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Fall Preview: Defensive Line

Sep 10, 2016; Fort Collins, CO, USA; Colorado State Rams running back Izzy Matthews tries to get around UTSA Roadrunners defensive end Marcus Davenport at Hughes Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Austin Humphreys/The Coloradoan via USA TODAY Sports
Sep 10, 2016; Fort Collins, CO, USA; Colorado State Rams running back Izzy Matthews tries to get around UTSA Roadrunners defensive end Marcus Davenport at Hughes Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Austin Humphreys/The Coloradoan via USA TODAY Sports

Fall is right around the corner. The Roadrunners will report for fall camp on July 31st for year two of the Frank Wilson era. We will start previewing position groups heading into fall camp. Today we will look at the defensive line.

This group has the potential to be really special. This is the best group of defensive lineman in my opinion UTSA has ever put together.

On paper UTSA is listed as a 4-2-5 base defense, but in reality it is more of an odd man front with two defensive ends, one nose tackle, and a pass rushing linebacker/defensive (SAM).

At defensive end Kevin Strong returns for his junior season. He is now listed at 6-4, 295 pounds, and returns as one of the most experienced members of the defense. Strong showed flashes of what he is really capable of last season, but had to adjust from being a defensive tackle in a 4-3 defense to being a defensive end in an odd man front. With Coach Bo Davis and a year of experience under his belt Strong is poised to have a great season. Behind Strong is Franklin Uesi who played in all 13 games last season.

On the other side Solomon Wise will be tasked with stepping in as a true sophomore and producing. He played in 11 games last season and looked pretty good doing it. Behind Wise is fellow true sophomore Jarrod Carter-McLin and redshirt freshman DeQuarius Henry. Although this side of the line is young and relatively inexperienced they have the potential to be really good.

At nose tackle UTSA returns sophomores Baylen Baker and King Newton. Baker has the potential to be an all-conference type player and this might be the year when he begins to dominate. Behind him King Newton has emerged as fantastic compliment to Baker with not much drop off between the two. This pair will only get better as they get older.

Last but not least Marcus Davenport anchors the SAM spot. Coach Wilson mentioned at media days that Davenport has gotten to 258 pounds and at 6-7 that is just prototypical for that spot. He is poised to have his best season yet and with the emergence of Strong and Baker he might have more one-on-one opportunities which will likely lead to more sacks. And if that wasn’t enough true sophomore Eric Banks will back up Davenport. Banks has the potential to be a star in CUSA and is listed at 6-5, 240 pounds already. This spot like the others will see little drop off.

Some names to know are true freshman Morris Joseph and Jaylon Haynes. Do not be surprised to see them get some playing time. They are the next group of talented lineman that will come through UTSA.

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