TicketsFootball Outlook: Defensive Line
Contact: Tom Hathaway
8/17/2004
Trent Cole |
Everyone around the University of Cincinnati football program expects the defense to be a team strength, and the return of All-C-USA selections Trent Cole and Andre Frazier at the end positions makes the line a strength of that defensive unit.
?The strength of our defense is our front seven,? stated new defensive coordinator Pat Narduzzi. ?We have six returning starters and six seniors in that group, all who are good football players.?
Few teams can boast a better set of ends than Cole and Frazier, particularly in the manner in which they complement each other. Cole, the best athlete of the linemen, is a high-intensity performer who makes big plays. He led the Bearcats in tackles for loss and was second in total tackles in 2003.
Frazier is the more-rounded of the two, with the ability to rush the passer, stop the run or drop into pass defense. He is a finesse player who excels with his technique and plays with a lot of confidence.
Adam Roberts, who showed that he was close in ability to the other two while serving as a backup to the duo last season, has been moved to tackle to capitalize on his experience and athletic ability. The junior could also be utilized at end.
The progress made by Mike Wright during spring drills is a major factor in the overall improvement of the line. The senior showed that he could be proficient vs. both the run and the pass.
Contributions will also come from a capable cast of backups. Donald Germany, with both speed and strength, has two seasons of experience at end.
Lonnie Simmons, who showed the potential to become a dominant player, Jordan Roth, a second-year frosh who plays with intensity, and Jamie Wimmer are top backups at the tackles.
Defensive Ends
2003 Starters: Trent Cole (6-4, 260 Sr.), Andre Frazier (6-5, 240 Sr.)
Returning Vets: Donald Germany (6-0, 229 Jr.), D?arrell Brown (6-3, 264 Jr.)
Newcomer: Derrik Haithcock (6-3, 230 So.)
Defensive Tackles
2003 Starters: Mike Wright (6-5, 291 Sr.), Kason Love (graduated)/John Feaster (graduated)
Returning Vets: Adam Roberts (6-3, 260 Jr.), Lonnie Simmons (6-4, 300 Sr.), Jordan Roth (6-2, 270 Fr.), Jamie Wimmer (6-4, 280 So.)
Newcomer: Adam Hoppel (6-2, 250 Fr.)