July 21, 2007

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

After graduating its top four defensive linemen (Dan Barnes, Alan Clay, Mike Ellison and Chris Smilo) from 2006, Wayne State's front four will be inexperienced in 2007. The Warriors return experienced down linemen in Alex Jachym, Josh McLean, Jason Thomas and Athan Anagonye plus welcome the addition of Andrew Bates who redshirted in 2006 after transferring from Grand Rapids Community College.

Of the 15 defensive linemen on the depth chart there are one graduate student, two seniors, four juniors, one sophomore, three redshirt freshmen and four true freshmen.

"We are thin but we like our players," said head coach Paul Winters. "Andrew Bates was redshirted last fall, but gave our offense fits. At times he is unblockable.

"Athan Anagonye played as a true freshman. He has tremendous ability and we expect Athan to step up.

"Josh McLean has shown great leadership in the off-season. Jason Thomas has gotten bigger and stronger, while Alex Jachym has really started to mature into a good football player. For Jason and Alex this was a big spring to see what they can do for us. We need them to step up.

"Mike Regester is an active defensive lineman from California (San Bernardino Valley College). We hope he will learn the system quickly and be an impact player.

"Nick Grundy is getting bigger and stronger and will continue to improve."

Defensive line coach Scott Kazmierski gave us his thoughts on each of his players (by position) for the upcoming campaign:

Defensive Tackle

Josh McLean (Sr., Dearborn Hts., Mich./Crestwood) has earned two letters at WSU. "I am expecting big things from Josh this year going into his senior season. He has played a lot of snaps for us the last two seasons and gives us great experience up front. We are also looking forward to Josh stepping into a leadership role this year, not only for the defensive line, but also for the team."

Andrew Bates (r-Jr., Howell, Mich.) redshirted in 2006 at WSU. "I am real excited about Andrew going into this season. He adds a great deal of athleticism, as well as a great desire to get to the ball. He is very active and will help us in our pass rush situations."

Jason Thomas (r-Jr., Akron, Ohio/St. Vincent-St. Mary) lettered in 2004 and 2006 for the Warriors. "Jason is coming off a great spring. We are real excited about the gains that Jason has made. He will be a very solid player for us and will see a lot of game action. Jason also adds experience having played last year."

Guye Goodlow (GS, Detroit, Mich./Renaissance) redshirted last year and is completing coursework on his master's. "Guye comes in and adds great depth for us up front. He is a player that has experience, and is a bright individual. Guye needs to continue to learn the defense and make strides in the fall camp."

Brad Tucker (r-Fr., Bay City, Mich./John Glenn) attended Delta College the last year. "We are looking forward to the addition of Brad. He will work hard this fall camp to learn the defense and master his position. Brad adds great size up front and I am expecting him to play a role up front for us this year."

Marcus Watkins (Fr., Livonia, Mich./Clarenceville) signed with WSU last February. "We are real excited about Marcus's potential here at WSU. He is a tough nose football player, who works hard. I look for Marcus to come in and grow as a player this year."

Tim Brinson (Fr., Southfield, Mich./Southfield-Lathrup) signed with WSU last February. "We are looking forward to Tim here at Wayne State. I feel this will be a big year of learning for Tim. He will get an opportunity to work on his skills, and learn the defense. Tim loves the game of football and we are excited about his passion."

Jimmy Kinaia (r-Fr., Troy, Mich./Athens) joined the squad for the 2007 spring season. "Jimmy did a nice job for us this past spring. He is getting stronger and cares about the game of football. He learned a lot this past spring and will continue to grow as a football player. He is guy that is there everyday working hard."

Defensive End

James Cook (r-Sr., Farmington Hills, Mich./Harrison) redshirted in 2006 after earning a letter in 2005. "James will bring a great deal of athletic ability to the defense line. He will add tremendous speed off the edge, and a passion to get to the football. We are expecting James to have a great senior season."

Nick Grundy (r-Fr., Dublin, Ohio/Scioto) redshirted at WSU in 2006. "I am very happy with the way Nick improved this past spring. I feel as though if he keeps improving he could be a big contributor this year for us. The fall camp will be very important for Nick to continue to grow."

Athan Anagonye (So., Southfield, Mich./U. of Detroit Jesuit) lettered in 2006 as a true freshman. "Athan has the potential to be a solid player for us this year. He brings in some experience that he gained last year as a freshman. He will continue to grow and learn and I expect him to utilize his athletic ability."

Alex Jachym (r-Jr., Westland, Mich./John Glenn) has lettered the last two years for the Warriors. "Alex brings in more experience for us up front as he saw action last year. We have seen many improvements out of Alex since last fall and are expecting him to be stronger and more physical this year. Alex will be a solid player and we are looking forward to him stepping up this year."

Mike Regester (Jr., Redlands, Calif.) transferred to Wayne State in January. "Mike came this past winter and learned a lot this past spring. I expect him to keep working on his technique and continue to get better at his position this fall. Mike has a good work ethic and is passionate about the game."

Mike Fields (Fr., Taylor, Mich./Truman) signed with WSU last February. "I am real excited about Mike's future at WSU. Mike is a tough football player, who loves to play the game. This will be a big year for him as he will learn and grow as a football player."

Cornell Ewell (Fr., Benton Harbor, Mich.) signed with WSU last February. "Cornell has great potential to be a very good football player for us down the road. He adds great athletic ability to our D-Line. Cornell will work hard this fall camp learning the end position and will grow as a player in our weight program."