The 2011 USF Primer: Defensive Line

Defensive end Ryne Giddins is poised for a huge season.

The highly anticipated 2011 USF primer continues as we dig into the defense, starting first an overview of the defensive unit, looking at the stars, biggest contributors and what the unit will do then we take an in-depth look at the defensive line.

What you need to know: The nameless defense from 2010 lost several key contributors, such as Mistral Raymond, Terrell McClain, and David Bedford, but returns plenty of talent and speed. The defensive line is one of the youngest positions, but has talent. The linebacking corps is loaded with veteran players, much like the secondary where seniors such as Quenton Washington provide leadership. There are some depth concerns at corner back, but the Bulls have plenty of speed and talent to cover all positions and will have another solid unit in year two under defensive coordinator Mark Snyder.

Star of the Defense: Junior LB Sam Barrington

Player Who Have to Step Up: Sophomore defensive end Ryne Giddins

Unsung Star on the Rise: Sophomore safety Mark Joyce

Best Pro Prospect: Senior cornerback Quenton Washington

Top Three All-Star Candidates:

1) Giddins

2) Sophmore linebacker DeDe Lattimore

3) Junior defensive back Kayvon Webster

Strength of the Defense: Team speed, linebackers, senior leadership in secondary

Weakness of the Defense: Lack of experience on defensive line, lack of depth at cornerback

Returning Leaders

Tackles: DeDe Lattimore, 69

Sacks: Jon Lejiste, 4

Interceptions: Jerrell Young, 3

Defensive Line

The Bulls return a young group of defensive ends this season, but have tons of talent at the end position and should be a major strength of the defensive line.

Projected Starters: Starting at left defensive is 6-3 259-pound sophomore Ryne Giddins. The former 4-star recruit out of Seffner, Florida is one of the highest recruited players in USF history and finally get his chance to start on the defensive line. In 2010, he had 19 tackles, including 6 tackles for loss, with 3.5 sacks and even an interception. He is very quick off of the line and will finally get his chance to start and go every game. Starting at right defensive end is 6 foot 240-pound senior Patrick Hampton. In 2010, Hampton had 20 tackles, including 7 tackles for loss. He also had 2.5 sacks. Hampton is a solid player that brings athletic ability to the defensive end position and senior leadership as well.

At the defensive tackle position, the Bulls will have to replace NFL pick Terrell McClain, but have the depth and talent to do so. Listed on the final Spring depth chart is 6-2 317-pound junior Cory Grissom. Last season, Grissom had 16 tackles, 3 for a loss, and 1 sack playing as a reserve. He is a very physical player that has worked hard to get into a starting position on the defensive line and should have a big season. At the nose tackle position is 6-foot 286-pound senior Kevin McCaskill, the twin brother of starting center Keith McCaskill. McCaskill recorded 14 tackles, 4 tackles for a loss, and 1 sack as a reserve. Both McCaskill and Grissom will have to step up their performance as they become starters this season. The Bulls will be relying on them to anchor the defensive front and cause havoc on opposing teams.

Projected Top Reserves

6-2 233-pound senior Claude Davis is one of the top reserves at defensive for the Bulls. Davis has played sparingly after transferring from East Mississippi Community College, totaling just 1 tackle last year, but he will get more opportunity this season. 6-2 262-pound sophomore Julius Forte had tackles last season, including .5 for a loss. He will get playing time as well as defensive coordinator Mark Snyder continues to rotate players to keep fresh lineman on the line. 6-4 293-pound junior Anthony Hill appeared in 8 games last season, recording 3 tackles. He will be another player to watch.

At the defensive tackle position, keep an eye on 6-3 276-pound sophomore Luke Sager who recorded 1 tackle last season. Behind him is 6-foot 308-pound freshman Todd Chandler, a highly recruited freshman out of Miami, Florida who should be in the mix this season as well. At nose tackle, Demi Thompson, 6-1 273-pound sophomore out of Longwood, Florida, will play a key role behind McCaskill.

The Bulls also have several players who have not seen the field but will do everything they can on the scout team and on special teams to get more playing time. 6-foot 233-pound senior Rony Delisca from Tampa, Florida, 6-2 220-pound sophomore Cody Durakovic, and 6-3 236-pound freshman Victor Sanchez from Tampa, Florida and 6-3 22-3-pound Brandon Wilkinson from Venice, Florida help add depth to the defensive end position.

The Bulls do not have another player listed at the defensive tackle position on the current depth chart, but have two talented defensive tackles coming in with the 2011 recruiting class. Marquis White, the 6-4 310-pound star out of Orlando, Florida and Elkino Watson, the 6-2 275 pound 4-star recruit out of Miami, Florida , and Clavion Nelson, the 6-4 225-pound star from Hollywood , Florida, will get their chance to play early.

Watch Out For: Todd Chandler. Chandler was one of the highest recruits USF has ever landed in their program history. He is very talented and with a redshirt year under him, he has gotten into better shape and has a better understanding of Mark Snyder’s defense.

Strength: Speed on the ends. Ryne Giddins and Patrick Hampton are both talented players. Giddins is poised for a huge season due to his strength and athletic ability.

Weakness: Depth. The Bulls have several back up players from last season coming into starting roles this season and a lot of freshman and 2nd year players stepping into reserve roles. Keeping everyone healthy will be the key to the line’s success this season.

Outlook: The defensive line is loaded with young talent, but lacks depth at the tackle position and does not have veteran leadership that has played in many games. The unit as a whole should be solid with a few players standing out above the rest, such as Giddins.

Rating: 8