Position Preview: Defensive Line
8/14/2019 11:30:00 AM | Football
Kent State's defensive line will undergo heavy changes this season, but that doesn't mean it will be devoid of talent. A new, but familiar face has taken over the reigns as the position coach as Collin Ferrell moves from working with the outside linebackers last season, to overseeing the position he played in college and the NFL.
In Kent State's second year of the 3-4 base scheme, the Golden Flashes will have three different starters up front, as Kalil Morris, Theo Eboigbe and Jordan Silva all graduated last season. The trio combined for 122 tackles, 12 tackles for loss and six sacks.
"We talked as a unit that we have a lot of guys that have played roles, but not leadership roles yet," said Ferrell. "This season, we also feel like we need to rush the quarterback better. Aside from sack leader Theo Majette, there wasn't much production on plays in the backfield last season. We have guys this season who can go out there and get to the quarterback."
The nose position is of great importance in the Golden Flashes scheme and senior Dominic Hill is marked to fill the spot of Morris. Hill played in 10 games a season ago and made 15 tackles with a sack.
"It all starts at the nose position," said Ferrell. "Dom is probably one of the strongest guys in the league. The guy can squat a house, benches over 400 pounds and has a mean streak to him. He's a little on the short side, so he relies on his explosion and his power. We are very excited that he's now stepping into that leadership role as a senior in the room."
The Flashes welcome two new faces from the Kansas junior college ranks in Jabbar Price from Garden City C.C. and Sekou Diaby from Dodge City C.C. Price was disruptive last season at Garden City, making 38 tackles, 6.5 tackles for loss, 3.5 sacks and forced a fumble. He also possesses big game experience as the Broncbusters came up one point shy of claiming the National Junior College Athletic Association National Championship. Price is probably the best pass rusher on the line and will play a pivotal role in getting into the backfield. Diaby registered 34 tackles with 5.5 tackles for loss and 1.5 sacks. Both of the JUCO transfers will look to get consistent reps.
"We need them to make an impact," said Ferrell. "They've come a long way since the spring now that they have a baseline understanding of what we are doing. Right now, it's about turning the page, playing a little faster and being more physical. Both are great kids that play hard and are willing to be coached hard."
Majette returns after leading the team with 4.5 sacks a season ago, a forced fumble and six quarterback hurries. He was sidelined during the spring with an injury, but is full go entering fall camp. Redshirt sophomore Zayin West saw action in all 12 games last season.
Redshirt junior Matt Bell and redshirt sophomore Neiman Novitski provide depth. Bell played in six games a season ago, while Novitski played in 10 and mainly saw action on special teams. Redshirt senior Alex Hoag played in three games last season and has made 12 career tackles.
The Golden Flashes have some promising youth on the defensive line as well. Freshmen Oly Okombi and Buddha Jones are new this season and Will Burns returns after redshirting last year.
"Jones is a cat. He's big, physical and athletic. He's mentally tough for a freshman, and we are very excited about that," said Ferrell. "Okombi is a very physical presence and has a mean streak in him that is unmatched. They are freshmen, so you don't want to anoint them yet, but I'm very excited to work with those kids."
"It's honestly a great group of kids. I don't have to worry about them off the field," said Ferrell. "We are probably going to go 10 deep. We have a lot of guys who have played and a lot of guys who are capable of playing. It's going to be exciting the next three weeks to see who emerges."
