D'Quan Douse named one of the ACC's top graded returning defensive linemen on PFF

Douse looks to be a defensive leader heading into the 2023 season

I recently wrote a piece talking about how I thought that Georgia Tech defensive tackle D'Quan Douse was going to be the breakout player for the Yellow Jackets on the defensive line and one of the reasons was because of how he finished the season. According to PFF (Pro Football Focus), Douse is going to be one of the highest-graded returning defensive tackles in the ACC next season. 

Highest graded returning ACC Defensive Tackles💪 pic.twitter.com/2Zu8jjG6O5

— PFF College (@PFF_College) June 18, 2023

While Douse might be at No. 10 on this list, I think there is room for him to get into the top five. 

Douse finished the season with 26 tackles and 3.5 sacks, which was tied for second on the team with linebacker Ace Eley.

You could see him get better in each game, especially his performance against Virginia Tech, where he had 2.5 sacks and earned a high grade on PFF (Pro Football Focus) for his performance. Douse finished as the second-highest-graded player on the entire Yellow Jackets' defense, finishing behind safety LaMiles Brooks. According to PFF, Douse played 450 snaps and finished with a defensive grade of 75.2, a run defense grade of 80.7, and a pass-rushing grade of 66.1.

D'Quan Douse is one of the top returning players on Georgia Tech for 2023 / Bob Donnan-USA TODAY Sports

With the departures of Akelo Stone and K.J. Miles this offseason to the transfer portal more is going to be expected of Douse and the rest of the defensive line. Stone looked like he was going to be a key part of the defensive line this spring, but his departure will lead to more snaps for others.

Douse is not the only Yellow Jacket that has a high PFF grade coming back this season. Safety LaMiles Brooks is not only one of the highest-graded returning safeties in the ACC but the country as well. 

Brooks finished as the highest-graded player on Georgia Tech last according to PFF (Pro Football Focus) and his coverage grade of 86.8 was good for 21st in the country and fourth in the ACC. He finished as the 23rd highest-graded safety in the country according to PFF last season.

Brooks finished the season with 52 tackles and a team-leading three interceptions. His best performance came in a loss to Virginia when he finished with nine tackles and a pick-six. Brooks was the best player on the field that night and I expect more performances like that from Brooks in the future.

With Douse and Brooks as the potential anchors of the defense, it could be a nice season on the defensive side for Georgia Tech. 

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