Cabot isn’t known for producing D-I talent, but quarterback Jarrod Barnes bucked the trend and received an offer from Arkansas and eventually committed to the Hogs.
Panthers’ Coach Mike Malham believes junior defensive lineman Dayonte' Roberts has the tools needed to play on the major college level.
“He just has a lot of God-given ability,” Malham said. “He’s a big kid, about 6-11/2 and 270 and very explosive. He has a very quick first step. As a sophomore, he did some tremendous things for us and there’s a lot of people looking at him. Alabama noticed him, Arkansas and Memphis, who has offered him.”
Roberts recorded 37 tackles, 6 sacks, 2 tackles for loss and a forced fumble in five games before suffering a shoulder injury. He returned for the playoffs, but reinsured the shoulder and had to have surgery.
“He really has a chance to go to that next level if he does the right things and works hard,” Malham said. “If he gets better and grows another inch, he could be one of those blue chippers.”
Because of surgery, Roberts didn’t participate in offseason workouts.
“He has that natural strength,” Malham said. “When he gets on the weights, he’s going to be one of the strongest kids we have.”