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In the Jon Sumrall era of Troy football, perhaps the biggest thing that people will remember is the strength of the Trojans' front seven throughout the last two years, as well as in the 18 months or so beforehand. Javon Solomon was a huge part of that, particularly in 2023.
Solomon helped the Trojans clinch back-to-back Sun Belt titles in 2022 and 2023.
As April's NFL Draft approaches, here's what else is important to note about Solomon -statistically, one of the best defensive ends in the history of the Sun Belt.
Background
Measurements: 6'1" - 246 pounds
A two-star prospect from Tallahassee, Florida, Solomon took a redshirt his first season at Troy under Chip Lindsey. His redshirt freshman season, he wasn't a full-time starter, but still earned an All-Sun Belt Honorable Mention with six tackles for loss, three sacks, and two forced fumbles.
2021 saw Solomon earn First-Team All-Sun Belt honors and an All-America nod by Pro Football Network. He set the program record for TFLs in a game (5) and had the second-most sacks in a game at Troy with 3.5. Solomon also totaled 11 sacks that season.
In 2022, he saw his production dip a bit with 7.5 TFLs and 4.5 sacks, but was still a Third-Team All-SBC pick. However, he bounced back in 2023 with another First-Team All-Sun Belt honor. He finished his career with an extremely impressive 33 sacks and 49.5 tackles for loss.
RELATED: 2024 NFL Draft Profile: UConn EDGE Eric Watts
The Strengths
As you can expect from someone who led the FBS in sacks in any given season, Solomon is a very impressive pass rusher. He was credited with 101 total QB hurries in his career.
His combine stats may not jump off the page, but Solomon is one of the more technically sound defensive ends in this class. Without that element, it's tough to imagine his production would have been among the best in the Group of Five each of the last three seasons. Solomon led the FBS this past season in sacks with 16, setting the Troy and Sun Belt single season records.
His strength comes from his core, which majorly helps with that ability to bend and twist around blocks without getting knocked down or off-balance. That trait makes him effective as a pass rusher as well as in contain scenarios. This past season, Pro Football Focus graded Solomon as the #6 defensive end in the nation.
Combine Stats
40-Yard Dash: 4.72 seconds
10-Yard Split: 1.66 seconds
Vertical Jump: 37"
Broad Jump: 9'11"
3-Cone Drill: N/A
20-Yard Shuttle: N/A
Bench Press: 23 Reps (tied for fourth among EDGE players)
What's Next
Solomon could still improve his stock slightly with a good performance at Troy's Pro Day on Monday, March 18. However, based on industry-wide scout grades and his overall college production, while he isn't one of the more hyped prospects, he'll be a bargain pick as a day-three selection.
More must-reads:
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