July 20, 2008

The following feature on the defensive line is the first installment of position by position over the next six weeks on the Wayne State football program.

After graduating its top four defensive linemen from 2006, Wayne State's front four in 2007 was inexperienced and the Warriors allowed over 200 rushing yards per game a season ago.

With an experienced season under their belts, three fifth-year seniors (Andrew Bates, Alex Jachym and Jason Thomas) will lead this group in 2008.

Other experienced players on the defensive line include Athan Anagonye and Nick Grundy. Cornell Ewell, Brad Tucker, Jon Robinson and Jimmy Kinaia all redshirted at WSU in 2007. Five incoming recruits add depth and could challenge for playing time.

Defensive line coach Scott Kazmierski thoughts on each player:

Andrew Bates - I am looking forward to going into this season with Andrew as a senior. Andrew has the ability to be one of the best D-lineman in the league this year. With his experience from last year he will help us greatly. He is very active and has a knack for getting to the ball. Andrew understands the game and is a leader in our D-Line unit. Andrew is a great pass rusher and is very stout against the run. I expect big things from Andrew not only from a playing standpoint but also as a leader of this year's team.

Jason Thomas - I am real excited about Jason this year. It is amazing to see the development of Jason from two years ago. He has changed his body and has become a great football player. He comes in with experience from the last two years which will help him in his senior year. He is coming off a spring where he improved and became very solid. Jason will do a great job inside for us. He is strong and does a great job getting off blocks. I am expecting big things from Jason this year.

Alex Jachym - Alex is coming off a spring where he improved and played some of the best football he has played here at Wayne State. He is coming into his senior season with a lot of game experience and that will help him be successful. Alex has also developed a lot in his years here. I believe he is ready to take the next step going into his senior season as more of an impact player. I am excited about Alex stepping up this year, not only as a player but also as a leader.

Athan Anagonye - Athan comes into his junior season with more experience and a desire to be a great football player. He has worked hard in the off season to get bigger and stronger and we are excited about the gains he has made. Athan has a lot of potential as he adds a lot of strength and athletic ability to the D-Line. When Athan comes off the ball and attacks he is hard to stop. Athan needs to step up this year and play a big role in our unit. Athan has made huge gains and I know he will be ready to step up this year.

Nick Grundy - Nick is coming off the '07 season gaining game experience having played last year. His development in the last six months in getting stronger and putting on weight has shown. He is a smart player who knows what is going on. I believe this can be a good year for Nick as he will be counted on to play at a high level. He has a great passion for the game of football and I am excited to see how much he has improved once camp starts.

Jon Robinson - Jon is coming off the spring practices where he made tremendous gains. He has shown that he can make plays, and play at a high level all of the time. The game of football is important to him and it shows. He is working on getting stronger and quicker and if he can keep developing he will help us this year. Jon is competitive and it will be hard to keep him off the field.

Brad Tucker - Brad redshirted for us last year and is working hard to get in shape so he can help us this season. Brad adds size to the DL, and when he keeps his pads down he is hard to move. He has been working hard to continue to learn the defense and master the technique. Brad cares about the game of football and it is important to him. He has gained strength over the last couple of months and did a good job in the spring practices.

Jimmy Kinaia - Jimmy has made big gains over the course of the year. He gained a lot of experience during spring and got a lot better at his technique. Jimmy is a smart football player who knows more then just one position. He is always around and does whatever he can for the program.

Harold Lloyd - I am very excited about Harold Lloyd. He is a strong, explosive player that adds toughness to our D-Line. I am looking for Harold to make an immediate impact right away to our D-Line. He was a great high school player and I know he will be able to transition right away to college. Harold has a passion about the game and I can't wait to see him in our first padded practice.

Ricky Abraham - I am very happy with the addition to Ricky on our D-Line. Ricky is very athletic and adds speed to our D-Line. He will continue to get stronger in his years here at Wayne State. He will be an impact player down the road for us. He has a great nose for the ball and plays with a great passion. I am excited to see how he develops in his first year here.

Austin Davis - Austin is a great young man and good football player that were happy we signed. He loves the game of football and adds size to our D-Line. He is a tough kid and is very aggressive. With his size, he moves very well. He will continue to get stronger with our weight program and will be able to continue his development as a D-Lineman.

Pat Cecile - Pat is an athletic defensive end that we signed this past year. He is a physical kid who has a great motor. He does a great job using his hands, and getting to the ball. He will continue to gain weight and strength with Coach Harker. He is a hard worker that you will hear about the next couple of years. He has potential to be a great player here at Wayne State.

James Woodard - James is a good football player and I am excited about his future. He is big and adds size to our defense. As big as he is, he moves very well. James is also very powerful and showed it during his senior season. James is very active and will do a great job for us inside. James will work very hard with Coach Harker in the weight room getting stronger and developing into a great D-Lineman for us.

Cornell Ewell - Cornell made great strides this past spring for us. He is working on getting bigger and putting on weight. Cornell moves great and is a long body defensive end. Cornell is a hard worker and spends a lot of time studying the game. I am excited about the future of Cornell.