Breaking Down the D-Line: Old vs. New

     Auburn's defensive line has seen real highs and lows this season. Against Arkansas State it seemed as though they couldn't lay a finger on the quarterback. Against Mississippi State, they were unstoppable. I've been a big fan of the younger defensive linemen and their ability to relentlessly get pressure in the backfield. I'm going to break down the defensive line, comparing the veterans to the rookies.

Upperclassmen

Antoine Carter
Senior, Defensive End
Height: 6'4"
Weight: 260

     Carter is one of the sure things on the line. He may have struggled early against Arkansas St., but with his size it's hard not to break through into the backfield. You can expect to see Carter get a lot of reps this season and help lead the defense to a big year.

Mike Blanc
Senior, Defensive Tackle
Height: 6'4"
Weight: 289

     Blanc has the size to be a wrecking ball for the defense, but lacks the speed to make a difference in the SEC. He's experienced and smart, but fails to make big plays when the defense needs it. He is a solid player, but not quite what Auburn needs in a starter.

Zach Clayton
Senior, Defensive Tackle
Height" 6'3"
Weight: 293

     Clayton finds himself in a similar situation as Blanc. Clayton also has the size and strength of a good lineman, however lacks the ability to be a difference maker against the offensive lines the Tigers face week in and week out. He also is best served as a rotation player.

Michael Goggans
Senior, Defensive End
Height: 6'3"
Weight: 261

   Goggans is a solid player with a good burst off the line. He's got the speed needed in the SEC, and is a versatile player. It may take him a little time to figure out an offense and exploit it, but is still an effective player.

Nick Fairley
Junior, Defensive Tackle
Height: 6'5"
Weight: 298

     This year is his breakout year. Fairley played decently well last year, but made a name for himself this year against Mississippi State...picking up the SEC Defensive Player of the Week award. Teams have had to block him with two men, which only opens lanes for the other guys. If not this year, look for Fairley to take home some hardware after his senior season.


Underclassmen

Corey Lemonier
Freshman, Defensive End
Height: 6'4"
Weight: 227

     A bit undersized, but has a natural ability to attack the ball. Lemonier has the quickest burst off the line of anybody on the team. I look for Lemonier's role to continue to increase as the year goes on...and expect him to be a real impact player in the years to come.

Jefferey Whitaker
Freshman, Defensive Tackle
Height: 6'3"
Weight: 308

     J Whit is one of those guys who looks and acts like he's 25 when he's really 18. The coaches praise him for his work ethic constantly. He looks like a man among boys next to the other freshmen and has the game to back it up. If he looks like this now, I'm afraid for SEC offensive linemen in 3 years.

Joel Bonomolo
Junior, Defensive End
Height: 6'3"
Weight: 245

     I know, he's a junior...but he's a JUCO transfer, so I'm going to group him with the new guys. Joel has the size and ability to put a great player in the SEC. However, coaches have given him extra time to adapt to the speed of the game and hone his skills...don't be surprised to see him come up next year.

Nosa Eguae
Freshman (RS), Defensive End
Height: 6'2"
Weight: 258

     Eguae was expected to play a role in the rotation last year, but was kept out due to injury and other issues. He has impressed coaches since he got to campus. He's seen significant playing time so far this season, and I think we can expect to see that continue. After playing tough competition in high school in Texas, the experience Eguae is gaining as a freshman will make him a very strong player in the years to come.

Dee Ford
Sophomore, Defensive End
Height: 6'4"
Weight: 240

     Ford was also expected to see the field last year, however played an extremely limited role. He is already starting to make his mark this season, seeing time late in the game in crucial situations. Ford fits well into the group of underclassmen, and will be an important part of the defensive line in years to come.


     I know I skipped over a few guys, but I just wanted to highlight the major players in the mix. I am really excited to see the underclassmen perform this year and show their stuff. The experience they are all getting this season is going to make them infinitely better in the future.

     During the Mississippi State game, I absolutely love the combination of Dee Ford, Corey Lemonier, Nick Fairley, and Jefferey Whitaker. That is a very scary group that I look forward to seeing wreak havoc in opponents backfield in the near future.