Middle Tennessee State University Athletics
Spring Position Update: Defensive Line
3/18/2019 5:00:00 PM | Football
MURFREESBORO, Tenn. – Perhaps no other position group on Middle Tennessee's roster features as much promise looking at 2019 as its defensive line, as long as it's healthy.
While the line loses 29-game starter Jahmal Jones, an honorable mention All-Conference-USA recipient, and 2018 breakout candidates Rosheem Collins and Darrius Liggins, plenty of big names return. Their experience should excite veteran defensive line coach Tommy West and third-year defensive coordinator Scott Shafer.
The combination of senior ends Tyshun Render and Trae Philpots, senior tackle Malik Manciel and junior tackles Jordan Ferguson and Rakavian Poydras should be in line to start most games. That is, as long as they aren't injured.
Health will be key for the group, as all but Philpots have missed time in their careers due to ailments. Poydras suffered a leg injury in the New Orleans Bowl in December and will sit out spring drills.
"We're just short numbers-wise," said West, who's entering his sixth year at MT. "But, those front four have been here and have played, and they know the effort it takes."
Should injuries occur, West will likely look to the group of redshirt freshmen Jorden Starling and Jordan Branch, redshirt junior Jequaries Martin and redshirt sophomore Ja'Kerrius Wyatt to step up.
Defensive line was also an emphasis in recruiting this year for head coach Rick Stockstill. His staff brought in six freshmen linemen: J.R. Bivens, Marley Cook, Quindarius Dunnigan, Richard Kinley, Darius "Juju" Williams and Zaylin Wood. The newcomers will join the team in the summer.
"The fun part will we have some new guys, but we have some examples in front of them that makes it easier to teach," West said.
Here are some key names to watch in the spring:
Malik Manciel, R-Sr., 6-3, 255
Trae Philpots, R-Sr., 6-4, 244
Tyshun Render, R-Sr., 6-4, 254
Jordan Ferguson, Jr., 6-2, 291
Rakavian Poydras, R-Jr., 6-1, 282
Josh Vardaman is the staff writer for goblueraiders.com. Follow him on Twitter @J_Vardaman and also follow @MTAthletics for more on the Blue Raiders.
While the line loses 29-game starter Jahmal Jones, an honorable mention All-Conference-USA recipient, and 2018 breakout candidates Rosheem Collins and Darrius Liggins, plenty of big names return. Their experience should excite veteran defensive line coach Tommy West and third-year defensive coordinator Scott Shafer.
The combination of senior ends Tyshun Render and Trae Philpots, senior tackle Malik Manciel and junior tackles Jordan Ferguson and Rakavian Poydras should be in line to start most games. That is, as long as they aren't injured.
Health will be key for the group, as all but Philpots have missed time in their careers due to ailments. Poydras suffered a leg injury in the New Orleans Bowl in December and will sit out spring drills.
"We're just short numbers-wise," said West, who's entering his sixth year at MT. "But, those front four have been here and have played, and they know the effort it takes."
Should injuries occur, West will likely look to the group of redshirt freshmen Jorden Starling and Jordan Branch, redshirt junior Jequaries Martin and redshirt sophomore Ja'Kerrius Wyatt to step up.
Defensive line was also an emphasis in recruiting this year for head coach Rick Stockstill. His staff brought in six freshmen linemen: J.R. Bivens, Marley Cook, Quindarius Dunnigan, Richard Kinley, Darius "Juju" Williams and Zaylin Wood. The newcomers will join the team in the summer.
"The fun part will we have some new guys, but we have some examples in front of them that makes it easier to teach," West said.
Here are some key names to watch in the spring:
Malik Manciel, R-Sr., 6-3, 255
- Team captain, Honorable Mention All-C-USA in 2018
- Started all 14 games, 31 tackles, 4 TFLs, 2 sacks
Trae Philpots, R-Sr., 6-4, 244
- Played in all 14 games with 9 starts in 2018
- Career year with 44 tackles, 9 TFLs, 4 sacks
Tyshun Render, R-Sr., 6-4, 254
- Missed 2 games due to injury in 2018
- In 12 games, 25 tackles, 7.5 TFLs, 2.5 sacks, 1 FF, 1 FR
Jordan Ferguson, Jr., 6-2, 291
- Missed 2 games due to injury in 2018
- In 12 games, 15 tackles, 1.5 TFLs
Rakavian Poydras, R-Jr., 6-1, 282
- Honorable Mention All-C-USA in 2018
- Played in all 14 games, 18 tackles, 1.5 TFLs, 3 pass breakups, 1 FF
- Won't participate in spring drills
Josh Vardaman is the staff writer for goblueraiders.com. Follow him on Twitter @J_Vardaman and also follow @MTAthletics for more on the Blue Raiders.
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