Great report came out this morning on the D line. This is another unit that has a ton of experience. CCH lists 8 players that he expects to see most of the action as of right now at the 3 spots: T, NG and DE. The only one without extensive experience is Cameron Coleman who was redshirted and then ill. He is back and adds a big body inside. I would not be surprised if one or more of the freshman stick their heads into the picture but I think coach would prefer to redshirt them for a season. Of note is that Landon Lawrence has moved back inside to tackle after putting on about 30 lbs. in the weight room.
Furman Preseason Preview: Defensive Line
GREENVILLE, S.C. -- When sizing up Furman's defensive line a week into the preseason, head coach Clay Hendrix speaks confidently about a contingent of eight players he expects will command playing time at the three positions this fall.
"Those guys have played a lot of football, and there are a lot of names people know. They are solid and very much a blue collar bunch who bring it every day."
The Paladins, who lost two starters off last year's defensive front, including All-SoCon nose guard Jaylan Reid (40 starts) and end Chinedu Okonya (27 starts), count seven letterman among the group of returnees, four of whom boast starting experience.
Three seasoned performers are firmly in the picture at the end position: Dru Seabrook (6-3, 242, R-Jr.), Jonah Tibbs (6-3, 274, Sr.), and Alec Hanff (6-4, 243, R-Sr.).
Seabrook has seen action in 20 games and owns five sacks in his career. In the spring Tibbs made the move to end from tackle, where he had registered action in 33 games and tallied 24 starts. Hanff, meanwhile, a veteran of 17 contests, is looking to return to the field after missing the 2018 campaign with a knee injury. Two years ago he was credited with 20 tackles and 3.5 sacks in Furman's 9-4, NCAA FCS playoff campaign.
"Dru has had a good camp so far, really solid. He's bigger and stronger, has played a lot of football for us, and is a good pass rusher. We're very pleased with how he's played.
"Jonah is a guy who can play a couple of spots. He's coming off a very productive season, and we're certainly counting on him for that again.
"Alec missed most of last year after playing a good bit in 2017. He's had a good camp and is proven."
The two players listed at defensive tackle include Matt Sochovka (6-4, 265, R-So.), who played in three games and made one start last year before an injury ended his season, and Landon Lawrence (6-3, 270, Jr.), who has logged action in 23 games.
"Matt has battled injuries since he's been here, but he's healthy now and we're high on him. He has a great motor and is an effort guy who has ability and likes to play. He's really solid in there.
"Landon is playing his best ball now and has improved physically to the point he can now hold up inside. There's no way he should have been thrown in there (in the interior defensive line) two years ago, but we had to because of need. Now that's paying off."
Set to fill the vacuum at nose guard post-Jaylan Reid are three players: Parker Stokes (6-1, 278, Jr.), Taylor Hodge (5-9, 251, So.), and Cameron Coleman (6-3, 295, R-Fr.).
Two years ago Stokes was among several true freshmen pushed into the mix to develop needed depth. Now with 23 games of experience and 50 tackles to his credit, he is positioned to help ensure the middle of Furman's defense is in capable hands.
"I think Parker has a chance to have a great year. He's powerful and has a lot better speed than people realize."
Hodge made an impact as a true freshman in 2018, working as a backup at tackle where he was credited with 15 tackles in nine games.
"Taylor's not a big guy, but he's very strong. We feel like we can utilize his strength more at nose guard, but he can be a swing guy for us."
Coleman is the only player in the group of eight defensive linemen lacking playing time, having redshirted a year ago and missed most of spring practice due to illness.
"Cameron's finally healthy and gives us a big, imposing body in there."
