Rising sophomore defensive end Anree Saint-Amour has developed into starter material during Georgia Tech’s spring practice. Defensive coordinator Ted Roof lauded his progress following the Yellow Jackets’ 13th spring-practice session Monday.
Saint-Amour played as a first-year freshman last season as a backup to defensive end KeShun Freeman and finished well, with five total tackles in the final three games of the season, including two tackles for loss against Virginia Tech. While both Freeman and strongside defensive end Roderick Rook-Chungong are both returning starters, Saint-Amout is not necessarily a backup, Roof said.
“He’s a guy that’s pushing both Rook and KeShun for starting jobs,” Roof said. “That’s something that’s a battle in progress and, once again, is going to make us all better.”
Roof said that Saint-Amour has put on 20 pounds; he is listed at 247. The more he develops and can contribute at both end spots in the fall, the fresher Freeman and Rook-Chungong can stay for the duration of the game.
“He’s gotten stronger, he’s gotten bigger,” Roof said of Saint-Amour. “He’s matured, and it’s showing up.”
Further, Saint-Amour pushing them for playing time will likely spur them, as well.
“I think it’s helped (Freeman) to get pushed,” Roof said.
Another in the mix is Desmond Branch, the junior-college transfer who also appears to have found a spot on the depth chart.
“At times, we’ve been really pleased with him and at times there’s things where it seems like he’s got a long way to go,” Roof said. “But overall, I’ve been pleased with him and feel good about the direction that he’s headed.”
About the Author
