2016 Football Preview: The Defensive Line
8/23/2016 1:56:00 PM | Football
   Toledo, OH - Toledo's defensive line was a dominant force in 2015. And even though six seniors from that group have graduated, the Rockets still expect to be strong up front again in 2016. The new generation of defensive linemen includes some key veterans, along with talented newcomers and transfers.
   The most experienced lineman is two-time All-MAC senior defensive tackle Treyvon Hester. Hester knows how to disrupt an offense. Over the past three seasons, he has racked up 23.5 tackles for loss and 16 QB hurries.
   "Treyvon has made All-MAC twice (2013 and 2014) but I think he's ready to take the next step and become a leader on this team, which will be a new role for him because he's always been surrounded by veteran guys," said head coach Jason Candle. "He commands the offensive line's attention on every play. We're looking for him to have a great year."
   Other veterans include senior defensive end John Stepec, junior defensive end Zach Quinn, junior defensive tackle Marquise Moore and sophomore defensive end Olasunkanmi Adeniyi. Stepec was a solid edge rusher last year, making 24 tackles and 5.5 tackles for loss. Quinn, a converted linebacker, had 10 tackles in part-time duty in 2015. Moore has battled injuries throughout much of his career so he is looking to play an entire season at full strength.
   Other defensive ends competing for playing time are junior college transfer Tuzar Skipper and sophomore Notre Dame transfer Jhonny Williams. Earl Moore, a 6-1, 302-pound senior graduate transfer from Miami (FL), will be fighting for playing time at tackle, along with junior Daniel Davis, and a pair of redshirt freshmen, LaMarr Davis and Chad Coeling.
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   The most experienced lineman is two-time All-MAC senior defensive tackle Treyvon Hester. Hester knows how to disrupt an offense. Over the past three seasons, he has racked up 23.5 tackles for loss and 16 QB hurries.
   "Treyvon has made All-MAC twice (2013 and 2014) but I think he's ready to take the next step and become a leader on this team, which will be a new role for him because he's always been surrounded by veteran guys," said head coach Jason Candle. "He commands the offensive line's attention on every play. We're looking for him to have a great year."
   Other veterans include senior defensive end John Stepec, junior defensive end Zach Quinn, junior defensive tackle Marquise Moore and sophomore defensive end Olasunkanmi Adeniyi. Stepec was a solid edge rusher last year, making 24 tackles and 5.5 tackles for loss. Quinn, a converted linebacker, had 10 tackles in part-time duty in 2015. Moore has battled injuries throughout much of his career so he is looking to play an entire season at full strength.
   Other defensive ends competing for playing time are junior college transfer Tuzar Skipper and sophomore Notre Dame transfer Jhonny Williams. Earl Moore, a 6-1, 302-pound senior graduate transfer from Miami (FL), will be fighting for playing time at tackle, along with junior Daniel Davis, and a pair of redshirt freshmen, LaMarr Davis and Chad Coeling.
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