Arkansas Depth Chart – Defensive Tackle

Now running a four-man front along the defensive line, Arkansas will rely on some key returners and added transfers to secure the tackle positions.

Depth has been the biggest issue at defensive tackle for the Razorbacks in recent years. New defensive coordinator Travis Williams has implemented a 4-2-5 base defense, differing from former DC Barry Odom’s three-man fronts the past three seasons. But with some experienced players returning and additional help from the transfer portal, Williams is confident Arkansas has what it takes.

“I think we have enough depth,” he said. “It’s just like anybody else: You don’t want to get guys hurt, but you have to get guys ready. That’s why we two-spot, so there’s always guys getting reps. We have enough depth to get the job done.”

A huge boost is the return of 6-foot-3, 303-pound senior Taurean Carter, who was injured in the 2022 spring game and missed the entire season with a knee injury. The Hogs lost a pair of starters in Isaiah Nichols, who transferred to Purdue, and Terry Hampton, who was a senior. But they also gained two experienced transfers, in Maryland’s Anthony Booker Jr., and Louisiana Tech’s Kelvie Rose.

Former Maryland DL Anthony ‘Tank’ Booker places Texas A&M in his Top 5 transfer destinations

Former Maryland DL Anthony “Tank” Booker has placed the Aggies in his Top 5 transfer destinations after his recent visit to College Station

There it is folks! Former Maryland defensive lineman Anthony “Tank” Booker has released his top 5 transfer destinations after announcing his departure from the Terrapins on March 6th, and after concluding his surprise visit to College Station on Saturday, March 25th, Texas A&M has made his list.

Head coach Jimbo Fisher is in a state of roster flux nearing the end of spring football. Multiple position groups such as linebacker and cornerback are in dire need of depth pieces from the portal, which officially re-opens on Saturday, April 15th. In terms of the depth surrounding the Aggies’ defensive line, this is a deep and talented unit, but a versatile option like Booker to slot in at the 3-tech for nose tackle spot is never a bad idea for a team hoping to consistently dominate in the trenches.

Texas A&M’s competition for Booker’s talents includes Purdue, South Carolina,  Ohio State, and Arkansas, and in three seasons with the Terrapins, Booker’s best statistical season came during his junior campaign in 2022, notching 27 tackles, 16 solo tackles, 2 sacks, and 2 forced fumbles. His 6-4 and 320 lb frame would instantly provide flexibility and size on the defensive line and fits very well with D.J. Durkin’s 4-2-5 scheme, again making A&M’s defensive line the deepest in the country going into the 2023 campaign. Now comes the waiting game.

Contact/Follow us @AggiesWire on Twitter, and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Texas A&M news, notes, and opinions. Follow Cameron on Twitter: @CameronOhnysty

[lawrence-auto-related count=3 category=5]

[mm-video type=playlist id=01fvdd4pnb49trk727 player_id=01f5k5y2jb3twsvdg4 image=]

Former Maryland DL Anthony Booker Jr. is currently visiting Texas A&M

Maryland DL Anthony Booker Jr. is reportedly in the midst of a weekend visit to Texas A&M

Texas A&M may be in the midst of spring practice in preparation for the April 15th Maroon and White Spring Game, but this weekend, a swath of 2024 and 2025 recruits have made their way to College Station, as well as two key members of the transfer portal, former USC wide receiver Gary Bryant Jr., and former Maryland DL Anthony Booker Jr.

While Gary Bryant’s visit was less of a surprise, Anthony “Tank” Booker’s was revealed through a post on social media on Saturday afternoon, and what a pleasant bit of information that was for every Aggie who first, speaks emoji, and second, knows just how much of an impact he could make on the field next season.

In three seasons with the Terrapins, Booker’s best season came during his junior campaign in 2022, notching 27 tackles, 16 solo tackles, 2 sacks, and 2 forced fumbles. Standing at 6-4 and 320 lbs, Booker’s flexibility and size on the defensive line fits very well with D.J. Durkin’s 4-2-5 scheme, and would honestly make Texas A&M’s defensive line the deepest in the country in 2023.

Good luck to Anthony during his decision-making process!

Contact/Follow us @AggiesWire on Twitter, and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Texas A&M news, notes, and opinions. Follow Cameron on Twitter: @CameronOhnysty

[lawrence-auto-related count=3 category=5]

[mm-video type=playlist id=01fvdd4pnb49trk727 player_id=01f5k5y2jb3twsvdg4 image=]