2006 Outlook: Defensive Line

Aug. 7, 2006

This is the fifth in an eight-part series, previewing the University of Cincinnati football team as it prepares to open the 2006 season on Sept. 2 vs. Eastern Kentucky. In this installment, the Bearcats' defensive line is previewed.

If the coaching axiom--the best thing about freshmen is that they become sophomores-- is true, then a lot of good things should happen for the Bearcat defense, which started as many as six freshmen in 2005.

This is particularly true for the UC defensive line, which employed as many as three true freshmen starters last fall. Two of them, Terrill Byrd and Trevor Anderson, return as key players. The 6-1, 285-pound Byrd became a steady mainstay at one of the tackle position, while Anderson, who finished third on the team in tackles for loss, quickly assumed a starting job at end.

Jon Newton and Thomas Claggett amassed playing time alternating at the other tackle spot. It will be difficult to keep senior Tony Carvitti off the field after the success he showed in spring drills. The progress shown by Adam Hoppel during spring practice should thrust him into the competition for increased playing time at tackle.

Anthony Hoke is the most experienced of the candidates to fill the other end position. Angelo Craig, who shined upon moving from linebacker to end during spring drills, and Lamonte Nelms are others in the thick of the battle for playing time at end. Others who have shown that they are ready to see action include redshirt freshmen Tyler Clifford and Donnell McKenzie at end.

"It all starts up front," noted UC head coach Mark Dantonio. "We have developed good pass rushers to pressure the quarterback. We have a good run stopper in Byrd. We need to have guys on the field who can make plays."

Defensive Ends
2005 Starters:
Trevor Anderson 6-2, 258 So.
Adam Roberts graduated
Returning Vets:
Angelo Craig 6-5, 220 Jr.
Anthony Hoke 6-1, 245 Jr.
Lamonte Nelms 6-3, 235 So.
Returning Redshirts:
Donnell McKenzie 6-2, 235 Fr.
Tyler Clifford 6-4, 235 Fr.
Newcomers:
Ralston Reeves 6-3, 240 Fr.
Curtis Smith 6-2, 235 So.

Defensive Tackles
2005 Starters:
Terrill Byrd 6-1, 285 So.
Jon Newton 6-3, 290 Jr.
Returning Vets:
Tony Carvitti 6-0, 235, Sr.
Thomas Claggett 6-2, 280 So.
Adam Hoppel 6-2, 270 So.
Returning Redshirt:
Charles Harbin 6-0, 275 So.
Newcomers:
Chris Harrison 6-4, 270 Fr.
Ricardo Mathews 6-3, 265 Fr.