Dallas Cowboys, 2011 Draft: Quan Sturdivant Might Be the Sleeper Rob Ryan Needs

Quan Sturdivant may be the one player in the 2011 draft that could fit with the Dallas Cowboys new defensive coordinator perfectly.

With the Cowboys needing depth at the interior linebacker spot, Sturdivant's aggressive style may be just the tonic for Rob Ryan's defense.

Sturdivant graduated high school early and enrolled at the University of North Carolina in 2007. He immediately made an impact, starting five games in 2007 and posting 47 tackles, intercepting one pass and blocking one punt.

In 2008, Sturdivant had 87 solo tackles to lead the NCAA, with 122 total tackles overall. He also had two quarterback sacks and two interceptions.

In 2009, he registered 79 tackles, including 12 for losses.

While hampered with a hamstring injury in 2010, Sturdivant struggled but still managed 49 tackles and two sacks in only seven games.

While these stats tell only a part of the story, Sturdivant's history as a top high school quarterback certainly adds some flair to his resume. The ability to identify with an opposing quarterback's thoughts from the experience of standing in under center himself adds to the potential that Sturdivant brings to the table.

Sturdivant is characterized as a guy that might not be the hardest hitter or the prettiest tackler, but in the end, he gets it done.

And in the end, that's what the game is all about. With the Cowboys needing depth at the interior linebacker position, Sturdivant's aggressiveness and history of "getting it done" may make him a sleeper in the late rounds that the Cowboys should keep a close eye on.

The intangibles of a player often make the difference between success and failure, and Sturdivant's work ethic and dedication add to an already impressive resume.

That's the bottom line.