Travian Robertson talks what it means to bring back veteran core of defensive line
They didn’t have to come back. They could’ve just left after last year when things were at a low. But instead, they’ve decided to stick around for one last rodeo.
South Carolina’s defensive line room has received a huge boost this offseason. Not only are veterans like Tonka Hemingway, Boogie Huntley and TJ Sanders all coming back, but Pitt transfer DeAndre Jules joins the group as another guy with a plethora of experience under his belt.
And if there’s anyone that knows what it’s like to be in their shoes, it’s their defensive line coach Travian Robertson. When Robertson was a player at South Carolina, he stayed for five years and had a solid season as a fifth-year senior. So he gets it better than most.
“I’m excited they came back, but I felt great about it because the relationship I built with them in the time that I was here,” Robertson said. “And so just to have all Tonka, Boogie and TJ back this year, it’s going to be huge for our defense, huge for our program.”
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When Robertson learned the news that he’d getting back the core of his defensive line from a year ago, the feeling was pure excitement.
“Like I said, just to have those guys back and have more depth where they can teach. Their whole job this year is just leave this place better than what they found it,” he said. “They are great players, great kids, we love them. But our time always come to an end. So I’m just telling them to enjoy this year and we’ll revisit everything towards the end of the year.”
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When looking back at last season, it’s hard to imagine how much different South Carolina’s d-line would look if Hemingway, Huntley and Sanders didn’t return. With Sanders, he led the group with 43 tackles and 4.5 sacks. And Robertson said a lot of that came down to his background as an athlete.
“He was known as a basketball player, so he has a great ability to move real good,” Robertson said. “So now it’s just getting stronger. I just told him his job is now to be a professional, perfect his craft. Going through the spring, being a leader. With him, perfecting what he already does good, now just master it.”
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Then there’s Huntley and Hemingway, who have both been around the program since before Shane Beamer became the head coach. For Hemingway, he could’ve tried to turn pro or transfer elsewhere. But instead, he’ll stay home for one more year and look to solidify himself as a great player.
“It’s been good, it’s been a blessing. When Tonka announced that he was coming back for another year, it’s been good having him back,” Robertson said. “Tonka don’t talk much, but he leads by example. So just having him here, we just told Tonka to just go out there and play ball and lead these guys this year. We already know what he can do, know how physical he can play, we know how athletic Tonka is. But now, it’s just leaving this place better than he found it.”
