Early Look Ahead - Defensive Line

Ryne Giddins could have a monster season for the Bulls.

The early look ahead will now take a look at the USF defensive line. Over the past few seasons, the defensive line has been a highly productive unit, producing NFL players like George Selvie and Jason Pierre-Paul. The Bulls lose Terrell McClain, Craig Marshall, and David Bedford, but have plenty of young talent at both defensive tackle and defensive end as well. The Bulls will have a solid unit heading into this season and hope to continue the great success of the defensive line.[keep reading]

Starting with defensive ends, the Bull are anchored by Ryne Giddins (6'3" 248-pounds). Giddins is an incredible speed rusher that came into his own last year (one of the highest recruited players in program history as well). Giddins was impressive last season and will only get better heading into this season. At the other end position is Patrick Hampton (6' 243-pounds). Hampton became a solid pass rusher last year and now will be in the starting role this season. Watch out for Julius Forte (6'2" 250-pounds) and Claude Davis (6'2" 234-pounds) as well to get some playing time and help create chaos in the backfield.

At defensive tackle, the Bulls have several young players that will be in the mixing for the starting job. Cory Grissom (6'3" 306-pounds) and Keith McCaskill (6' 282-pounds) are too veteran players that will be in the lead early for the starting jobs. Luke Sager (6'3" 272-pounds), Anthony Hill (6'4" 271-pounds), Todd Chandler (6' 318-pounds), and Demi Thompson (6'1" 255-pounds) will all push for playing time. Watch Sager and Chandler to get a lot of snaps early and often.

The Bulls added some great young talent during recruiting as well. Elkino Watson was a huge signing for the Bulls as well as Marquis White. Both are big, young players that give Holtz and staff depth and talent. Defensive end Clavion Nelson is also a solid signing, but may redshirt this season.

The Bulls have plenty of depth and talent on the defensive line. If everyone stays healthy heading into the season, the Bulls will have one of the best front 4's in the conference.