DT discussion thread.

#1
GUNTERSVOL

GUNTERSVOL

VOL FROM BIRTH
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#1
Talent acquisition is slowing down and although every room is important, the post portal concerns seem to be greatest for CRG’s room.

From farmdogvol roster breakdown..,,,

Defensive Tackle​

  • Sr. Daevin Hobbs
  • R-So. Xavier Gilliam (Penn State)
  • R-Jr. Nathan Robinson
  • So. Isaiah Campbell
  • So. Ethan Utley
  • Fr. Dereon Albert
  • Fr. Darryl Rivers
  • Fr. JJ Finch
  • Fr. NicQuayvion Simmons
  • R-Fr. Charles House III
  • R-Sr. Joshua Helsdon
  • R-So. Isaiah Inge
I know experienced talent is safer than inexperienced talent, BUT BUT BUT…,,

Do we have the ABILITY to have a reliable rotation with this group if coached up?

Guessing we would like to creatively add some experience but it APPEARS staff likes our younger talent.

Where are we really?
 
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#2
#2
GUNTERSVOL said:
Talent acquisition is slowing down and although every room is important, the post portal concerns seem to be greatest for CRG’s room.

From farmdogvol roster breakdown..,,,

Defensive Tackle​

  • Sr. Daevin Hobbs
  • R-So. Xavier Gilliam (Penn State)
  • R-Jr. Nathan Robinson
  • So. Isaiah Campbell
  • So. Ethan Utley
  • Fr. Dereon Albert
  • Fr. Darryl Rivers
  • Fr. JJ Finch
  • Fr. NicQuayvion Simmons
  • R-Fr. Charles House III
  • R-Sr. Joshua Helsdon
  • R-So. Isaiah Inge
I know experienced talent is safer than inexperienced talent, BUT BUT BUT…,,

Do we have the ABILITY to have a reliable rotation with this group if coached up?

Guessing we would like to creatively add some experience but it APPEARS staff likes our younger talent.

Where are we really?
Click to expand...
Where are we? We have some talented bodies.
The biggest additions are The SC coach and Knowles as DC imo.
Campbell and Utley playing heavy snaps as true sophomores isn’t the end of the world.

I think they feel like they like what we have. I do too…but we could still use another imo.
 
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#3
#3
GUNTERSVOL said:
Talent acquisition is slowing down and although every room is important, the post portal concerns seem to be greatest for CRG’s room.

From farmdogvol roster breakdown..,,,

Defensive Tackle​

  • Sr. Daevin Hobbs
  • R-So. Xavier Gilliam (Penn State)
  • R-Jr. Nathan Robinson
  • So. Isaiah Campbell
  • So. Ethan Utley
  • Fr. Dereon Albert
  • Fr. Darryl Rivers
  • Fr. JJ Finch
  • Fr. NicQuayvion Simmons
  • R-Fr. Charles House III
  • R-Sr. Joshua Helsdon
  • R-So. Isaiah Inge
I know experienced talent is safer than inexperienced talent, BUT BUT BUT…,,

Do we have the ABILITY to have a reliable rotation with this group if coached up?

Guessing we would like to creatively add some experience but it APPEARS staff likes our younger talent.

Where are we really?
Click to expand...
This is just going to be the norm for many programs when it comes to experienced depth. Proven players are going to be lured away by other schools so UT better hit on some of the highly rated guys like Campbell & Utley along with some of the newer croots they just signed. I imagine that Hobbs and Gilliam are the starters for the season opener with Robinson, Campbell, and Utley receiving plenty of snaps after those two.
 
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#4
#4
GUNTERSVOL said:
Talent acquisition is slowing down and although every room is important, the post portal concerns seem to be greatest for CRG’s room.

From farmdogvol roster breakdown..,,,

Defensive Tackle​

  • Sr. Daevin Hobbs
  • R-So. Xavier Gilliam (Penn State)
  • R-Jr. Nathan Robinson
  • So. Isaiah Campbell
  • So. Ethan Utley
  • Fr. Dereon Albert
  • Fr. Darryl Rivers
  • Fr. JJ Finch
  • Fr. NicQuayvion Simmons
  • R-Fr. Charles House III
  • R-Sr. Joshua Helsdon
  • R-So. Isaiah Inge
I know experienced talent is safer than inexperienced talent, BUT BUT BUT…,,

Do we have the ABILITY to have a reliable rotation with this group if coached up?

Guessing we would like to creatively add some experience but it APPEARS staff likes our younger talent.

Where are we really?
Click to expand...
Yes, good that we see youthful talent.
Strength and Conditioning ... GO, GO, GO!
 
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#5
#5
It looks like they are expecting a jump from Utley, Campbell, and House. Utley and Campbell played a lot of downs for Freshmen. Hopefully Hobbs can stay healthy, he has All-SEC potential if he stays healthy. They are solid at starter and are 3 deep with the younger players. Will be interesting to see if any of the Freshmen play as much as Utley and Campbell did in '25. If the guy from Cal wins his case and gets another year, he looks like he would be a nice pickup. I love Pacific Islander DTs.
 
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#9
#9
GUNTERSVOL said:
Talent acquisition is slowing down and although every room is important, the post portal concerns seem to be greatest for CRG’s room.

From farmdogvol roster breakdown..,,,

Defensive Tackle​

  • Sr. Daevin Hobbs
  • R-So. Xavier Gilliam (Penn State)
  • R-Jr. Nathan Robinson
  • So. Isaiah Campbell
  • So. Ethan Utley
  • Fr. Dereon Albert
  • Fr. Darryl Rivers
  • Fr. JJ Finch
  • Fr. NicQuayvion Simmons
  • R-Fr. Charles House III
  • R-Sr. Joshua Helsdon
  • R-So. Isaiah Inge
I know experienced talent is safer than inexperienced talent, BUT BUT BUT…,,

Do we have the ABILITY to have a reliable rotation with this group if coached up?

Guessing we would like to creatively add some experience but it APPEARS staff likes our younger talent.

Where are we really?
Click to expand...
That is a question for Knowles and Garner of which you will not get an answer. As a fan, if they do not go after another body it is quite obvious that the coaches feel that they have filled the position. Trust the coaches and have faith.

As fans, we have no clue.
 
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#13
#13
Robinson could turn into a monster under our new strength coach. With him and Gilliam you have your two-deep of space eaters (I'm assuming that's Gilliam's role). Hobbs needs to stay healthy and he can be really good. Then you need at least one, preferably two or more of the true sophomores to make a significant impact.
 
#14
#14
LAVol1 said:
Indiana's largest DL was 6'3" 300. Others ranged from 6'1" - 6'3" and 244-282#. Weight is not necessary to have a very good DL. Quickness and strength are necessary.
Click to expand...
I know you're going to say Indiana beat them, but Miami's DL is 275, 303, 325, 280. Different schemes are better for different body types but size definitely helps in the trenches. Especially when we've watched our actual DL get bullied the whole year.
 
Last edited:
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#15
#15
I’m not surprised if they like what we have and what coaches believe the DL will look like in 7 months after being with the new strength coach and DC.
We still need to try to develop and play young guys and pay the good ones to stay. Imo if we shove those mentioned in the rotation down the list with portal each year, we will stay behind and those guys will have one foot out the door. We need to keep our good players and try to keep them happy.
 
#16
#16
farmdogvol said:
It looks like they are expecting a jump from Utley, Campbell, and House. Utley and Campbell played a lot of downs for Freshmen. Hopefully Hobbs can stay healthy, he has All-SEC potential if he stays healthy. They are solid at starter and are 3 deep with the younger players. Will be interesting to see if any of the Freshmen play as much as Utley and Campbell did in '25. If the guy from Cal wins his case and gets another year, he looks like he would be a nice pickup. I love Pacific Islander DTs.
Click to expand...
Do you know the name of the DT from Cal?
 
#18
#18
Sudden Impact said:
That is a question for Knowles and Garner of which you will not get an answer. As a fan, if they do not go after another body it is quite obvious that the coaches feel that they have filled the position. Trust the coaches and have faith.

As fans, we have no clue.
Click to expand...
What? Are you crazy? Of course, we know better than the coaches! You must have forgotten to use blue font.
 
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#19
#19
AlsaceFreak said:
Do you know the name of the DT from Cal?
Click to expand...
Aidan Keanaaina, he has filed a suit to get an extra year of eligibility. In 2025 he had 19 solo tackles and 1.5 sacks. He is 6'3" 320lbs. He has an undergraduate degree from ND and a Masters from Cal. I believe he will do alright with his life if he doesn't get the extra year.
 
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#21
#21
GUNTERSVOL said:
Talent acquisition is slowing down and although every room is important, the post portal concerns seem to be greatest for CRG’s room.

From farmdogvol roster breakdown..,,,

Defensive Tackle​

  • Sr. Daevin Hobbs
  • R-So. Xavier Gilliam (Penn State)
  • R-Jr. Nathan Robinson
  • So. Isaiah Campbell
  • So. Ethan Utley
  • Fr. Dereon Albert
  • Fr. Darryl Rivers
  • Fr. JJ Finch
  • Fr. NicQuayvion Simmons
  • R-Fr. Charles House III
  • R-Sr. Joshua Helsdon
  • R-So. Isaiah Inge
I know experienced talent is safer than inexperienced talent, BUT BUT BUT…,,

Do we have the ABILITY to have a reliable rotation with this group if coached up?

Guessing we would like to creatively add some experience but it APPEARS staff likes our younger talent.

Where are we really?
Click to expand...
We are deep
 
#22
#22
The DT position is very subpar and nowhere near championship level. Was literally the reason for multiple losses this season and will continue to cost them games until they vastly improve this position and depth.
 
#23
#23
hbvol1982 said:
If Derek Owings works his S&C magic DT will be just fine.
Yes, one more experienced guy would be nice but not the end of the world if we've missed out.
Click to expand...
Exactly! The science Owings uses actually prevents injuries while getting amazing results. He has a proven system and track record.
 
#24
#24
madbamahater said:
The DT position is very subpar and nowhere near championship level. Was literally the reason for multiple losses this season and will continue to cost them games until they vastly improve this position and depth.
Click to expand...
The experience and weight room development is sub par. Not the talent level. I have to remind myself that Campbell and Utley could have gone pretty much anywhere. Probably the same for Hobbs. Like was previously said, I would still love to have a giant tattooed PI dude.
 
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#25
#25
It has been 24 hours since I kicked off this discussion thread and thanks to all who have chipped in.

It appears we collectively do not have a consensus opinion if we have the talent on board to meet the needs. Lots of youth.

Did the staff not prioritize multiple additions in that room because they thought our existing guys have higher equal or higher ceilings than those really in play?

Did they save roster spots for some alternative potential supply, court generated or other?

Are we going to add a couple more young and inexperienced guys in the portal simply based on athletic evaluations and Hope yields work out?

The lack of urgency gives me questions but not panic. Overwhelming negative responses would have changed that.
 
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