blocks as an offensive tackle

did not give up a sack

also logged 95 tackles, 24 tackles for loss and six sacks as a defensive lineman for the Red Raiders

helped B-E reach the state 1-A quarterfinals as a senior

selected to play in the Shrine Bowl of the Carolinas and in the Under Armour All-American game

earned all-state honors by The State

named the Orangeburg Times and Democrat Player of the Year, first-team all-area and was an Elite 11 selection

considered a four-star prospect, rated as the nation's second-best center, the state's ninth-best player and ranked 182nd on the Rivals250 by Rivals.com

rated a four-star prospect and the nation's third-best center by Scout.com

rated a four-star prospect, the nation's third-best offensive guard and 85th overall on ESPN's Top 150

ranked as the 24th-best offensive lineman in the country by SuperPrep

listed on PrepStar's Top 350 All-American team

also considered North Carolina, Clemson, Georgia Tech, Georgia and Tennessee.

A.J. Cann's given name is Aaron

was born October 3, 1991

is a sociology major.