Defensive Line |
|---|
DE - Joseph Adedire |
NT - Quincy Ledet |
DT - Dooda Banks |
Edge - Dylan Spencer |
On defense, the biggest question will be the defensive line. That's where Tech must replace Tony Bradford Jr., Jalon Hutchings, Myles Cole, and Steve Linton, the four starters from a season ago.
The good news is that there is plenty of young and new talent in the pipeline. However, the new players are going to have to prove themselves in a hurry.
Joseph Adedire and Dylan Spencer must take big strides and prove they can be more than just physically gifted players. Can they get to the QB with any consistency? If so, it will do wonders for the defense. However, in 2023, they had just one sack between them (it belonged to Adedire).
Perhaps redshirt sophomore Amier Washington can also challenge for a starting job at end or off the edge. He had a breakout game in the bowl win over Cal with three sacks. Also, look for Isaac Smith to be a factor and earn playing time in 2024 after missing all of last fall with a knee injury.
Inside, Banks has the physical traits to be the next excellent Red Raider defensive tackle. What's more Ledet was more than serviceable as a backup in 2023. Also, transfers James Hansen (from Nevada) and De'Braylon Carroll (from Rice) will compete for snaps and could earn starting jobs given that both are seniors with significant experience.