WILLIAMSBURG, Va. (March 18, 2015) – With the official start of the 2015 spring practice season this week, senior defensive tackle Tyler Claytor spoke with TribeAthletics.com about his life on and off the field at William and Mary. The video feature is available above or by clicking here.
Below is a quick look at the Tribe's spring depth chart at the defensive line position.
Defensive line coach
Kevin Lewis:
“Although we lost some significant starters to graduation, we return a number of talented players who can do a lot of things well. There are definitely some question marks at a few positions along the line, but I'm excited to see which guys use the opportunity to step up and take on an increased role.”
| Defensive Line |
Defensive End
|
#97 Xavier Roscoe, So. (6-3, 218)
2014 Video Highlights
Talented young, athletic defensive end who plays with a smooth style … Possesses good natural ability … Excels rushing the passer had has playmaking capabilities … Appeared in 11 games as a reserve defensive end last season … Will challenge for a starting stop in the fall. |
#87 Braxton Hicks, Sr. (6-4, 245)
Smooth player who is very good rushing the passer and getting to opposing quarterbacks … Athletic and possesses playmaking ability ... Earned valuable experience, mostly as a reserve, during the past three seasons and has appeared in 23 games. |
Defensive End
|
#48 Peyton Gryder, Jr. (6-3, 252)
2014 Video Highlights
Experienced defensive end who has seen action in 23 games during the past two seasons … Expected to challenge for a starting spot this fall … Hard worker who is physical and plays with a high motor … Effective versus the run … Totaled 3.0 sacks and 6.0 tackles for a loss last fall. |
#58 Matthew Ahola, So. (6-2, 246)
Plays with good technique … Physical defensive end who competes with a high motor … Saw limited time as a redshirt freshman last season and appeared in just two games. |
| Defensive Tackle |
#99 Tyler Claytor, Sr. (6-3, 280)
2014 Video Highlights
Returning starter who will anchor the defensive line … Powerful player who utilizes good size and strength … Good athlete who has a impressive burst … Physical versus the run … Good interior pass rusher … Limited by injury last season but saw action in 10 games and earned eight starts … Finished the season well, totaling 5.0 sacks in the final six games. |
#92 Spencer Bopp, Sr. (6-3, 260)
One of the position group's leaders … Good strength and physical at point of attack … Experienced player who has earned limited game reps during his career … Recorded his first career start in the season opener at Virginia Tech last season and totaled four stops. |
Defensive Tackle
|
#73 Isaiah Stephens, So. (6-2, 324)
2014 Video Highlights
Talented young defensive tackle who became W&M's first true freshman defensive lineman to start since 2001 last fall … Finished the season with 42 tackles, 3.0 sacks and 6.0 tackles for a loss … Good versus the run and difficult to move … Hard worker who has improved conditioning and physical tools. |
#90 VJ Davey, Jr. (6-3, 272)
Reserve defensive tackle who has appeared in 11 games during the past two seasons … Strong player who continues to develop well … Good quickness … Shown playmaking capabilities … Should continue to see progression with increased reps. |
#56 Chris Donald, Jr. (6-3, 255)
Versatile defensive lineman who can play either tackle or end … Talented player who possesses lots of ability … Looking to regain significant role after suffering season-ending injury in the 2014 opener at Virginia Tech. |
