Interior Defensive Linemen

The Interior defensive line returns more players that saw action in 2011 than the end positions.   If the core of returning players can take that step forward and the incoming players provide depth, the interior defensive line can once again be solid.  A top notch nose tackle and defensive tackle can actually allow the defensive ends to be more productive by causing opposing offensive lines to double team the inside guys and allow the ends to go one on one with a tackle.  Or requiring running backs and tight ends to stay in to help block the defensive ends because the interior offensive linemen are having to gang up to block the nose and tackle.  Either way if the interior guys step up it can really help the inexperienced defensive ends.

NOSE TACKLES

Ryan Carrethers (6’2 315 RJR) has really stepped up his game over the past 2 seasons and was a plug in the middle for the Red Wolves last fall.  He finished with 33 tackles leading the interior defensive linemen in 2011.  Carrethers is a weight room warrior that has really taken hold of the nosetackle position and will be great to have anchoring the line.  One of the stronger Red Wolves, Carrethers has the chance to be an All-Conference performer in 2012 and had a very good spring practice.  Markel Owens (6’2 290 RSO) won the backup role for nose tackle in the spring.  Owens only saw action in 4 games as a redshirt freshman and will need to get bigger and stronger over the summer in order to spell Carrethers and give the Red Wolves depth at nose tackle.  There was very little competition this spring at the nose tackle position and incoming players will need to push Owens when fall camp begins.  

DEFENSIVE TACKLES

 

Amos Draper (6’3 275 RJR) was named a freshman All-American in 2010 y CollegeFootballNews.com and while he didn’t have as productive a sophomore campaign (3.5 TFL 0 sacks in 2011 compared to 7 TFL and 3 sacks in 2010), the Tanner Alabama native has the skills to step up in 2012.  Draper is a guy that will take a few too many plays off during a game, but when his motor is running hot, he is as good a defensive tackle as there is in the league.  He will need to learn to play that way every snap as he will be looked to as the replacement for Dorvus Woods.   Ronnell Wright (6’3 290 SR) was brought in to help build major depth in the interior d-line.  He did provide depth but may have come a little short in the production that the staff expected.  Wright finished with just 8 tackles but 2.5 of those were for loss and 1 for a sack.  Wright has skills to be a defensive tackle and play a little at the nose tackle position as well.

NEWCOMERS

 

Four newcomers should help with the depth of the interior defensive line this fall but in order for the interior line to be at its best there will need to be someone to step up and play early as well.  That early playing time should begin with junior college transfer Dexter Blackmon (6’4 285 JR).  Blackmon signed with LSU out of high school and was ranked as the 17^th best JC defensive tackle.  Blackmon could come in and push Draper and Wright.  If he does and the two returning tackles step up their game the defensive tackle could be a major strength.  I expect that Blackmon or Wright could also both compete for time at the nose tackle position.  Tevin Bryson (6’4 285 FR) is a very talented young defensive lineman that could see early action.  Bryson is more of a defensive tackle than a nose tackle and his ability to step into the DT role could allow one of the older guys to provide depth for Carrethers.  The incoming freshman depth for nose tackle will begin with Austin Moreton (6’3 305 FR).  It is hard to come in and have the strength needed to compete at the nose tackle position but Moreton may be thrown in the mix based on the need.  The 4th newcomer that could be in the mix in the interior defensive line has already been talked about at defensive end – Darius Rosser.  Rarely does a 6’4 260lb high school kid stay at a weight that allows him to stay on the outside.  Rosser may be destined to be on the inside and I completely expect to see him work at both positions as a freshman.

The defensive line is a position that lost a lot from one of the top defenses in the country in 2011.  It will take a lot of young inexperienced players to play at the top of their game from the very beginning.  There is some returning ability and there is some experience on the inside of the line.  Kenny Ingram has his work cut out for him but if the 2012 Red Wolves want to get back to a bowl then the d-line needs to pick up their game quickly and early.  There can be little to no misses in the incoming recruiting class at this position.