I love this guy, has a non-stop motor and is naturally strong. Makes me think of a poor man's Justin Smith/Sheldon Richardson hybrid.
He had 94 tackles in 2011 from the DT position! And that was on a 2-10 team. That was in a 4-3 defense but they changed DCs in 2012 and switched to the 3-4.
Against WVU he tackled their RB from behind in this video:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DdJri_GGgpA
And here he is talking about the prospects for the 2012 season
From CBS Sports:
"12/12/2012 - 2012 COACHES ALL-ACC FOOTBALL FIRST TEAM: DT-Joe Vellano, Maryland, 6-1, 285, Sr., Rexford, N.Y. (20), has been selected First Team All-Atlantic Coast Conference (Coaches selection) for the 2012 college football season. This year, for the first time under the auspices of the ACC, the league's 12 head football coaches voted for an All-ACC football team.
Despite playing with lingering injuries for much of the season, Vellano managed to make 61 tackles, 14.0 for a loss, and six sacks. The senior ranked fourth in the league with 1.17 TFLs per game and seventh with 0.50 sacks per game. - Maryland football
More Joe Vellano News
Overview
It's not often that defensive linemen get near triple digits in tackles, but Vellano came close last season, totaling 94 stops as a junior in 2011.
A naturally strong and powerful player, he also plays smart and disciplined, getting the most out of his ability while trying to live up to his family's legacy. Vellano, who was also recruited by Penn State and Boston College, committed to the Terps the moment he was offered a scholarship, the same institution where his father starred at defensive tackle. In fact, the Vellanos are the first father-son All-America combo at the same school in ACC history.
After redshirting, the younger Vellano was an injured back-up in 2009 before becoming a starter as a sophomore in 2010. He started all 25 games the past two seasons at defensive tackle, but will move to defensive end as Maryland transitions to a three-man front in 2012.
Analysis
Vellano is a productive player because of his nonstop motor, quickness off the snap and hard work as the coaching staff raves about his dedication on the practice field, in the weight room and in the film room. And if he can build upon his All-American season from last year, look for Vellano to be a riser leading up to the 2013 NFL Draft. --Dane Brugler"
http://www.cbssports.com/nfl/draft/players/1242968