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Defensive Tackle Profiles
By: John McMullen
Defensive Tackle Update: 2/25/98
Iowa's Jared DeVries remains the inside lineman with the biggest impact potential. Although DeVries lacks great size, he has an amazing burst and a great feel to find the gaps. LSU's Anthony McFarland is also holding at the top of the board. For teams, looking for a low center of gravity, run stuffing type, McFarland is the man and he will likely go higher than the aforementioned Devries. Florida's Reggie McGrew shoots up to number three while Virginia's Antonio Dingle and Arkansas' Ryan Hale are new to the list. Here's the new rankings:
- Jared DeVries Iowa 6-3 270
- Anthony McFarland LSU 6-0 290
- Reggie McGrew Florida 6-2 300
- John Thornton West Virginia 6-3 300
- Gary Holmes Washington State 6-6 327
- Marcus Spriggs Troy State 6-4 310
- Jason Wiltz Nebraska 6-4 310
- Antonio Dingle Virginia 6-1 315
Dingle is a natural run stuffer with the size and low center of gravity that's just tough too move. Dingle has great strength, good technique and natural football smarts. He is regarded as a bit of a headcase and will take a play off now and again. If somebody gets a hold of him and motivates him to play everydown, they will get a steal.
- Ryan Hale Arkansas 6-4 290
Hale is your classic overachiever who plays to the whistle and will chase the play no matter where it goes or how far it's away from him. He does not have great athletic ability and his speed is below average but whoever drafts him will have a tough time cutting him. You can't win with eleven like Hale but every team should have one like him to set the pace and push others.
- Ed Chester
For profiles on all these players check out John's last update.
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