Middle Tennesee State University Athletics
Position Breakdown: The Defensive Line
3/29/2017 2:17:00 PM | Football
Top five from 2016 have to be replaced
MURFREESBORO, Tenn. – Perhaps no position group at Middle Tennessee is going into this season with more unknown expectations than the defensive line.
With a handful of starters lost from last season, the line will look vastly different in 2017 than it did a season ago. Those new contributors are taking their first step towards gearing up for the season this spring, which lasts until April 15.
"We had a heavy loss with losing our top five defensive linemen," defensive line coach Tommy West said. "I feel like right now we're more athletic. We're not as big, but I think we're more athletic and we're quicker than we've been. Right now, I'm pleased with them."
In total, MT will be tasked at replacing a combined 230 games played and 106 starts from the loss of graduates Chris Hale, Steven Rhodes, Shaquille Huff, Jimal McBride and Raynard Felton.
Three players – Malik Manciel, Justin Akins and Tyshun Render – return with some experience playing for the Blue Raiders. Redshirt junior Walter Brady, a Missouri transfer, will lead the group of newcomers that will try to crack the starting lineup when Vanderbilt comes calling on Sept. 2 for the season opener.
Brady, who sat out last season due to NCAA transfer rules, is the biggest name to keep an eye on along the line. His seven sacks in 2015 while at Missouri were tops among the nation's freshmen and landed him a spot on the Football Writers of America All-American team alongside Blue Raider receiver Richie James.
So far, West has liked what he's seen from the new-look line this spring.
"I really like our system, and I think our guys really enjoy our system," he said. "For me, it's a fun spring. These guys are young and energetic and we're getting better right now."
Here are some headlines from the defensive line group:
Key losses: Chris Hale, Steven Rhodes, Shaquille Huff, Jimal McBride, Raynard Felton
Key returners: Justin Akins, Tyshun Render, Malik Manciel
Key newcomers: Walter Brady, Rosheem Collins
Players to watch: Walter Brady, Ty Nix, Rakavian Poydras, Jahmal Jones, Peter Bailey, Trae Philpots
With a handful of starters lost from last season, the line will look vastly different in 2017 than it did a season ago. Those new contributors are taking their first step towards gearing up for the season this spring, which lasts until April 15.
"We had a heavy loss with losing our top five defensive linemen," defensive line coach Tommy West said. "I feel like right now we're more athletic. We're not as big, but I think we're more athletic and we're quicker than we've been. Right now, I'm pleased with them."
In total, MT will be tasked at replacing a combined 230 games played and 106 starts from the loss of graduates Chris Hale, Steven Rhodes, Shaquille Huff, Jimal McBride and Raynard Felton.
Three players – Malik Manciel, Justin Akins and Tyshun Render – return with some experience playing for the Blue Raiders. Redshirt junior Walter Brady, a Missouri transfer, will lead the group of newcomers that will try to crack the starting lineup when Vanderbilt comes calling on Sept. 2 for the season opener.
Brady, who sat out last season due to NCAA transfer rules, is the biggest name to keep an eye on along the line. His seven sacks in 2015 while at Missouri were tops among the nation's freshmen and landed him a spot on the Football Writers of America All-American team alongside Blue Raider receiver Richie James.
So far, West has liked what he's seen from the new-look line this spring.
"I really like our system, and I think our guys really enjoy our system," he said. "For me, it's a fun spring. These guys are young and energetic and we're getting better right now."
Here are some headlines from the defensive line group:
Key losses: Chris Hale, Steven Rhodes, Shaquille Huff, Jimal McBride, Raynard Felton
Key returners: Justin Akins, Tyshun Render, Malik Manciel
Key newcomers: Walter Brady, Rosheem Collins
Players to watch: Walter Brady, Ty Nix, Rakavian Poydras, Jahmal Jones, Peter Bailey, Trae Philpots
Roster:
11 Peter Bailey (6-4, 265, r-Sr.)
43 Jahmal Jones (6-3, 253, r-Sr.)
85 Darrius Liggins (6-4, 234, r-Jr.)
89 Jordan Gonzalez (6-5, 252, r-Fr.)
90 Walter Brady (6-3, 268, r-Jr.)
91 Justin Akins (6-4, 248, r-Sr.)
92 Ty Nix (6-0, 282, r-Fr.)
93 Malik Manciel (6-3, 259, r-So.)
94 Tyshun Render (6-4, 249, r-So.)
95 Trae Philpots (6-4, 241, r-So.)
96 Rakavian Poydras (6-1, 294, r-Fr.)
98 Chris Myers (6-6, 247, r-Fr.)
-- Rosheem Collins (6-1, 310, Jr.)
-- Jordan Ferguson (6-2, 280, Fr.)
-- Jordan James (6-4, 305, r-So.)
11 Peter Bailey (6-4, 265, r-Sr.)
43 Jahmal Jones (6-3, 253, r-Sr.)
85 Darrius Liggins (6-4, 234, r-Jr.)
89 Jordan Gonzalez (6-5, 252, r-Fr.)
90 Walter Brady (6-3, 268, r-Jr.)
91 Justin Akins (6-4, 248, r-Sr.)
92 Ty Nix (6-0, 282, r-Fr.)
93 Malik Manciel (6-3, 259, r-So.)
94 Tyshun Render (6-4, 249, r-So.)
95 Trae Philpots (6-4, 241, r-So.)
96 Rakavian Poydras (6-1, 294, r-Fr.)
98 Chris Myers (6-6, 247, r-Fr.)
-- Rosheem Collins (6-1, 310, Jr.)
-- Jordan Ferguson (6-2, 280, Fr.)
-- Jordan James (6-4, 305, r-So.)
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