Tulane ‘D’ looks to count on BR natives in 2008

• By LES EAST
• Special to The Advocate
• Published: Aug 10, 2008 - Page: 7C - UPDATED: 12:05am

• Print
• Email
• Save
• Reprints
• Twitter
• Share

• Del.icio.us
• Digg
• Facebook
• Reddit
• 

NEW ORLEANS — Adam Kwentua and Devin Holland have discovered they have a lot in common since becoming teammates at Tulane.
Both are from Baton Rouge – Kwentua being a junior defensive end from University High and Holland being a sophomore safety from Istrouma.

Both have evolved into new positions, Kwentua being a converted linebacker and Holland playing what defensive coordinator O’Neill Gilbert calls “an oversized safety/undersized linebacker.”

And both are being counted on to help the Green Wave shore up its pass defense.

Last season Tulane was first in Conference USA in run defense, but second-to-last in pass efficiency defense. Gilbert and head coach Bob Toledo hope that Kwentua’s ability to rush the passer and Holland’s speed as a pass defender will help improve the pass defense.

“One of our specialties last year as a defensive line was getting to the quarterback,” Kwentua said at the Green Wave’s Media Day on Saturday. “Looking at the seniors last year and how they did as a defensive line we just have to pick up where they left off and continue to grow.”

Tulane tied for third in C-USA last season with 28 sacks, led by seniors Antonio Harris (six) and Avery Williams (four). Kwentua also had four. He’ll team with senior Reggie Scott to give the Green Wave what figures to be one of the better defensive end tandems in the league.

“The key is booking those guys in and making the other team a north-south team,” Gilbert said. “I think with Kwentua and Reggie Scott, that gives us an opportunity to make teams run right at us and that gives us a chance to load up the box. When teams can go outside and inside, that’s hard to defend, but we’ve got two good ends.”

Gilbert said Kwentua’s background as a linebacker has trained him to use his hands very well and has helped him develop exceptional body control and balance.

“He also brings intangibles that aren’t coachable,” Gilbert said. “He’s very athletic. His tenacity is unmatched. He has a motor that is second to none. His desire to be good at what he does is a plus.”

Kwentua said everyone on the defense is more comfortable than they were a year ago when they were learning a new defense in Toledo’s first season.

“I think the year of experience helps out a lot,” he said. “You don’t second guess yourself as much. You’re a lot more comfortable when you don’t have to think about what you’re doing.”

Gilbert said Holland’s speed enables him to guard tight ends and running backs in space. He’s being tried at a variety of positions in the back seven, but Gilbert said it shouldn’t be long before Holland finds a home.

“Devin Holland is very talented,” Gilbert said. “I think before it’s all said and one, he’ll be a starter at some position. I think with his continued development he’ll have a chance to be a very good player.”