Trumbetti and Defensive Line Making Big Strides

The talk of Fall Camp has centered around senior defensive end Andrew Trumbetti. The New Jersey native has added about 20 pounds during the offseason, and it has made Trumbetti feel like a new player.

“I was at 265 earlier this morning,” Trumbetti said after practice on Wednesday. “I was all over the place in the past. My lowest was probably around 235. I was really light at one point.

“I feel like a different player. I am focused on my diet now. I am conscious of making an effort and putting in all those calories. It’s made a huge difference for me.”

The diet change for Trumbetti was very simple.

“I just eat when I am hungry,” laughed Trumbetti. “I eat whatever I want. It’s all healthy food. I eat as much chicken and rice as I can when I am hungry.

“I just feel like a different person.”
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Some players gain weight and lose a step or two, but Trumbetti has only seen his game improve. 

“I feel all the weight is a good weight,” he explained. “When I am coming off the edge or running, I don’t feel like I am heavy. I noticed I am not getting pushed back or around as much. I feel I can really hold the point of attack and it’s really worked for me.

“I can get the quarterback easier by bull rushing. I used to have a really good bull rush, but when I was light, it kind of fell off. Now that I am heavier, I feel I can do a lot with it.”

Trumbetti has also noticed an improvement from the entire defensive line and not just himself. He is also quick to give props the offensive line for pushing the defensive line each day.
 
“I think we’re going to have the best offensive line in the country and that’s not even a question in my opinion,” stated Trumbetti. “Going against them day in and day out and how hard they work each day is crazy.

“Our defensive line has made the biggest strides since I have been here by a longshot. It’s awesome.”

The defense has also adapted well to Mike Elko’s defense, which Trumbetti will see time at drop and strongside end.

Trumbetti believes the defense is catered to letting players play and it’s been refreshing for his teammates.

“He lets his players play,” stated Trumbetti. “It’s not too much thinking as we had in the past. There’s nothing wrong with that, but right now for the players we have, we need to line up and just play. That’s all we want to do. We have playmakers, and you have to let players play.”

The other significant change has been Mike Elston’s return to the defensive line. After coaching linebackers, Elston has quickly gained respect from his unit.  

“I love Coach Elston, and we’ve always had a good relationship,” said Trumbetti. “Having him around the defensive line is a great personality to have, and he knows the game better than anyone I’ve been around.

“He brings great energy every day, and he relates to the guys. The guys love him.”