“Starting at defensive end for the Texas State Bobcats, senior Joplo Bartu.”
Wait a second. Bartu is a linebacker. Well, not any longer.
Bartu is now a full-time defensive end for Texas State. He was moved prior to Thursday’s practice.
With the sudden progression of junior transfer linebackers David Mayo and Damion McMiller, as well as freshman Jerrid Jeter-Gilmon, head coach Dennis Franchione felt Bartu could be best used at defensive end.
“We went from a little thin at linebacker to some depth,” Franchione said. “Joplo is a guy that we’ve identified that can put pressure on the quarterback, and that’s so key today.”
Bartu recorded four sacks in 2011, three of which occurred after h lined up at defensive end.
“Most of my sacks came from when I was at defensive end last year and I think [the coaches] saw that,” Bartu said. “They saw my quickness when I come off and I’m kind of low, which is hard for the tackle to get that low on me, so I guess they liked that.”
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With Bartu moving to DE, does that mean Chase Harper can concentrate on being a TE only?
That’s his primary focus, but Harper will play 10-15 snaps per game at DE.
What is Bartu current weight? Roster says its 229, but I don’t think that ever gets updated.
Fran said 240 or right around there.