Peter Woods
This is the one that most people saw coming from a mile away. Everyone seemed to agree that Peter Woods was already very good as a high school prospect and could start for most programs.
Most programs didn’t have Tyler Davis, Ruke Orhorhoro, Payton Page, DeMonte Capehart, Tre Williams….you get the idea. This defensive tackle room was loaded.
Everyone kept an eye on P-Woo to see if he could fight through the depth chart and find a meaningful role. To the surprise of no one, he managed to work his way up to the second string before the season started.
Woods has been the first defensive tackle off the bench most of the season, but he has been slowed by injury lately, which has opened the door for Capehart.
Davis will exhaust his eligibility this season. Orhorhoro will have to decide between returning for his COVID year or moving on.
Woods and Capehart appear to be the heirs apparent if Orhorhoro exits. If he returns, those three will compete for the two starting jobs.
Capehart has been on a tear of late, but I have a hard time believing a healthy P-Woo won’t grab one of the starting jobs in 2024.
I will go ahead and say it: Orhorhoro isn’t guaranteed a starting spot if he returns. I am hesitant to even mention that at this point because injuries to this group have been a thing. We will have to see who will be in spring ball and who can stay on the field to compete. Don’t forget Williams is still out there too.