(AP photo)

By Tyler Barto
Twitter: @Tyler_Barto
tbarto@trentonian.com

Less than two months remain until the start of Rutgers training camp. This top-25 countdown will run infrequently, documenting who's got the most to prove in 2014. 

No. 25 — DT Darius Hamilton (6-foot-4, 260 pounds)

Why Hamilton's on the list: This isn't any indication of talent untapped; the former five-star recruit recorded 4.5 sacks in Rutgers' last six regular season games in 2013.

But a physically demanding schedule needs a three-down Hamilton. Rutgers' top three technique must survive every-down attention.

To that end, several members of the defensive line have spent the offseason adding healthy weight. Hamilton will see how it transfers.


During training camp, keep an eye on: talk of one-on-one lineman drills.

Hamilton shone against interior linemen during spring practice. At three technique, he won't see many double teams.

2014 outlook: Rutgers' young defensive line looks promising, but it needs early production from Hamilton, who didn't record a sack until the seventh game of the season.

It's hard to project Hamilton, but his practice performances indicate a jump.

More from the countdown: No. 24 — Nick Arcidiacono