Kendrick Gilbert and Tavion Gadson are both ahead of him on the depth chart. He will see some early snaps to see what he's capable of, but I doubt he is in the full rotation early, barring injuries. Hopefully he has the agility and stamina to earn his way on, but I would be surprised if a Juco guy supplants 2 redshirt freshman who've been in the system a year already.
His size makes him much more playable than the other two you mentioned.
His weight gives him advantage, all else being equal, but he doesn't have a year of in system development which earns the coaches' trust. I posted when he committed that I if he earns 10-15 snaps a game at some point this season, then that would be a win. Hopefully he gets that in our opener, so they can determine if he's capable enough against USCjr.
I think Gadson is out with an injury for most or all season? Love Gilbert, but seems light for a SEC nose guard in a 3-4?
Good catch. The depth chart said updated as of Aug 6th, but clearly they missed Stoops' press conference. Looks like he is going to miss most of the season and hopefully Gilbert has put on some weight. If Dane Key can gain 25 pounds in the off season, then I would expect he coul too. BTW, I just checked the 2023 roster and he was listed at 292 pounds, so something seems off. Hopefully it was a misprint.
