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My apologies to Greg Latta, as I was on the road yesterday in Louisville and did not get a chance to write until to day. Saturday's featured player is a returning JuCo transfer that played a fair amount last season and goes into his final year vying for a starting spot at defensive end.
Greg Latta - Sr.
Hometown: LaQuinta, California (College of the Desert)
Defensive End
6'6", 265 pounds
2013 Projection: possible starter at defensive end
As a reserve last season to Robert Maci and Ryan Russell Latta found a nice role off the bench in the rotation at defensive end. He got into all 13 games and earned 12 tackles, a sack, a pass break-up, and a pass defensed. I am pretty sure that his sack came at Notre Dame against Everett Golson, so he was able to perform on a big stage.
That experience means he could emerge as a starter this coming season opposite Russell on the defensive line. Bruce Gaston and Brandon Taylor likely have the middle locked up, but there is an end spot open.
Coach Painter could also take a look at him, as he was quite a basketball player in high school. He was twice named all-league and didn't even play football until he got to his junior college. No, with another year of experience, he could be a big surprise.