WILLIAMSBURG, Va. (April 8, 2014) – With the Spring Game just a few days away, senior All-American defensive end Mike Reilly recently sat down with TribeAthletics.com to discuss his offseason preparation as well as life off the gridiron.
Below is a quick look at the Tribe's spring depth chart at the defensive line position.
Defensive line coach
Kevin Lewis:
“We have a good deal of experience with our first group, but our goal in the spring has been on finding and developing depth. We have a lot of young and talented players who have committed themselves to improving this spring, and we've had some outstanding competition in the group. As we wind down the spring, I want to see the progress continue and the gap between the one's and two's dwindle.”
| Defensive Line |
Defensive End
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#95 Mike Reilly, Sr. (6-4, 265) 2013 Video Highlights Established himself as one of the nation's top defensive ends last season and was selected as an All-American by the Associated Press ... First-team All-CAA selection ... Led the CAA in sacks (11.5) and sacks per game (0.96), an averaged that ranked fourth nationally ... Plays with a high motor ... Greatest strength is effort level, which extends beyond the field and into the film and weight room ... Great speed, strength and quickness. |
#48 Peyton Gryder, So. (6-3, 247) Appeared in 11 games as a reserve defensive end last season ... High-motor player who maximizes his strength and quickness ... Coachable young player who will contribute valuable depth while competing for game reps. |
Defensive Tackle |
#99 Tyler Claytor, Jr. (6-3, 280) 2013 Video Highlights Saw action in all 12 games and started in the win versus Rhode Island last season ... Finished the season ... Blends experience with good size and great football instincts ... Outstanding interior pass rusher ... Can play either the three or shade technique ... Developing into one of the leaders on the defensive front ... Will challenge for all-conference honors. |
#58 VJ Davey, So. (6-3, 249) Appeared in four games as a reserve last season ... Brings quality depth at tackle position ... Has good burst and quickness ... Improving on being more physical at the point of attack ... Will challenge for game reps he continues to refine his technique. |
| Defensive Tackle |
#94 Jasper Coleman, Sr. (6-4, 290) 2013 Video Highlights Experienced player who has earned 17 starts during the past two seasons ... Outstanding size, speed, strength and athleticism ... Has potential to challenge for both conference and national honors ... Despite extensive playing experience, he continues to work hard on improving in all phases of his game ... Very physical player who excels in run game ... Making strides in improving as interior pass rusher. |
#45 Spencer Bopp, Jr. (6-3, 260) Reserve who was a member of the travel squad for 11 games last season ... Injury to Chris Donald in the fall creates an opportunity to challenge for playing reps this season ... Great motor and physicality ... good grasp of alignments and assignments. |
Defensive End
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#96 Stephen Sinnott, Sr. (6-4, 250) 2013 Video Highlights Proven veteran who enters his senior season with 28 career starts ... Totaled 7.0 TFL and 4.5 sacks last season ... Has flashed premier play-making ability ... One of his biggest improvements during the spring has been his physicality at the point of attack. |
#97 Xavier Roscoe, RFr. (6-3, 218) Redshirted last season as a true freshman ... Talented, athletic young player ... Continues to improve ... Developing pass rusher with long frame and good quickness ... Will concentrate on adding size and strength during the offseason. |