Search the Community

North Texas had a surprisingly effective defensive line in 2016. Second year defensive coordinator Troy Reffett along with then co-coordinator Mike Ekeler took a lot of disparate parts and made them into a cohesive unit. Reffett will need to perform a similar transformation in 2017, but he has the benefit of more workable numbers this season. Inside T.J. Tauaalo moves to nose tackle full time with Kansas State transfer Bryce English getting work as well. English was a highly productive high school player out of DeSoto, but his height caused bigger schools to back off. He's a smart player who can use leverage to reestablish the line of scrimmage. In Reffett's defense the nose guard is asked to play the 0-tech, drive the center and generally occupying blockers. North Texas wants their defensive ends to set the outside edge and contain. Roderick Young started twelve games in 2016, eleven at nose, one at defensive end. He'll move outside to defensive. He possess ideal size against the run on the edge. At the other defensive end Andy Flusche came out of spring as the starter. All CUSA Freshman selection LaDarius Hamilton will push for playing time as well. Tillman Johnson is going to be part of the rotation. Johnson set a freshman record two seasons ago with 5 sacks. North Texas has options on the defensive line and a lot of guys who can play in different roles. read more: https://swcroundup.com/news/2017/7/6/position-rankings-defensive-line?utm_content=buffer1ec7c&utm_medium=social&utm_source=twitter.com&utm_campaign=buffer