Justin Pugh

Pugh was a lightly recruited player out of Pennsylvania and redshirted in 2009. He earned the starting left tackle job as a freshman in 2010 and started all 13 games, earning All-Big East Second Team honors. He started every game at left tackle again as a sophomore, earning First Team All-Big East honors. Pugh was first-team all-conference again in 2012 despite missing the first four games of the season to injury, and decided to capitalize on the momentum and declare for the NFL Draft with a year of eligibility remaining. "My Syracuse career was the best four years of my life. My teammates, coaches, the staff and the fans have been great," Pugh said in announcing his decision. "I would not change anything about my decision to attend Syracuse or my career. I am so happy I came to Syracuse University. I will always be active in the Orange football program and the Syracuse community. I love the Orange. Go 'Cuse." And with his degree in hand, Pugh earned an invitation to the Senior Bowl. He is an intriguing prospect, but it became more evident at the Senior Bowl that his best position is probably inside at guard.

strenghts

Experienced player who started every game he played over three seasons. Effortless mover for a 290-pound tackle with good body control and coordination to take on blocks and mirror rushers in space. Good combination of speed and athleticism enables him to reach the second level as fast as any offensive lineman in this class. High ceiling.

weaknesses

Has the mobility and body control to protect the edge, but he has suspect core strength and struggles to properly use his hands to control rushers at the point of attack. Pugh also lacks the length (31.5-inch arms) and growth potential to convince NFL teams he can stay at left tackle. Needs to continue to fill out his frame and spend more time in the weight room. Left shoulder injury from 2012 warrants medical evaluation.

2012: Missed the first four games of the season with a left shoulder injury.

Selected to play for Pennsylvania in the 2009 Big 33 All-Star Classic

Earned the Maxwell Award, which is presented to the Top 50 high school scholar-athletes in the tri-state area (Pennsylvania, New Jersey and Delaware), recognizing athletics, academics and community service

Named to the 2008 Pennsylvania Football News All-State Second Team for defense

Earned all-area and All-Suburban One League First Team honors as a junior and senior and named second-team all-area as a defensive lineman as a senior

Named 2008 team MVP and defensive player of the year as a team captain

As a sophomore, earned second-team all-area honors as an offensive tackle

Involved in Special Olympics and volunteers for Athletes Helping Athletes

High School Coach: Vince Bedesem.

Justin David Pugh

Born in August 1990

Son of Frank and Carolyn Gavaghan

Has two brothers and one sister

Member of the National Honor Society

Majoring in finance in the Martin J. Whitman School of Management.