DL transfers help beef up Grambling's defense

GRAMBLING, Louisiana — As a graduate transfer with four years of college experience under his belt, Monroe native Blain Winston wasn't looking to rack up statistics during his final year of football. He just wanted to add another ring to his collection.

That's what the Richwood product plans on doing in 2016 at Grambling after transferring from UL Lafayette. Winston, a 6-foot-4, 295-pound defensive tackle, is one of two transfers the Tigers brought in to beef up the line this year.

"I've never been this welcomed before in my life. It's like one big family here at Grambling," said Winston, who is reuniting with high school teammates Martez Carter and Trey Goins. "My whole goal with (defensive coordinator coach Everett) Todd was to come in and try and help them. I knew they already had a good d-line. I just wanted to help them get better."

Grambling lost four key linemen from 2015 — Jamison Goins, Michael Jolivet, Larry Stalling and Jevonta Williams. Collectively, they totaled 11 of the 38 sacks recorded. The Tigers have Samuel Reese, who notched three sacks last year, Donovan McCray and Deangelo Butler-Gaston return on the outside.

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