​Hero Kanu

NFL Draft Profile: Hero Kanu

Position: Defensive Tackle | School: Texas (via Ohio State) | Class: Senior

Height: 6'5" | Weight: 305 lbs | Archetype: Balance

College Career Summary

Hero Kanu is a fascinating international prospect who originally hailed from Geltendorf, Germany. A former club soccer player, Kanu’s transition to football began late in high school, but his raw athletic tools made him a blue-chip recruit. After spending three seasons at Ohio State (2022–2024), where he was a developmental rotational piece on a National Championship squad, Kanu transferred to Texas for the 2025 season. In Austin, he finally received the snap count necessary to translate his "freakish" traits into production. While still considered a "raw" prospect by NFL standards due to his late start in the sport, his 2025 tape at Texas showed a player rapidly closing the gap between potential and performance.

Highlight Career Stats:

• Games Played: 41

• Total Tackles: 44 (30 in 2025)

• Tackles For Loss (TFL): 5.0 (4.0 in 2025)

• Sacks: 3.0 (2.0 in 2025)

• QB Hurries: 4 (2025)

2025 Season Game-by-Game Grades

Opponent	Stats	Grade	Key Performance Note
@ Ohio State	2 Tackles	C+	Return to Columbus; struggled to disengage from elite guards.
San Jose State	2 Tackles, 1 PD	B	Showed great active hands; batted a pass at the line.
UTEP	3 Tackles, 2.0 TFL, 1.0 Sk	A	Most Dominant Game. Lived in the backfield all afternoon.
Sam Houston	0 Tackles	B-	Low volume game; played with disciplined gap integrity.
@ Florida	6 Tackles	A-	Career High Tackles. Exceptional effort in pursuit.
vs. Oklahoma	2 Tackles	B	Solid in the Red River Rivalry; took on several double teams.
@ Kentucky	3 Tackles, 0.5 TFL	B+	Gritty performance in a tight, physical SEC battle.
@ Miss. State	4 Tackles, 1.0 TFL, 1.0 Sk	A	High Competitor drive; recorded a clutch sack in the 4th.
Vanderbilt	3 Tackles	B	Consistent anchor; allowed LBs to flow freely.
@ Georgia	2 Tackles, 0.5 TFL	B-	Flashed talent but was out-leveraged by UGA's veteran line.
Arkansas	1 Tackle	C+	Appeared tired late in the game; pad level rose significantly.
Texas A&M	2 Tackles	B	Disciplined "dirty work" game in a high-stakes rivalry win.

Scouting Report

Strengths

• Elite "Soccer" Footwork: His background in soccer is evident in his Footwork. He has incredibly light feet for a 300 lb man, allowing him to dance around blocks and mirror ball carriers.

• Massive Upside: Kanu is the definition of a "traits" prospect. His Acceleration and "get-off" are among the best in the class when he times the snap correctly.

• Natural Strength: Despite his relative inexperience, he possesses "man strength." He can hold a 0-technique or 1-technique anchor against single blockers with ease.

• High Motor: Scouts love his High Motor. He doesn't give up on plays and often records "effort tackles" 10–15 yards downfield.

Weaknesses

• Technical Rawness: His Technique is still a work in progress. He often relies on pure athleticism rather than a sophisticated pass-rush plan.

• Leverage Issues: At 6'5", he naturally plays high. He needs to learn to consistently sink his hips to prevent shorter NFL linemen from getting under his chin.

• Play Recognition: Because he hasn't played football as long as his peers, his IQ for diagnosing complex trap blocks or screen passes can lag behind.

Scheme Fit: Ideal 3-Technique in a 4-3 "Attacking" front.

NFL Comparison: Cameron Heyward (Style) / Lukas Van Ness (Developmental Path)

Scout’s Final Word & Projection

Intangibles: 17/20 | Physical Tools: 19/20 | Attributes: 15/20 | Athleticism: 18/20 | IQ: 15/20

Final Grade: 84/100

Hero Kanu is a "bet on the athlete" pick. He lacks the refined technique of a four-year SEC starter, but his physical ceiling is astronomically high. NFL defensive line coaches will view him as a piece of clay that can be molded into a dominant interior force. His performance in 2025 at Texas proved he can handle the rigors of a heavy snap count against elite competition. He may start his career as a rotational "sub-package" rusher while he develops his hands, but his long-term potential is that of a multi-year pro bowler.

Draft Projection: Late 2nd Round - Early 3rd Round