Donta Wilkins is a big ol' hoss of a run-plugging defensive tackle. At 6-2, 305 pounds, he's already a load to deal with in the middle of the defense, and he's only going to improve with the power and endurance gained from a college-level strength and conditioning program. Wilkins earned 4-star status from 247 and 3-star status from Rivals, but has risen so steadily up the state rankings and performed so well on the all-star circuit that many consider him to be underrated. Most recruitniks see him as a bit of a late bloomer who seems capable of making an instant impact at the ACC level. That's good news, because with Chris Brathwaite exiting stage left and Will Hill exhausting his eligibility, we need a freshman DT to be able to step up and immediately join Brent Urban, Justin Renfrow, and David Dean in the tackle rotation. I'll admit, with Brath (our best DT) leaving the program abruptly, it opened up a HUGE hole at that position. Wilkins represents the best hope to fill that hole. It's also important to note that UNC made him a priority recruit toward the end of the recruiting cycle, so there's another coaching staff that is bullish on Wilkins' immense upside... and backside.
UVA Projection: Part of DT rotation as a true freshman, three-year starter afterward. I think he absolutely is one of the most important recruits in this class.
Damn. Didn't know about Braith until right now. Oh well. Man up.
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