Courtesy of @Zac Arrowood:
Marshall Spring Preview: Defensive Line
With the Thundering Herd beginning spring practice on March 28th, HerdNation will be taking an in-depth look at each of Marshall’s position groups. While there is a lot to be excited about heading into the spring, there are still several giant question marks looming over the roster. Up next is the defensive line.
What We Know: The 2022 Defensive Line May Be the Deepest and Most Talented in Recent Memory.
Before we go further, simply read this list of names: Koby Cumberlander, TyQaze Leggs, Owen Porter, Sam Burton, Jayshaun Coffman, Elijah Alston, Esaias Carpenter. Throw in Quentin Williams (Miami transfer), Anthony Watts (Purdue transfer) and Isaiah Gibson, Sr. (Kentucky transfer), and think about the different looks that Coach Guidry and Coach Street can throw at any given opponent. Elijah Alston was the Herd’s top graded defensive lineman for the 2021 season with a composite of 73.4 on 509 snaps, according to PFF. With so many question marks on the offensive side of the ball, Marshall’s front seven, and especially the front four, will go long way in keeping games close until the offense finds its groove.
Biggest Question: How Does All of This Talent See the Field?
In 2021, TJ Johnson led Marshall’s defensive line in snaps played at 552. Johnson was followed by Elijah Alston at 509, Jamare Edwards at 480 and Koby Cumberlander at 441. When you consider that Steven Gilmore played a total of 925 snaps last season, it is easy to see that Marshall worked hard to keep fresh legs along the defensive line with mass substitutions. An abundance of talent is never a bad problem to have, but I would not be surprised to see the snap counts for 2022 take a dip with a defensive line that rotates at least 12.
Spring Dark Horse: Jayshaun Coffman
Coffman showed flashes of dominance before an injury cut his 2021 campaign short. As he returns from injury, I look for him to pick up where he left off and return to that dominant form as the Herd heads into the 2022 season. Another name to keep an eye on as a dark horse is Jordan Calomese. Calomese saw limited action in 2021, but definitely has the talent to contribute to the three deep and earn his fair share of snaps.
Marshall Spring Preview: Defensive Line
With the Thundering Herd beginning spring practice on March 28th, HerdNation will be taking an in-depth look at each of Marshall’s position groups. While there is a lot to be excited about heading into the spring, there are still several giant question marks looming over the roster. Up next is the defensive line.
What We Know: The 2022 Defensive Line May Be the Deepest and Most Talented in Recent Memory.
Before we go further, simply read this list of names: Koby Cumberlander, TyQaze Leggs, Owen Porter, Sam Burton, Jayshaun Coffman, Elijah Alston, Esaias Carpenter. Throw in Quentin Williams (Miami transfer), Anthony Watts (Purdue transfer) and Isaiah Gibson, Sr. (Kentucky transfer), and think about the different looks that Coach Guidry and Coach Street can throw at any given opponent. Elijah Alston was the Herd’s top graded defensive lineman for the 2021 season with a composite of 73.4 on 509 snaps, according to PFF. With so many question marks on the offensive side of the ball, Marshall’s front seven, and especially the front four, will go long way in keeping games close until the offense finds its groove.
Biggest Question: How Does All of This Talent See the Field?
In 2021, TJ Johnson led Marshall’s defensive line in snaps played at 552. Johnson was followed by Elijah Alston at 509, Jamare Edwards at 480 and Koby Cumberlander at 441. When you consider that Steven Gilmore played a total of 925 snaps last season, it is easy to see that Marshall worked hard to keep fresh legs along the defensive line with mass substitutions. An abundance of talent is never a bad problem to have, but I would not be surprised to see the snap counts for 2022 take a dip with a defensive line that rotates at least 12.
Spring Dark Horse: Jayshaun Coffman
Coffman showed flashes of dominance before an injury cut his 2021 campaign short. As he returns from injury, I look for him to pick up where he left off and return to that dominant form as the Herd heads into the 2022 season. Another name to keep an eye on as a dark horse is Jordan Calomese. Calomese saw limited action in 2021, but definitely has the talent to contribute to the three deep and earn his fair share of snaps.
