(AP photo)

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

Less than two weeks 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. 11 — DE Julian Pinnix-Odrick (6-foot-5, 250 pounds)

Why Pinnix-Odrick's on the list: The promising defensive end sat out all of last season rehabbing from a torn ACL and made it through spring without any lingering concerns.

Now it's time to test his ability during training camp, where rotation spots are up for grabs.

Pinnix-Odrick has all the physical tools — long arms, solid build, burst — but the biggest test will be outsmarting offensive linemen who have played for far longer. 


During training camp, keep an eye on: how Pinnix-Odrick fares in one-on-one drills.

He already has the frame to be a natural run defender, but can Pinnix-Odrick add a pass rush Rutgers sorely needs from the edge?

2014 outlook: Pinnix-Odrick has the ideal body type for Rutgers' inaugural trip through the rugged Big Ten East Division.

He will likely find a steady home in defensive line coach Jim Panagos's eight-man rotation, provided knee issues don't return.

More from the countdown: No. 10 — Taj Alexander
No. 12 — Carlton Agudosi