FAYETTEVILLE -- Arkansas' defensive line has drawn praise all preseason camp and Monday was no different.

Following Monday evening's practice, the defensive line was once again a hot topic. Eric Gregory is a redshirt senior who is capable of playing all the spots on the defensive line.

"For sure. It's the deepest D-Line we've had since I've been here," Gregory said. "We have at least three groups that can play and contribute. Guys like Keivie (Rose), Tank (Booker), the rest of the guys, Cam (Ball), TC (Taurean Carter). We're pretty deep, and we're looking good."

Gregory explained how he expects that to help on game day.

"It gives us an opportunity to get a break and come back in fresh," Gregory said. "To rotate all three of those groups in, guys will be fresh when they play. It does a lot."

Rose came from Louisiana Tech and Booker transferred in from Maryland. Rose talked about the decision to attend Arkansas.

"I was just excited for a new opportunity," Rose said. "I knew I had left Louisiana Tech and graduated and I knew I needed a new opportunity. Especially coming into this group with the guys that were there. Really, really deep group. I just felt like coming here I would add to that depth. Going against the best every day and working with these guys and the things I'm learning from them. It was really good for me coming in."

Rose talked about the depth, much like Gregory did, at defensive tackle.

"I mean, this is the most depth I’ve been around since I’ve been playing college," Rose said. "Everybody’s really good. Like, it’s just a battle every day. But it’s a good battle, too, where everybody’s working hard just trying to make each other better but also getting the O-line better. It’s going to be a sight to see this year. I’m really excited."

Gregory gave a scouting report of sorts on what Rose brings to the position.

"Keivie adds finesse," Gregory said. "When he came in on 1-on-1 pass rush, he was winning right off the bat. Just seeing that actually motivated me to get better at my pass rush too. I knew I had to step my game up even more. He's bringing the finesse and power. He's also an older cat too, so he's bringing knowledge in too."

Gregory has played all the positions on the defensive line, but is able to concentrate on one area now which should help him.

"I'm really just focused on tackle," Gregory said. "Like you said, we've got some great ends, and they don't need me out there. Being able to play just inside has been great. I've learned the technique getting down and taking the double team better. It's been amazing to play just inside."

Gregory has played in 37 games since arriving at Arkansas with 20 starts. He expects 2023 to be the best.

"I'm feeling more confident," Gregory said. "With the depth we have now there will be more pressure. I feel like it's going to be a big season."

Gregory also was anxious to say what the strengths of this defensive line are.

"I think both, really; stopping the run and getting to the pass," Gregory said. "I feel like the older guys being here have gotten better in their pass rush. New guys came here, they’re getting better reading the run and pass. I feel like both run and pass we’ll play really good this year."

Rose had other good options in recruiting from the portal, but he felt Arkansas was too good to pass on.

"I considered TCU and Miami, but Arkansas just stood out to me," Rose said. "I just felt like being in the SEC was a place I needed to be, and I felt like… I just really just went off faith. It was great. The opportunity that was there, I felt was there… Also, like again, I said with the older, older and deeper depth that was there, it was just a blessing to join with Arkansas and being here."

Rose likes the coaching staff with Deke Adams in charge of the defensive line.

"I’m really just glad to be in this coaching staff and around these type of coaches," Rose said. "They’re really just encouraging, really uplifting. They make it easy to learn the playbook and learn the scheme. Like it’s really been an easy transition for me I feel like. Just learning the playbook, playing with guys. Really just getting adapted to not so much what I’m used to and getting adapted to something new."

Rose admitted Arkansas is different than being at Louisiana Tech.

"Really just the support around the school and the atmosphere around football," Rose said. "Coming from Louisiana Tech, it wasn’t just like — it’s so overwhelming with all of the resources that we have here. And just the smallest things I try to take advantage of, because I didn’t have them out there. It’s really been a true blessing being here."

On Wednesday the Hogs will begin prep work for Western Carolina. That is something that excites Gregory.

"I’m happy," Gregory said. "I’m glad we’re working on Western Carolina. Just going against our offense for three weeks, we definitely have gotten better. Now let’s turn our attention to Western Carolina. It’s going to be great."

Arkansas opens the season on Saturday, Sept. 2, in Little Rock's War Memorial Stadium against Western Carolina at 3 p.m.