ETSN 25 Recruiting Countdown, No. 13: Tristan Durden, DT, Tatum

13.Tristan Durden

Defensive tackle
Tatum
6-4, 292
interest from Baylor, TCU, Texas (per Tatum coach Andy Evans)

With veteran two-way starter LaRance Hale now playing at Southern Arkansas, Tatum’s mammoth lineman with a high ceiling has his best chance yet to shine.

Tristan Durden played on both sides of the ball as a junior, but didn’t get as many snaps as he normally would have with the 6-2, 290-pound Hale getting a ton of reps. Now Durden enters 2012 as Tatum’s headlining lineman and should have a huge impact on both fronts.

Tatum coach Andy Evans said several Division I FBS schools have shown interest in Durden, including Baylor, TCU, and Texas. Durden’s enormous frame is hard to find and, coupled with big production during his senior year, should only garner him more recruiting attention. Durden could be a major recruiting “sleeper.”

Don’t be surprised if he climbs later incarnations of the ETSN 25. Stay tuned.