Spring Preview: Defensive Line

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Coach Joe Seumalo likes to rotate his defensive linemen liberally, and he is banking on the arrival of two talented junior college defensive tackles to help shore up the rotation. The bright spot is the return of defensive ends Dylan Wynn and Scott Crichton (who will sit out this spring after having shoulder surgery this winter). The two have combined for 211 tackles over their two years as starters.

RETURNING CONTRIBUTORS & KEY LOSSES

The Beavers lose Castro Masaniai and Andrew Seumalo to graduation and reserve tackle Joe Lopez, a walk-on who played in ten games in 2012 who will earn a scholarship at Portland State. At defensive end the Beavers lose reserves Rudolf Fifita and Rusty Fernando.

QUESTION HEADING INTO CAMP

The biggest question facing the Beaver defensive line is whether junior college transfers Siale Hautau and Edwin Delva will be as big of an impact as they are expected to be. Both have solid resumes, but until they arrive on campus and begin working with the team there is always a question.

It is also imperative for some of the younger guys to step up and be ready to join the rotation. With Crichton sitting out this spring, John Braun and Lavonte Barnett will see additional reps. Who else will rise to the challenge is anyone's guess.

PRESSURE IS ON

The pressure is on players like Ali'i Robins, Desmond Collins, Lavonte Barnett, Brandon Bennett-Jackson, and Akeem Gonzales to step up and make an impact. All have been with the program two years now and know Coach Joe's system and expectations. The defensive line will need depth if the team hopes to achieve their goals for 2013.

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