Who is the toughest matchup in college football? This is a simple question that takes a complicated answer because of the intricacies of the position and how each player matches up differently with one another. However, for one player that question was straightforward.

D.J. Humphries, a highly touted tackle coming out of the University of Florida,  quickly quipped, “You mean, besides Dante?” referring to his Florida teammate and defensive end Dante Fowler. At first, this may appear to be a benign way for Humphries to compliment his friend and teammate, but he’s wasn’t the only one who quickly uttered Fowler’s name in response to a similar question.

La’el Collins, who may be the highest rated offensive tackle in the draft, offered similar sentiments as did Missouri offensive tackle Mitch Morse, who’s used to going against top level pass-rushers as he went to battle with highly-rated Shane Ray and Markus Golden everyday in practice.

Anytime players of that caliber all say the same player was the hardest to compete against, you have to take notice. However, when you look at the work Fowler has put on tape, it is easy to understand why blocking him is such a tall task.

At 6-foot-2 and 261 pounds with 33.75-inch arms, Fowler can generate a ton of leverage as he is able to get under blockers and use his length to separate. This allows him to create movement off the line of scrimmage on a consistent basis as he mirrors his hips with his hands and feet.

Not only does Fowler have a good understanding of the technical nuances of the game, he also is a great athlete. He uses a quick first step to go with an outstanding upfield burst to attack and threaten any offensive tackle’s outside edge. Once the lineman overcompensates for Fowler’s speed to the outside, he can hit a quick inside move as well.

Combine that with a relentless motor and you have a mixture that will likely give offensive linemen fits for the next decade in the NFL.

“He has an incredible motor, it really is remarkable to see,” Morse said.

Nevertheless, if you ask Fowler, he will give another reason as to why he can be such an effective force off the edge in the NFL.

“I create a lot of problems for the offense and really just stressing offensive coordinators out,” Fowler said. “It’s an advantage [to have played DE and LB]. … I was versatile and fortunate enough to be able to play both.”

That type of versatility will broaden the spectrum of teams interested in him because he fits into everyone’s system. Run a 4-3 defense, he can play defensive end or maybe a 3-4 defense is more your style, he can play outside linebacker.

Not only does Fowler have the capability to play in both schemes, he has experience in each as well.

“I really can play anywhere,” Fowler said. “Coach (Will) Muschamp’s defense was multiple, we played a 3-4 and a 4-3. My freshman year, I played a lot of defensive end. My sophomore year, I did a lot. My junior year we played a lot of 3-4, so I was the Buck (linebacker)—I stood up and just roamed up and things like that. I played all over the place.”

In a draft class that is full of tweeners like Shane Ray and Randy Gregory, the versatility to play in both is extremely valuable.

Fowler has a chance to set himself apart from the rest of the edge-rusher draft class with a stellar combine in Indianapolis.

Oftentimes, you hear about the fact that a player is “checking the boxes.” The NFL Scouting Combine is usually an opportunity for player’s to check off more boxes. Nonetheless, Fowler has already accomplished that feat and he hasn’t even stepped on the field.

Is Fowler one of the most difficult players to match up with and block on a consistent basis? Check.