We’re up to the defensive line and much like the offensive line, there’s a couple of transfers that are likely to start, or at the very least contribute significantly. The reason seniors were needed is because Tony Bradford and Jaylon Hutchings graduated and received most of the playing time at the defensive tackle spots. Hutchings had 44 tackles along with 7.5 tackles for a loss and Bradford had 43 tackles with 4.5 tackles for a loss. And when someone transfers as a super-senior, there’s probably a decent chance that they will receive significant time. Of the two transfers, I think that Carroll is the better talent, or at the very least he had better stats at Rice. I’m not worried about Carroll being under 3-bills because he’s also just 6’0″ and hopefully built like a fire hydrant. Hansen had 18 tackles for the Wolfpack last year, including 4.5 tackles for a loss and a sack. Carroll had 47 tackles last year with 9 tackles for a loss and 3.5 sacks, and 6 quarterback hurries. Ledet was productive in a back-up roll with 20 tackles and 1 sack. And what I think we have here is we have a group of super seniors and then redshirt freshmen and not a ton in between.
- Quincy Ledet, Jr. (6-2/305) | S-SR
- De’Braylon Carroll (6-0/290) | S-SR – Rice
- James Hansen (6-2/307) | S-SR – Nevada
I can’t say I know a ton about Wooten other than he was transfer from Virginia Tech. I don’t know how much he factors into this year, but we’ll see. At 270, that seems light for a defensive tackle and don’t know why he’s not at end. He didn’t record a single stat last year.
- Robert Wooten (6-3/270) | SR
Banks is a talent that I sort of love. He’s got the body-type that you dream up in a lab. In just 9 games he had 15 tackles, 4.5 tackles for a loss and 1.5 sacks. I hope he and the coaches figure it out and he gets a ton of time as I think he’s incredibly talented.
- E’Maurion Banks (6-5/305) | JR
I’m combining McAlpine and the other redshirt freshmen together. I am interested to see their weights and how they’ve changed their bodies from last year to this year. These guys are already sizeable. I cannot wait for these guys to hit the field and I couldn’t be more excited for them to get some additional playing time this year. They may not be ready as redshirt freshmen, but I think they’ll be ready as sophomores to be the dudes. Their days will be here soon, but maybe not in 2024. I also believe in Zarnell Fitch as a coach.
- Trevon McAlpine (6-3/300) | SO
- Tre’Darius Brown (6-2/300) | R-FR
- Jayden Cofield (6-2/305) | R-FR
- Braylon Rigsby (6-2/295) | R-FR
- Amier Washington (6-2/275) | R-FR