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The Wolfpack will have plenty of experience in their starting front four. They will start all seniors along the defensive line. NC State has two potential All-ACC players in DT Alan-Michael Cash and DE Willie Young.
The other DT spot is filled by 6'1" 300 lbs Leroy Burgess who is a good run stopper. The other DE end is Shea Mckeen. He had 32 tackles last season.
The other DT spot is filled by 6'1" 300 lbs Leroy Burgess who is a good run stopper. The other DE end is Shea Mckeen. He had 32 tackles last season.
5) Wake Forest Demon Deacons
Not known for great defensive line play, the Deacons have a solid unit this season. Senior DT Boo Robinson is a rock in the middle. He had 47 tackles and 5 sacks last season.
Senior John Russel occupies the other DT position. He had 38 tackles and 4 sacks last season. At DE is 6'5" 230 lbs Kyle Wilber. Wilber has a wealth of potential. The other DE is Tristan Dorty. An elbow injury slowed him at times last year.
Senior John Russel occupies the other DT position. He had 38 tackles and 4 sacks last season. At DE is 6'5" 230 lbs Kyle Wilber. Wilber has a wealth of potential. The other DE is Tristan Dorty. An elbow injury slowed him at times last year.
6) Virginia Cavaliers
The Cavs boast a future star along their defensive line in 6'7" 269 lbs 2nd Team Freshman All-American Matt Conrath. At NT, sophomore Nick Jenkins and senior Nate Collins split time at the position last year.
It appears that Nate Collins will move over to defensive end, giving the Cavs experience at all 3 of their defensive line positions. Junior John-Kevin Dolce will back up Jenkins.
It appears that Nate Collins will move over to defensive end, giving the Cavs experience at all 3 of their defensive line positions. Junior John-Kevin Dolce will back up Jenkins.
7) Florida State Seminoles
The Noles have plenty to replace off last years squad. Talented defensive ends Everette Brown and Neefy Moffett have moved on. They will be replaced by Markus White and Kevin McNeil.
In particular, White has the raw ability to be Noles next great defensive end. Talented sophomore Moses McCray will push Senior DT Justin Mincey for playing time.
In particular, White has the raw ability to be Noles next great defensive end. Talented sophomore Moses McCray will push Senior DT Justin Mincey for playing time.
8) Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets
Defensive line is the Yellow Jackets biggest question mark for 2009. They lost three players that were drafted last April in the NFL Draft. Gone are starting DT's Vance Walker and Darryl Richard. Gone are starting DE Michael Johnson and top DT reserve Elris Anyaibe.
Fortunately for the Jackets, DE Derrick Morgan returns. He may be more talented than any of the Yellow Jacket's NFL draftees. I guarantee he will be double-teamed nearly every down, especially to start the season. Robert Hall will likely be the other DE.
At DT several candidates exist. They include Jason Peters, Ben Anderson, and Logan Walls. Coaches are high on young DT players, true freshman 6'4" 335 lbs J.C Lanier and red-shirt freshman 6'7" 325 lbs T.J. Barnes. They'll push for playing time.
Fortunately for the Jackets, DE Derrick Morgan returns. He may be more talented than any of the Yellow Jacket's NFL draftees. I guarantee he will be double-teamed nearly every down, especially to start the season. Robert Hall will likely be the other DE.
At DT several candidates exist. They include Jason Peters, Ben Anderson, and Logan Walls. Coaches are high on young DT players, true freshman 6'4" 335 lbs J.C Lanier and red-shirt freshman 6'7" 325 lbs T.J. Barnes. They'll push for playing time.
9) Miami Hurricanes
The Canes defensive line struggled at time at last year. They were sliced up for more than 400 yards rushing against Georgia Tech late in the season, and were dead last in the ACC in rushing defense.
On the bright side, sophomore DT Marcus Fortson looks like future star. Sophomore Marcus Robinson is quick, but at 6'1" 242 lbs is on the smallish side. Allen Bailey is the most versatile player on the line and can play DE or DT.
On the bright side, sophomore DT Marcus Fortson looks like future star. Sophomore Marcus Robinson is quick, but at 6'1" 242 lbs is on the smallish side. Allen Bailey is the most versatile player on the line and can play DE or DT.
10) Duke Blue Devils
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