Defensive Line

Last season entering fall the biggest concern about BYU football was the young defensive line. All starters had graduated leaving behind only Hala Paongo (who started 1 game, the Las Vegas bowl, the previous year) Kyle Leukenga (7) and Judd Anderton (4) with a combined 23 games played. This year, the defensive line is the least of anyone's worries.

The starting three, the plugs of a 3-4 defense, have a combined 31 games experience. Add in a two-deep, and the total is 60 games. That statistic alone speaks volumes about the experience BYU is returning, having lost only Paongo as a starter (Tialavea actually started more games at NT.)

It can be difficult to quantify the contribution of the line as their main objective in the 3-4 defensive scheme is to create opportunities for the LB. The success of last years, and 2007s, Linebackers depends entirely on the defensive line's ability to tie up the big hogs on offense.

Even more impressively, the starting three, Dulan, Tialavea and Jorgensen are all sophmores. Next year the line will only lose Anderton, Sullivan (only played 3 games in 2006) to graduation and Dulan to a mission.

The Linemen:

Ian Dulan (DE): Last years freshman sensation on the defensive side of the ball. He made a big impact in his 6 games before breaking his leg doing drills. He is only 18 and should have a great season.

Russell Tialavea (NT): Russell has reportedly trimmed up a little and should have a better burst of speed to collapse the pocket this year. He had 22 tackles on the season and 2 blocked kicks. Russell is a big man in the middle, weighing near 300 lbs and should give the offensive linemen fits.

Jan Jorgensen (DE): Jorgensen has a way of getting into the backfield. Last season he was tied for the most sacks (5) and a total of 34 tackles, the most of any defensive lineman. He will be the leader of this young, but experienced group.

Others:

Judd Anderton: Currently healing up from a shoulder surgery, Anderton did not take part in the Spring Game. After last summer the team leadership told Bronco he deserved a shot at the starting position. Anderton may see some playing time at NT if he can add some weight and get used to the position during fall. Expect to see Anderton fighting for serious play time and potentially a starting position. Anderton had 16 tackles last year, but 4 were for loss. That is a great ratio for anyone along the line.

Mosese Foketi: Foketi redshirted last year and is slated to contribute behind Tialavea. With the way the defensive line rotates, he should be expected to contribue this year.

Brett Denney: Coming out of spring ball he has received the most attention, often getting into the backfield for the sack. Denney has NFL pedigree (two brothers in the NFL) and there are high expectations for him. Denney has taken reps at long-snapper and could be called upon during the season in addition to his rotation on the line.

David Angilau: Not as highly touted as Star Lotulelei (who probably will not qualify), Angilau has the potential to be a big playmaker. He has the size (and looking to add some more weight) and quickness to make some noise in the backfield.

Others who might contribute: Mark Fitu (300 lbs wrestler could add depth to NT), Matt Putnam (at 6'7 he is the tallest lineman, could easily get in the way of passing lanes), Sean Sullivan and Kyle Leukenga.

My 3 cents: What does the line need to better? Get to the quarterback. BYU ranked 75th in the country last year, averaging 1.85 sacks a game. This needs to improve if they want to continue last year's top 10 scoring defense, allowing only 14.7 point per game.