Year in Review: Defensive Line
Louisiana Tech (7-6) finished their 2017 campaign with three consecutive victories including their fourth straight bowl victory. The DXL Frisco Bowl win over SMU has Bulldog fans excited for 2018. Over the next few weeks we will take a look back at 2017 and a look ahead to what 2018 may hold for the ‘Dogs. Next up, defensive line.
2017 Defensive Line:
Looking at the Tech defensive line in the preseason, many thought the unit would be dominant with Jaylon Ferguson leading the way.
From a pass rushing standpoint the unit really struggled to provide consistent pressure throughout the year collecting only 24 sacks that ranked 65th in the country. With Ferguson facing constant double teams and Canty being more of a run stopper, the Bulldogs struggled to get pressure with a traditional four man rush.
Immanuel Turner, Eric Kendzior, Matthew Ydarraga, and Willie Baker were all solid, but outside of Kendzior, the remaining three aren’t strong pass rushers.
Inside, Jordan Bradford and Ka’Derrion Mason started at tackle early on with Garner missing time due to injury. Bradford, known for his motor, was consistent throughout the year collecting 36 tackles and two sacks. Those three, along with Cedric Johnson and at times Courtney Wallace and La’Dante Davenport, had difficulty controlling opponents in the run game.
2018 Outlook:
Looking ahead to 2018, Canty will move on due to graduation, and Johnson will forego his final year of eligibility. Provided Ferguson returns for his senior season, the defensive line has the potential to be solid. Replacing Canty will be difficult, but Ydarraga, Kendzior, and Turner have all shown flashes of ability to fill in adequately. Also, watch for prized 2016 recruit Willie Baker to potentially take the next step and become a solid contributor opposite of Ferguson.
D.J. Jackson was signed in the early period as a defensive tackle but will likely need a year to redshirt and add some weight before he is ready to contribute. Milton Williams, a 2017 signee, will also be a redshirt freshman in 2018.
In order for Tech’s defense to reach its fullest potential up front, Courtney Wallace must be a run stuffer. Wallace is 330 pounds and can get a good push when he is in there. He has battled injuries throughout his first three years in Ruston, but he has the talent to be a difference maker. Bradford is a workhorse although slightly undersized. Putting a big body next to him will go a long way in Tech slowing down opponents’ run game.
Consensus:
Tech has depth up front, but that depth must prove they can positively contribute. The defensive end spot opposite of Ferguson must provide more of a pass rush, while Ferguson must improve on his seven sacks in 2017. This improvement can help Ferguson get back to his 2016 level when he collected 14.5 sacks .
Whether it’s Courtney Wallace, Ka’Derrion Mason, Keonatye Garner, or La’Dante Davenport, a defensive tackle has to step up and show the ability to stop the run between the tackles similar to former Tech greats, Justin Ellis and Vernon Butler.
Stay tuned to BleedTechBlue.com as we continue our Year in Review series, take a look at Dunkin’ Dog basketball, and dive into the final recruiting targets with the late signing period on February 7th.