So if they had 14 across the entire DL and the roster has grown by 20 that means theu may add 2 to the entire DL. So 8 is still a good number for DT.

90ags said:

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Unfortunately, there are 2-3 that haven't panned out already as true interior (some due to lack of playing time, but a couple may not be true SEC interior DL - but can hope they develop and improve). Inexperience is the definition of this list (vs. good SEC competition) and it's a problem next year.

Hicks is key to next year (need him to come back), and important for Sanders and Simms to step up (very inexperienced). Scarlett and Evans are the unknowns (haven't truly flashed, but hopefully due to lack of playing time). Evans is also an in-betweener and probably not really a DT (he's stuck b/w DE and DT, but truly not a DT today and more towards a DE).

Think we'll take 2 interior DL in the portal (as need at least 8 DT and that counting1 fish just signed), but depends who on that list 'stays' (sometimes they are 'valued' less than what they think) and who is available in the portal.

https://texags.com/aggie-football/class-breakdown

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Evans is an interior DL. Not sure why he's not listed that way. He's 300 lbs

And he started to play more towards the end of the season.

Not sure who 90ags was talking about not panning out at DT.
Evans is a RsFr and Simms and Sanders are True Fr.
Scarlett was always a weird situation with his dad passing and then gray shirting.

Serious question, but where are we worried Hicks may go?

So what you're trying to say is no one let you in on our short term and long term strategy and its makes you nervous. I'm going to assume they have it under control. But time will tell. I'm going in with confidence they have a good gameplan

Hehateme1 said:

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Did any of y'all watch Rink play (#99) ?? Pretty impressive for a fish as a DT

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between him and DJ Sanders they are going to be good

It's not the interior, but the development of Dayon Hayes this year tells me we're in good hands with this staff. Hayes was a guy that didn't do very much until he showed up here.

I think we grab at least 1 DT from the portal for experience. After that it depends on if we lose anyone or if staff isn't happy with the development of some of the younger guys.

jt16 said:

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90ags said:

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Unfortunately, there are 2-3 that haven't panned out already as true interior (some due to lack of playing time, but a couple may not be true SEC interior DL - but can hope they develop and improve). Inexperience is the definition of this list (vs. good SEC competition) and it's a problem next year.

Hicks is key to next year (need him to come back), and important for Sanders and Simms to step up (very inexperienced). Scarlett and Evans are the unknowns (haven't truly flashed, but hopefully due to lack of playing time). Evans is also an in-betweener and probably not really a DT (he's stuck b/w DE and DT, but truly not a DT today and more towards a DE).

Think we'll take 2 interior DL in the portal (as need at least 8 DT and that counting1 fish just signed), but depends who on that list 'stays' (sometimes they are 'valued' less than what they think) and who is available in the portal.

https://texags.com/aggie-football/class-breakdown

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Evans is an interior DL. Not sure why he's not listed that way. He's 300 lbs

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12th man lists him at 310. He has just needed some time to grow into his frame.

Mainly Scarlett (yes, has had family concerns) and could debate if Evans really has developed yet (he didn't from the prior year and why as a couple DTs were brought in, but still young).

Evans may be of size, but not sure suited for true interior (again, we'll have to see this upcoming year if that changes, but he's struggled to be inside vs. seems more comfortable on the outside a bit ... again, not truly a DE, but also not a NT and pseudo DT).

Hopefully, all continue to develop, but think we will try to get 2 DTs (esp a NT) in the portal (definitely depends who's out there and who they are tracking/scouting).

Also, there's no guarantee we don't lose 1-2 to the portal, as a couple haven't broken into playing time and may look elsewhere. It's almost a given in today's world.

gA_CMAB_FA said:

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beerad12man said:

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Neither did Saban or Kirby. Hth. 10 is a high number, unless you're including walkons. Very unusual to carry that many. That was my point.

And jimbo didn't fall short because of our dl, so your point isn't a great one either way. You literally just said he was great at loading up at nfl DT.

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Jimbo got some good quality DTs, but not great depth.

Plus its 105 ships now vs 85 in Jimbos days. Load em up Elko!

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How many NFL caliber DTs do you think exists in each signing class?! LOL

I do feel as though some people believe college football recruiting in real life works like it does on NCAA Football on the Playstation.

I trust Elko on many things, but in particular I trust his evaluation, thoughts, rationale and roster building for the DL given his 4 down lineman attacking D philosophy.

Upcoming portal activity as well which the staff if already addressing and working on to shore up any immediate needs.

This season the DL and DBs played well. If there is any D position group that needs a talent and #s upgrade ASAP it's LB.

The truth is we need a Bobby Brown, T'Vondre Sweat DTs, or this DL will not show up against the run playing elite teams. The math is not hard, some of you should take off your maroon colored glasses and just look at the DLs of the last SEC champions

Most of our run issues have been in the 2nd and 3rd levels as opposed to the Dts that we're playing this year.

Our dl in general was pretty dang good. Even against nd they played solid, it was the LB and S play we need to get better at against the run.

We also may very well have those types. No one knows how these FR like sanders, evans, sims, rink, and now Kinsler will look in 2026/2027. Way too early to give up on them. Bobby brown was playing DE as a true fish and no one could say he was a sure fire nfl DT in the future. That's hindsight if you knew what he would become when he wasn't even playing that position.

Yes, I would love another sure fire five star DT type. No one wouldn't.

Oh yeah and didn't the SEC say they are sticking with the 85 limit?

jt16 said:

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It's not the interior, but the development of Dayon Hayes this year tells me we're in good hands with this staff. Hayes was a guy that didn't do very much until he showed up here.

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Hayes was a productive player at Pitt, was one of the top DEs in the portal in 2023, then was hurt for most the 2024 season. He's less a development story, as a 24 year old, and more a got healthy story.