OVERVIEWKuhn is a big defensive tackle with size and movement skills. He has a dependable makeup and consistent effort, but his greatest asset is power, which comes from a compact stance, good quickness off the snap, and initial low surge led by powerful hands at the end of long muscular arms. He consistently over-powered Atlantic Coast Conference interior offensive linemen and got penetration.
Kuhn could fit inside in a 4-3 or outside in a 3-4. His best fit would appear to be defensive tackle in a 4-3 scheme similar to the one used by the New York Giants, where their interior linemen are expected to push the pocket and bat down passes, areas where Kuhn excels.
Kuhn came to NC State as a 21-year-old freshman in 2007, and had some production before a shoulder injury caused a medical hardship year in 2009. Kuhn has been part of the team's defensive tackle rotation for the past two years.
From Weinheim, Germany, where he played outside linebacker and on the defensive line for the Weinheim Longhorns, the highest division of the German Football League, Kuhn saw action in 11 games as a 21-year-old freshman in 2007, playing defensive tackle for the first six games before moving to end and recording 33 tackles, 4 1⁄2 tackles for loss and two sacks with three pass breakups and three forced fumbles.
In 2008, he recorded 20-3-2 with one pass breakup and one forced fumble in 13 games (three starts at defensive end). He saw limited action in the Papajohns.com Bowl game against Rutgers because of a shoulder injury.
The import used 2009 as a developmental redshirt year before switching back to defensive tackle in 2010, when he collected 17-1½ with one pass breakup in 11 games as a reserve. He missed the Georgia Tech game with a sprained MCL in his right knee.
As a senior, Kuhn started 12 of the 13 games in which he played at defensive tackle and posted career highs with 45-9½ -4½ with three pass breakups and a blocked kick. He left the Boston College game after nine snaps with an abdominal injury and did not start the following week against Clemson.
Kuhn carries his weight well. He has outstanding movement skills — moved cleanly through drills at the Combine. He shows the ability to control and play off single blocks and has sheer size to push the pocket and disrupt passing lanes. He plays with good urgency and gives effort in pursuit. He is a physical wrap-up tackler, competitive, hard working and accountable. He is passionate about the game, having left his homeland to pursue a football career.
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